The June 7, Music line up!
BLUEGRASS ALLIANCE
The Bluegrass Alliance was formed in
October, 1968 by a group of Louisville, Kentucky musicians with
very different musical backgrounds and directions, the group’s
primary purpose was to establish their own brand of bluegrass music. A
chance trip to a North Carolina festival a year later gave them an
opportunity to play a set. Bookings happened immediately. Success
followed and the band drew standing ovations wherever they went.
In 1978, the group disbanded and it founder, Lonnie Peerce, was forced to retire due to medical problems. In Hiawassee, Georgia, Lonnie formed a friendship with a young banjo picker named Barry Palmer, who shared with Lonnie a vision of a renewed alliance – one that let the group create a new, versatile sound within a given style of music. In 1998 almost thirty years to the day, The Bluegrass Alliance was reborn.
The Bluegrass Alliance has recorded nine albums, charted nationally with the song “Fox On the Run”, and has appeared on The Grand Ole Opry on more than ten occasions. They have played in venues from the Atlantic Coast to the Rocky Mountains and in 2001 toured for two weeks in Japan. This band has spawned the careers of many nationally known musicians including, Dan Crary, Buddy Spurlock, Marshall Billingsley, Tony
Rice, Sam Bush and Vince Gill.
The current core group still features that young banjo picker, Barry Palmer as well as a host of bluegrass veterans:
BARRY PALMER - BANJO
As the leader of this amazing group, Barry is a native Georgian. Making his home in Cleveland, he spent a few years in Athens trying to get a good education. Many years and many banjo strings later he became a registered pharmacist. He is a nationally known artist for his accomplishments and style of banjo picking. He has won countless awards and competitions over the years. Barry started playing at a young age and has grown into one of the most respected and well known musicians in our country. Barry is a member of the Georgia Mountain Fair Staff Band and is the President of the Northeast Georgia Professional Entertainment Association. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Bluegrass Association (“SEBA”) and is a member of the Atlanta Country
Music Hall of Fame.
TODD FREEMAN - BASS
Hailing from the great state of Alabama, Todd has been playing music since he was 10 years old. Influenced by the sounds of Bill Monroe and Flatt and Scruggs, and music legends Merle Haggard and Lefty Frizzel, he fell in love with the heartfelt sounds of country and bluegrass music. Playing bass, mandolin and guitar, he performed with many local bands before joining the Bluegrass Alliance in 2003. Being a strong vocalist and a rock solid force on the upright bass is Todd’s trademark. Just listen and you will hear why Todd is a driving part of the Bluegrass Alliance.
TOM HICKS - MANDOLIN
A world traveler who now lives in Atlanta, GA, Tom is the son of one of our country’s defenders and has had the opportunity of living in places all over the world. Tom is an exceptional mandolin player as well as an accomplished vocalist. He is involved in several structured acoustic music programs in the Atlanta area. These include the Atlanta MandoLoar Quartet and the Atlanta Mandolin Society Orchestra. He is an active member of the Atlanta Mandolin Society, Inc. and the Southeastern Bluegrass Association (“SEBA”) Tom is a computer analyst for Norfolk-Southern Railroad in Atlanta.
JOHNNY (DOC) MARTIN - GUITAR
Doc makes his home in Gainesville. He is the front man for the group and is known for his smooth vocals and baritone harmonies. His vast knowledge of music and music history makes him an important part of our Georgia musical heritage. Also, a record producer, Johnny has had the opportunity of working with some of the best known acts in bluegrass and country music. He is an active member of the Southeastern Bluegrass Association(SEBA). Doc is really a Doc, he is a Dentist in Gainesville, Ga.
SCOTT MORGAN - GUITAR
A world class musician, luthier, singer and songwriter, is currently living in Sugar Hill, Georgia. Scott has played many types of music with family and friends for over 45 years. His roots in music and fine instrument building started at birth in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and developed further with his family’s return to their homeplace in Morgan Springs, Tennessee in 1973. His father, Tom Morgan, who builds autoharps, banjos and mandolins, was an original member of The
Country Gentlemen, and continues to perform to this day. Scott was awarded a grant to teach the art of guitar building, and is designated as a Master Luthier by the Georgia Council for the Arts. He is currently in the process of establishing a luthiery school for students eager to learn the craft of building fine custom guitars. Presently, Scott is a member of three active groups, Bluegrass Alliance, The Barn Rats, and Stephie Rae.
CHUCK NATION - FIDDLE
A native Georgian, who grew up in Louisiana, now lives in Flowery Branch. Chuck started playing guitar professionally at an early age. Chuck, along with Luke Thompson and Allen Shelton, formed the Green Valley Boys of the Louisiana Hayride. While a student at LSU, Chuck heard the original Bluegrass Alliance and became a great fan.Chuck joined the band as a member in 1972 replacing Sam Bush on mandolin. After leaving the Alliance, Chuck went on to play with artists such as Merle Haggard, The Whites, Jim Smoak, Bill Monroe, and Ricky Skaggs. He has come full circle with The Bluegrass Alliance. Chuck is the Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Flowery Branch, Georgia.
In 1978, the group disbanded and it founder, Lonnie Peerce, was forced to retire due to medical problems. In Hiawassee, Georgia, Lonnie formed a friendship with a young banjo picker named Barry Palmer, who shared with Lonnie a vision of a renewed alliance – one that let the group create a new, versatile sound within a given style of music. In 1998 almost thirty years to the day, The Bluegrass Alliance was reborn.
The Bluegrass Alliance has recorded nine albums, charted nationally with the song “Fox On the Run”, and has appeared on The Grand Ole Opry on more than ten occasions. They have played in venues from the Atlantic Coast to the Rocky Mountains and in 2001 toured for two weeks in Japan. This band has spawned the careers of many nationally known musicians including, Dan Crary, Buddy Spurlock, Marshall Billingsley, Tony
Rice, Sam Bush and Vince Gill.
The current core group still features that young banjo picker, Barry Palmer as well as a host of bluegrass veterans:
BARRY PALMER - BANJO
As the leader of this amazing group, Barry is a native Georgian. Making his home in Cleveland, he spent a few years in Athens trying to get a good education. Many years and many banjo strings later he became a registered pharmacist. He is a nationally known artist for his accomplishments and style of banjo picking. He has won countless awards and competitions over the years. Barry started playing at a young age and has grown into one of the most respected and well known musicians in our country. Barry is a member of the Georgia Mountain Fair Staff Band and is the President of the Northeast Georgia Professional Entertainment Association. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Bluegrass Association (“SEBA”) and is a member of the Atlanta Country
Music Hall of Fame.
TODD FREEMAN - BASS
Hailing from the great state of Alabama, Todd has been playing music since he was 10 years old. Influenced by the sounds of Bill Monroe and Flatt and Scruggs, and music legends Merle Haggard and Lefty Frizzel, he fell in love with the heartfelt sounds of country and bluegrass music. Playing bass, mandolin and guitar, he performed with many local bands before joining the Bluegrass Alliance in 2003. Being a strong vocalist and a rock solid force on the upright bass is Todd’s trademark. Just listen and you will hear why Todd is a driving part of the Bluegrass Alliance.
TOM HICKS - MANDOLIN
A world traveler who now lives in Atlanta, GA, Tom is the son of one of our country’s defenders and has had the opportunity of living in places all over the world. Tom is an exceptional mandolin player as well as an accomplished vocalist. He is involved in several structured acoustic music programs in the Atlanta area. These include the Atlanta MandoLoar Quartet and the Atlanta Mandolin Society Orchestra. He is an active member of the Atlanta Mandolin Society, Inc. and the Southeastern Bluegrass Association (“SEBA”) Tom is a computer analyst for Norfolk-Southern Railroad in Atlanta.
JOHNNY (DOC) MARTIN - GUITAR
Doc makes his home in Gainesville. He is the front man for the group and is known for his smooth vocals and baritone harmonies. His vast knowledge of music and music history makes him an important part of our Georgia musical heritage. Also, a record producer, Johnny has had the opportunity of working with some of the best known acts in bluegrass and country music. He is an active member of the Southeastern Bluegrass Association(SEBA). Doc is really a Doc, he is a Dentist in Gainesville, Ga.
SCOTT MORGAN - GUITAR
A world class musician, luthier, singer and songwriter, is currently living in Sugar Hill, Georgia. Scott has played many types of music with family and friends for over 45 years. His roots in music and fine instrument building started at birth in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and developed further with his family’s return to their homeplace in Morgan Springs, Tennessee in 1973. His father, Tom Morgan, who builds autoharps, banjos and mandolins, was an original member of The
Country Gentlemen, and continues to perform to this day. Scott was awarded a grant to teach the art of guitar building, and is designated as a Master Luthier by the Georgia Council for the Arts. He is currently in the process of establishing a luthiery school for students eager to learn the craft of building fine custom guitars. Presently, Scott is a member of three active groups, Bluegrass Alliance, The Barn Rats, and Stephie Rae.
CHUCK NATION - FIDDLE
A native Georgian, who grew up in Louisiana, now lives in Flowery Branch. Chuck started playing guitar professionally at an early age. Chuck, along with Luke Thompson and Allen Shelton, formed the Green Valley Boys of the Louisiana Hayride. While a student at LSU, Chuck heard the original Bluegrass Alliance and became a great fan.Chuck joined the band as a member in 1972 replacing Sam Bush on mandolin. After leaving the Alliance, Chuck went on to play with artists such as Merle Haggard, The Whites, Jim Smoak, Bill Monroe, and Ricky Skaggs. He has come full circle with The Bluegrass Alliance. Chuck is the Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Flowery Branch, Georgia.
LITTLE COUNTRY GIANTS
The LITTLE COUNTRY GIANTS formed in 2004
and are the product of the husband and wife duo Russell and Cameron
Cook's years of writing songs together and apart. The music is as pure
and simple as it is true and timeless. Unlike most music today that
folks might quickly outgrow, this is music that one can grow old with.
The southern flavor in the songs are rich with the sounds of
Georgia’s roots and America’s musical seeds.
From their beginning the LITTLE COUNTRY GIANTS have been taking the Southeast by storm, enchanting fans and critics alike with their original homegrown brand of music. Along the way they have been winning accolades from organizations such as the Rome Area Council for the Arts for The 2006 Emerging Artist of the Year, and Atlanta's Best Folk Group for 2005 and 2006.
The Cook's home base is currently in Rome, Ga. after stints in Athens, Atlanta and California. The LITTLE COUNTRY GIANTS latest line up consists of an assortment of the following: Russell Cook on guitar and mandolin, Cameron Cook on upright bass, Owen Talley on piano, Leah Calvert on fiddle, Andy (Kay) Kilinski on pedal steel, and David Long on mandolin.
From their beginning the LITTLE COUNTRY GIANTS have been taking the Southeast by storm, enchanting fans and critics alike with their original homegrown brand of music. Along the way they have been winning accolades from organizations such as the Rome Area Council for the Arts for The 2006 Emerging Artist of the Year, and Atlanta's Best Folk Group for 2005 and 2006.
The Cook's home base is currently in Rome, Ga. after stints in Athens, Atlanta and California. The LITTLE COUNTRY GIANTS latest line up consists of an assortment of the following: Russell Cook on guitar and mandolin, Cameron Cook on upright bass, Owen Talley on piano, Leah Calvert on fiddle, Andy (Kay) Kilinski on pedal steel, and David Long on mandolin.
WHITEPATH
As one of North Georgia's most enjoyed
Bluegrass bands, Whitepath brings to the table a blend of the "loved by
everyone" fan-favorites as well as the new more modern materials.
Whitepath always includes several long-loved Bluegrass Gospel songs in
their show. Aside from giving audiences and fans unrivaled musical
talent, Whitepath delivers incredible energy and unsurpassed vocal
talent in every show.
DARREN GHORLEY - GUITAR
As an original member of Whitepath, Darren was born and raised in Canton, Ga and practically lived at Everett's Music Barn in Suwanne, Ga. Darren began playing music when he was 8. His first memory of wanting to be a musician was playing along with Elvis on the couch with Lincoln Logs! In addition to being around "the barn" all of his life, his father, Ronald Ghorley, played and picked all over Cherokee and surrounding counties.
DEAN GHORLEY - MANDOLIN
As an original member, Dean's earliest memory of playing was listening to his father, Ronald Ghorley, uncles, and family at get-togethers. Dean was born left handed and became interested in the mandolin. Dean eventually just picked it up, flipped it over and started playing it. This is unique becuase in fact, the string pattern was never changed. Dean just plays left handed on a right handed mandolin!
KYLE STANDRIDGE - BASS
As one of the original members, Kyle resides in Canton, Ga. Kyle found an interest in Music at age 15 as he frequently visited Everett's Music Barn in Suwannee, Ga. As he hung around "the barn," he learned to play the bass.
PATTON "PUDDIN" WAGES - BANJO
Patton was raised in Stockbridge, Ga and began playing banjo at age 9. As one of the original members of Whitepath, He was first influenced by Earl Scruggs, J.D. Crowe, and Terry Baucom. Patton was later influenced as well by Scott Vestal, having the opportunity to meet him at Everett's Music Barn .
Patton Spent four years in Nashville, Tn playing with Marty Rayben and working at Gibson Guitar Corp OAI Division. He now lives in Canton, Ga and works as a land surveyor and from time to time, fills in with other bands.
JEFF PARTIN - DOBRO
One of the newest additions to Whitepath include Jeff Partin on the Dobro. Jeff began to play the dobro at age ten. Jeffs family, The Partin Family, has sang Bluegrass Gospel for many years, so its only natural that by the age of 12, He was asked to take the stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Jeff, now fourteen, holds the title of "Georgia State Dobro Champion" and has for two consecutive years. Jeff also plays a number of other instruments from the mandolin & guitar, to the bass & banjo
BRIAN RITTENBERRY - LEAD VOCALS
Brian resides in Jasper, Ga with his wife, Megan, & their 3yr old son, Elijah. Brian's vocal debut was in front of his family at an early age. As Brian grew up, he began singing at the Christmas Programs for the Local Church in Whitestone in Gilmer County, Ga.
Brian's vocal ability has over the years continued to develop and now at age 23, Brian brings to Whitepath a smooth crisp sound with his primary lead and harmony vocals. Blurring the lines with his vocals, Brian has been a member of Whitepath since early 2007. It has been said that once you hear this young man, you will never forget him
DARREN GHORLEY - GUITAR
As an original member of Whitepath, Darren was born and raised in Canton, Ga and practically lived at Everett's Music Barn in Suwanne, Ga. Darren began playing music when he was 8. His first memory of wanting to be a musician was playing along with Elvis on the couch with Lincoln Logs! In addition to being around "the barn" all of his life, his father, Ronald Ghorley, played and picked all over Cherokee and surrounding counties.
DEAN GHORLEY - MANDOLIN
As an original member, Dean's earliest memory of playing was listening to his father, Ronald Ghorley, uncles, and family at get-togethers. Dean was born left handed and became interested in the mandolin. Dean eventually just picked it up, flipped it over and started playing it. This is unique becuase in fact, the string pattern was never changed. Dean just plays left handed on a right handed mandolin!
KYLE STANDRIDGE - BASS
As one of the original members, Kyle resides in Canton, Ga. Kyle found an interest in Music at age 15 as he frequently visited Everett's Music Barn in Suwannee, Ga. As he hung around "the barn," he learned to play the bass.
PATTON "PUDDIN" WAGES - BANJO
Patton was raised in Stockbridge, Ga and began playing banjo at age 9. As one of the original members of Whitepath, He was first influenced by Earl Scruggs, J.D. Crowe, and Terry Baucom. Patton was later influenced as well by Scott Vestal, having the opportunity to meet him at Everett's Music Barn .
Patton Spent four years in Nashville, Tn playing with Marty Rayben and working at Gibson Guitar Corp OAI Division. He now lives in Canton, Ga and works as a land surveyor and from time to time, fills in with other bands.
JEFF PARTIN - DOBRO
One of the newest additions to Whitepath include Jeff Partin on the Dobro. Jeff began to play the dobro at age ten. Jeffs family, The Partin Family, has sang Bluegrass Gospel for many years, so its only natural that by the age of 12, He was asked to take the stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Jeff, now fourteen, holds the title of "Georgia State Dobro Champion" and has for two consecutive years. Jeff also plays a number of other instruments from the mandolin & guitar, to the bass & banjo
BRIAN RITTENBERRY - LEAD VOCALS
Brian resides in Jasper, Ga with his wife, Megan, & their 3yr old son, Elijah. Brian's vocal debut was in front of his family at an early age. As Brian grew up, he began singing at the Christmas Programs for the Local Church in Whitestone in Gilmer County, Ga.
Brian's vocal ability has over the years continued to develop and now at age 23, Brian brings to Whitepath a smooth crisp sound with his primary lead and harmony vocals. Blurring the lines with his vocals, Brian has been a member of Whitepath since early 2007. It has been said that once you hear this young man, you will never forget him
MIST ON THE MOUNTAIN
The "House Band" for the last 2 seasons
of the Mountain Music & Medicine Show, with members Melanie
Pruitt - vocals, Elaine Holibitsky - vocals, Christy Bottoms - vocals,
Clyde Gaddis - guitar/vocals, Doyle Butler - mandolin, Jack Taylor -
bass,they will be sure to get the crowd going with their popular
renditions of country, bluegrass and gospel
songs.
