Mike Stevens & Raymond McLain

Mike Stevens and Raymond McLain have performed many times over the past decade on the Grand Ole Opry, and tour the world with their two-man musical act. A native of Canada, Mike Stevens’ aggressive and soulful approach to the harmonica has resulted in an original, much sought after, and often-copied style. With numerous CDs to his credit, he is best known for his groundbreaking work in the bluegrass field with legendary Grand Ole Opry members Jim & Jesse McReynolds.
Raymond W. McLain was raised in the hills of eastern Kentucky in a well-known musical family. During a 20-year period, Raymond and The McLain Family Band appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, in all 50 of the United States, in 62 foreign countries, and on numerous television shows. A gifted and versatile musician on both banjo and fiddle, Raymond is director of the Bluegrass and Country Music Program at East Tennessee State University, the only four-year university in the world offering a comprehensive bluegrass curriculum. Old Time Mojo, a collaborative CD featuring Mike and Raymond, is available on Borealis Records. www.mikestevensmusic.com | www.mclains.com

Jeanette Williams Band

The Jeanette Williams Band (formerly "Jeanette Williams and Clearwater") performs a mixture of original, traditional, contemporary and gospel bluegrass, with an occasional classic country tune thrown in. As lead vocalist, Jeanette Williams offers one of the most beautiful voices in bluegrass music today, and has been named the Virginia Folk Music Association's State Champion Female Vocalist. She also serves as the band’s bassist. Other award-winning members of the group include Clearwater founder Johnny Williams (guitar, lead vocals, songwriter), Chase Johner (mandolin, vocals), and Jody King (banjo). The band has performed with artists such as Ricky Skaggs and Dan Tyminski, while Chase Johner has played a gig at the White House. Recording on the Bell Buckle label, the band’s all-gospel project, Get in the Boat, debuted at #1 on Bluegrass Now magazine's Gospel Truths Chart and remained in the Top 5 for over a year. www.jeanettewilliams.com

The Lost & Found

The Lost & Found, formed in 1973 by Allen Mills and Dempsey Young, was originally a group of guys "lost" in other kinds and styles of music until they "found" each other. With their excellent musicianship and distinctive style, The Lost & Found grew into one of the most respected groups in bluegrass music. Today’s band members are Allen Mills (bass, lead vocals, songwriter), Dempsey Young (mandolin, vocals, arrangements) Scotty Sparks (guitar, vocals), and Ronald Smith (banjo, vocals). In addition to maintaining their trademark sound and loyal fan base, The Lost & Found has enjoyed a long recording history with Rebel Records including recent projects such as It’s About Time and January Rain. www.lostandfoundbluegrass.com

Acoustic Heritage-Tim & Debbie Yates

Debbie and Tim Yates of Acoustic Heritage offer a unique blend of traditional mountain styles, passed down through generations. Debbie Grim Yates, a potter, began playing old-time music at a young age with her family band, the original Konnarock Critters, touring all across this country and England . Her dynamic, precise style of clawhammer banjo and fiddling, and her tasteful way with a song, are widely admired. Tim, a native of Taylors Valley, VA, started playing guitar and bass at a very early age with his family’s band, John Yates and the Yates Brothers. He has toured the United States with Wyatt Rice and Santa Cruz , The Jimmy Goudreau Bluegrass Unit, and the Tony Rice Unit. Tim blends his traditional mountain heritage with the hot licks he’s picked up along the road. Debbie and Tim met as teenagers at the Whitetop Music Festival events, eventually marrying each other as well as their musical styles to create an inspiring sound that comes straight from the heart.

Malpass Family

The Malpass Family calls Goldsboro, NC their home and consists of 20-year-old Christopher, 16-year-old Taylor, and their parents, Chris and Andrea. As a performing group, The Malpass Family began in 1992 when Christopher began singing solo in public. Eight years later, Christopher and his acoustic guitar were joined by Taylor's vocals and mandolin. Add their father, Chris, on the upright bass and the occasional harmony singing of mom, Andrea, and you have today’s band. The Malpass Family has several recording credits, tours throughout the South at bluegrass and country music venues, and is developing a wide following with their gospel music. www.malpassfamilymusic.com