"These are some of the finest pickers in the Mid-South..."
 

"Bluegrass Harmony"

Lea Talley - Lead Vocals & Guitar

Donna Wolf - Harmony Vocals & Fiddle

Rochelle Ponder - Lead Vocals & Mandolin

"Cypress Creek"

Roy Jenkins - Vocals, Guitar

Harry McLellan - Vocals, Mandolin

Charlie Tines - Bass

Herbert Raines - Fiddle

Tommy George - Banjo

If you're searching for exciting music with solid family values, look no further than Cypress Creek, an award winning bluegrass band with a positive message.  You'll find something for every traditional, nostalgic taste in their music, ranging from 1920s and 30s old-time country to 1940s and 50s bluegrass to their won special brand of gospel and original songs that reflect all of those styles.

Two neighbors from rural Fayette County, Tennessee, guitarist, singer/songwriter Roy Jenkins and mandolinist/singer Harry McLellan, got together back in 1986 just to pick and sing a little.  They enjoyed what they were doing so much that they added bassist Charlie Tines to form a trio.  Soon after, the group was playing an event at an historic home in Bolivar, Tennessee, when they heard fiddler Herbert Raines, who was also on the bill.  The four tried a couple of songs together, and the result was so good that they became a quartet.  Later, Tommy George, a widely-respected banjoist, joined to create a classic bluegrass ensemble.

Two compact discs, Cypress Creek, Volumes I and II, have been released, and the band is now working on an all-gospel recording.  See and hear why this band has won awards and fans at festivals and shows throughout the South and why they are booked so regularly for return dates.  Good music, good folks: Cypress Creek!

For booking information contact Harry McLellan at 901-867-8261 or mclellanh@bellsouth.net

"Goin' Home"

Beth Mays-Vocals, Guitar

Craig Yarbrough-Vocals, Bass, Guitar, Mandolin

Ed Richter-Vocals, Banjo, Bass

Will Mays-Vocals, Mandolin, Guitar, Dobro

GOIN’ HOME . . . it’s a phrase that may bring you pleasant memories, joyful anticipation, perhaps a nostalgic yearning. It’s also the name of a four-member, all-acoustic, string band that plays and sings traditional and contemporary bluegrass music with high energy and heartfelt conviction.

Having roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the Missouri Bootheel, and the hills of West Tennessee, GOIN’ HOME draws on their combined musical and cultural backgrounds, tastes, and talents to create a sound that appeals to longtime bluegrass fans and wins over those folks who may be unfamiliar with the genre. You will hear traditional and contemporary bluegrass, gospel harmony, a bit of country, maybe even a bluegrass version of a pop, rock, or soul tune you grew up with. It’s all a part of GOIN’ HOME.

While the name of this band may be new to you, the individuals in the group bring plenty of experience to the stage. Laura Beth Mays (vocals, guitar, bass) and Will Mays (vocals, mandolin, guitar) began their musical and marital partnership just over twenty-seven years ago. Together they toured throughout the Midwest with their music. Since settling in the Memphis area, they’ve played in several successful musical aggregations, including heading up the popular bluegrass band, "Hickory Withe." Ed "Bubba" Richter (banjo, bass, vocals) played all types of music throughout high school and college. He’s played steel guitar with a country rock band, and banjo for various bluegrass ensembles, including "Hickory Withe." Craig Yarbrough (vocals, bass, guitar, mandolin) has studied and played a variety of musical styles over the past thirty years; classical, jazz, rock, country, soul, gospel. Now his heart is in bluegrass, and he plays with the zeal of a new convert, coupled with the skill of an old hand.

If crowd-pleasing bluegrass music is what you’re after, it’s time to get GOIN’ HOME!  Check out their webpage at www.goinhomebluegrass.com

For booking info contact:  Laura Beth Mays @(901) 867-3876 or Craig Yarbrough @(901) 867-7965

 "Gone South"

Cliff Albright - Guitar

Bob Barnett -Mandolin, Dobro

Wayne Walker - Bass

Charlotte Albright - Harmonica, Fiddle

Chuck Clark - Banjo

Everyone - Lead, Harmony Vocals

Long-time friends and families produce the best harmonies. Charlotte and Cliff Albright have been married and singing together since 1971; his solid voice, guitar and claw-hammer banjo playing mix well with Charlotte’s strong singing and harmonies. Charlotte also plays harmonica and fiddle. Wayne Walker, bass, does double duty  with lead and harmony vocals in his own soulful contemporary and traditional styles. Chuck Clark on  the banjo is best described as fantastic. He’s a prolific songwriter and the band does several of Chuck’s songs. Bob Barnett plays the mandolin, resonator guitar and occasional fiddle to round out Gone South. Anyone lucky enough to see Gone South live is in for an exciting interplay between the band and the audience. This group enjoys itself, and that comes through on stage and in their recordings.

The members of Gone South have tight vocals and music with drive and feeling. They often mix pure bluegrass with smatterings of other genres of music producing a unique sound. Don’t be surprised to hear an Emmy Lou Harris song following a Bill Monroe tune. When Gone South first got together in 1996, it was agreed that they would do songs with a story, no matter where they found them, with their own bluegrass styling.

Gone South has performed at a number of local events and out of town festivals. They are winners of the Jackson Area Plectral Society's Fall festival three years in a row, have their own CD and are in the recording process for their next album  They have played for such diverse events as the Opera Memphis Spring Fundraisers and the Marion, Arkansas Crawdad Festival. The list is long and grows each year. They continue to play for the Colonial Hills retirement home on a regular basis. They have honed their skills at well over several hundred performances. Come prepared for a delightful experience with a band that likes each other and likes to perform.

Please visit our website: www.gonesouth-bluegrass.com

For bookings please contact :
Cliff Albright
662-536-4495
calbright@panamacademy.com

"Hard Drive"

"SingleTree"

Jack McDivitt - Dobro

Karen Hudson - Vocals, Mandolin

Ken Fortney - Vocals, Guitar

Steve Craig - Vocals, Bass

Keith Carter - Banjo

SingleTree is a group of 5 friends who originally got together to play for a charity event.  They had so much fun preparing and playing for that day, these five musicians decided to stick together and SingleTree was born.  The Band plays a lot of the old standards as well as songs from the current day bands.  They like to play fast and get the crowd involved. 

 The band consists of the following fine folks: Jack McDivitt:  Jack was born and raised in Tipton County and continues to live there today.  He began to play music only a few years ago when he took up the guitar.  He has since added the mandolin and resophonic guitar to his resume, the latter of which you’ll see him playing with SingleTree.  He is also the band’s resident, “Harley Dude”. Steve Craig:  Steve is a native Memphian who became interested in bluegrass years ago.  You’ll likely see Steve at most bluegrass jams in the Memphis area, as well as playing with different groups.  He just can’t say “no” when someone asks him to grab his beautiful blond bass and jam.  Steve’s favorite quote is, “Let’s Pick”.   Keith Carter:  Keith comes to Memphis via North Carolina.  He started playing banjo about 6 years ago as his love for bluegrass music grew.  He’s a true front porch picker as many of his midtown neighbors will attest.  When all of the other pickers have gone home after a long jam, you will most likely find Keith wondering why everybody stopped. Karen Hudson:  Karen is a native Arkansan who has made Memphis her home for some time.  She started playing guitar when she was 7 years old and never grew tired of music.  While she has “dabbled” with various instruments, she recently started playing the mandolin.  This she describes as a long and torturous journey.  Who would have thought that such a small instrument could cause so much pain? Ken Fortney:  Ken is also a native Memphian who has been a guitar player for a good part of his life.  He has played various types of music in many different venues. Singing harmony just “comes natural” to Ken making him a hit at most bluegrass jams.  You know Ken’s around as he delivers his ever popular critique of a performance, “Awesome!”. 

If you’re looking for a band that plays songs that crowd all knows and loves, and a band that has a lot of fun together, give us a call and we’ll be glad to play for you.

Take a look at our MySpace Page:  www.myspace.com/singletreebluegrass

For bookings call 901.674.4195 or 901.353.6810
Or e-mail us at singletreebluegrass@yahoo.com

"Stone County Connection"

Stone County Connection is a hard-drivin’, high energy, bluegrass band based in West Tennessee. Their music is filled with traditional bluegrass/bluegrass gospel and also contemporary sounds. Members of the award -winning group are two time Tennessee State Bluegrass Band Champions and Tennessee Valley/Alabama State Bluegrass Band Champions. Playing festivals and shows in Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and Alabama, has allowed them to rekindle old friendships and get to know new friends out along the bluegrass trail. The group recently released their debut CD recording entitled “Stone County Connection”.

Phillip Williams plays mandolin and sings lead and tenor. Williams drives his mandolin hard. His heroes are Dan Tyminski and Don Rigsby. Phillip admires the high lonesome sound of the Stanley Brothers. He recently played for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Hall of Fame show. Phillip is married, has two children and lives in Trenton, TN.

Curtis Mann provides the necessary heartbeat in the group with his upright bass. Not only does he lay down a solid groove, Curtis sings baritone, low tenor and bass. He has played for the IBMA Hall of Fame show and for the Memphis Bluegrass All-Stars Band. Curtis works for the Gibson County (TN) Electric Membership Co-op and is a deacon in his church. He is married, has four children and lives in Dyer, TN.

Kurt Stephenson is an extraordinary banjo player whom other banjo players come to watch. He is a multiple time Tennessee State Banjo Champion and despite being in his early twenties, Kurt is already a seasoned veteran. Kurt sings lead, baritone and low tenor. Another member of the Memphis Bluegrass All-Stars, Kurt plays several banjo styles. His favorite banjo players are Don Reno, Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley and Charlie Cushman. Kurt has completed a degree program in business and is working on a degree in radiology. He is active in church ministry. Kurt has two excellent solo CD projects.

Kevin Wright plays lead and rhythm guitar and sings lead vocals. His musical influences are Tony Rice, Kenny Smith, J. D. Crowe and the New South, Lou Reid, Ronnie Bowman and Russell Moore. Kevin is a commercial lending officer and first vice-president of BancorpSouth in Jackson, TN. He has two children and lives in Jackson, TN.

The Stone County Connection band feels fortunate to be able to call upon several fine fiddle players from time to time. Carl Franklin often lends his expertise. Carl has performed with Bill Monroe and has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. He and his wife have danced on the Opry with the Ralph Sloan Dancers. Carl lives in Hendersonville, TN. Brandon Apple plays fiddle with the band as his time permits. Brandon has performed all over the United States and is currently touring with country superstar, Clint Black. When he is at home in the Memphis area, Brandon likes to sit in with the Stone County Connection. He has two solo CD projects. Other fine fiddlers who join the band from time to time are David Killingsworth from Stantonville, TN and Becky Goodrum from Hornsby, TN.

Kevin Wright
204 Normandy Place
Jackson, TN 38305
731.616.1208
Email: kevin.wright@bxs.com
Website: http://stonecountyconnection.com

"Tennessee Gentlemen"

Sam Coffey – Banjo

Kent Coffey - Vocal and Guitar

Donny Catron - Tenor and Guitar

Doyle Catron – Vocals, Bass

From their own Bluegrass Shack in the 1970s to the stages of some of the biggest festivals around the southeast, the Tennessee Gentlemen have kept it going for over 30 years. The group has captured individual and group awards from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music and made it to the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited. Although the members have changed through the years, they have managed to maintain their brand of bluegrass music. Donny Catron, who has one of the highest tenor voices around is one of the earliest members of the group. Donny has been singing lead and playing rhythm guitar for 25 years. Bass player and singer Doyle Catron provides the solid bass tempo that keeps the band in overdrive.  Sam Coffey is the group’s hard-driving banjo player who jumps in as their bass singer when needed. Kent Coffey rounds out the harmony vocals and keeps it in high gear with his mandolin playing. You can find out where the Gents are playing by visiting their website at: www.tennesseegentlemen.com.

For booking info: Doyle Catron (901-726-0959) or e-mail  dcatron@comcast.net

"The Halfgrass Band"

Don Roberts - Lead vocals and guitar

Frank Holloman - Tenor vocals, five-string banjo, harmonica and fiddle

Buss McCormick - Harmony vocals and mandolin

Walter Chandler - Double bass. 

One of Memphis’ oldest names in acoustic music continues to entertain audiences with their unique style characterized by “wooden” music and traditional harmony arrangements of contemporary material.  Forsaking modern electronics, they prefer the more traditional “radio” effect produced by gathering around a single microphone.  The quartet consists of Don Roberts, lead vocals and guitar; Frank Holloman, tenor vocals, five-string banjo, harmonica and fiddle; Buss McCormick, harmony vocals and mandolin; and Walter Chandler, double bass.  Don’t miss this rare opportunity to sample their music and find out why it’s called Halfgrass.

"The Wolf River Travelers"

Cliff Butler - Guitar
Pat Farrar - Dobro
Bob Waters - Bass
Mark Winborn - Mandolin
Jeremy Rice - Banjo

The Wolf River Travelers have all traveled from different parts of the country but now claim the Memphis area as home. As such, they've chosen a name for the band that reflects both a connection to the region and the rich tradition of bluegrass. The group formed in 2004 out of a shared appreciation of traditional bluegrass and a desire to grow as bluegrass musicians. While most of their songs are drawn from the golden age of bluegrass music, they also incorporate a few contemporary bluegrass songs and even the occasional novelty tune. Several members of the Wolf River Travelers share the lead vocal duties, giving the band a diverse sound. Although Wolf River is a relatively new band, they have already performed at the RiverFest Bluegrass Festival, several private functions and Memphis Area Bluegrass Association events, as well as area churches and retirement centers. True to their name, the Wolf River Travelers would love to travel to your next function or event.

For booking information contact:

Mark Winborn @ 901-828-8980 or mwinborn@comcast.net  

"Thunder Creek"

Dale Hinson-Lead vocals, guitar

Charles Moody-Banjo, Mandolin,  Guitar  
   
Bret Sparks-Bass, Vocals

In  the Mississippi Delta of Northeast Arkansas, there is a place the Native Americans called "Thunderland". The waters that flow through this rich land gracefully make their way to and from the mighty Mississippi River. Now, there is a new wind blowing through the trees which pierce the dense fog, and a new spirit that pushes the waters of Mother Nature’s zealous endeavor. These are the sound’s that take you over and into something that is real, these are the sounds of "THUNDER CREEK".

Thunder Creek is a down to Earth music group that draws its musical soul from the local culture and heritage from which it came. This power trio produces deep rich harmonies and driving rhythms. They consist of the lead vocals of Dale Hinson as he plays guitar rhythms that create a "wall of sound". The aggressive banjo playing of Charles Moody cuts through the rhythm like the crack of lightning. While he may also play the mandolin and guitar, his wide vocal range is just the tip of the iceberg. Bret Sparks carries the band through the changes with his thunderous bass guitar and versatile baritone voice. His steady beat and dynamic groove is a significant part of the Thunder Creek sound. When you experience Thunder Creek, you may hear bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and country with a bit of R&B, Jazz and even a classical touch. With the crazy antics of the band and their musical talents unleashed, they will give you a show you don’t want to miss. For more info visit our website at www.geocities.com/thundercreek72315
              
Booking Info Contact: Charles Moody     moody@arkansas.net    phone 870-532-8227

  "Town Square Pickers"

Lea Talley - Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar

Matthew Jackson - Vocals & Rhythm Guitar

"Doc" William Adams - Banjo

Andy Williamson - Vocals & Fiddle

Donna Wolf - Vocals & Fiddle

Rochelle Ponder - Vocals & Mandolin

Richard Todd - Vocals & Double Bass

"Track 45"

Mississippi siblings Jenna, Benjamin and K.K. Johnson offer “something for everyone” in their musical variety show. These multitalented children play an assortment of instruments and styles, specializing in three-part harmonies. Track 45 has performed in a wide variety of venues and adapts their music to fit the event. You may hear bluegrass, oldies, country, blues, classical, or contemporary.  Track 45 is known for their original musical arrangements and beautiful a cappella sound. 

Take a look at the website:   www.track45.com

 Booking information:  601-485-6964 or contact@track45.com  




 

If you are a bluegrass performer or a member of a band and are based in the Mid-South, email the Webmaster with contact info, a picture and any upcoming concerts you might have and I will add them to this page.