Alternate Roots

Defying musical labels, Alternate Roots prefers to simply call its music "acoustic." More easily defined are the group's superb harmonies and clean instrumentation. Formed in 1997, the band has released four CDs: Tales of Love and Sorrow (1998), Another Dirt Road (2000), Branching Out (2002), and their latest project, Planted in Tradition, released in 2005. Members are Katy Taylor (guitar and vocals), Scott Freeman (mandolin, fiddle and vocals), Steve Lewis (banjo, guitar and vocals), Willard Gayheart (guitar and vocals), Randy Pasley (resonator guitar and vocals), and Tony Testerman (bass). www.mayberryrfd.com/alternate/index2.htm

Katie Hoffman Doman

Katie Doman is a singer/songwriter who lives in Greene County, TN. Her debut CD, Beautiful Day, produced by Raymond McLain, was released in January of 2005. The CD features nine of Katie's original songs along with three cover tunes, and she was fortunate to work with the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass Band on the project. Katie served as the Music Task Force Co-Chair for the 2003 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC . She travels around the region performing and lecturing on traditional Appalachian music, and is currently writing her dissertation on Appalachian literature for a Ph.D. in English from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. www.katiedoman.com

Lightnin' Charlie

Whether fronting his electric band The Upsetters or performing as a solo acoustic act, Lightnin' Charlie Dolinger is known for dynamic stage shows which combine gutsy vocals, smokin' guitar and high-energy showmanship. He is currently touring and enjoying the success of A New Leaf , his third and most recent CD, and a gospel album, tentatively titled The Good News, is planned for 2006 release. A full-time musician for more than 20 years, Lightnin' Charlie has amassed a legion of loyal fans - affectionately dubbed "Lightnin' Bugs" - who follow him to venues as diverse as churches and nursing homes (where he performs solo or in concert with his wife Beth), barbeque joints and boat docks, to 1000-seat concert halls, large nightclubs and music festivals.
www.lightnincharlie.com

Moccasin Gap

Based in Gate City, VA, Moccasin Gap was formed in May 2001. The band's repertoire includes traditional bluegrass tunes, pop songs delivered in a bluegrass style, and old-time fiddle/claw-hammer banjo tunes. The band has three recording projects to its credit and performs regularly at The Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, VA, Bellamy's Hardware in Surgoinsville, TN, and the WGOC Pickin' Porch in Bristol, VA. Other venues have included the Rhythm and Roots Reunion in Bristol, Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, N.C., and the Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival held at Virginia 's Natural Tunnel State Park. Members are Eric McMurray, Daniel Houseright, Luanne McMurray, Bob Blackstock and Keith Sims. www.moccasingap.com

Tomahawk

Formed in 1995 when a group of friends began playing as the regular Friday night entertainment at The Chucky Trading Company Restaurant just outside Jonesborough, TN, Tomahawk has since become a regional music staple. They are featured regularly on WGOC Radio and the Pickin' Porch, and have performed at The Blue Plum Festival, Jonesborough Days, The Capitol Theatre in Greeneville with Paul Williams and the Victory Trio, and other local festivals. After winning the WGOC Pick-Off at the Appalachian Fair in 2004, they were rewarded with a recording session at Tom T. and Dixie Hall's recording studio in Franklin, Tenn. They have recorded two CDs and a third is in the works. Members are Janine Coffey (mandolin and lead vocals), Janice Winters (guitar and vocals), David Winters (banjo and vocals), and Randy Broyles (bass and vocals). www.tomahawkband.com

Frank Emerson

Accompanying himself on the guitar and occasionally on the Celtic drum called the bodhran, Frank Emerson embodies many of the traditions of the ancient bards, but with a contemporary twist. Although a good amount of his material is in the Irish mold, he also embraces Scottish, Canadian, American, Australian and even British cultures. Songs are interspersed with background information, stories, jokes and toasts, all bolstered by a refined sense of comic and dramatic timing developed through many years on the folk circuit. Originally from Dublin, Emerson has performed professionally since 1972 and has had nine record albums produced. www.frankemerson.com