Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band
Widely recognized as one of the most exciting young bands in acoustic music, Crying Uncle Bluegrass plays a unique mix of bluegrass, Dawg (David Grisman music), jazz, and modern originals. Brothers Miles and Teo Quale are joined by bassist Andrew Osborn and 2023 National Flat Pick Guitar Champion Ian Ly, all outstanding young musicians of the vibrant California bluegrass scene. Founded in 2016 as a Duo band, Miles and Teo formed the bluegrass band in 2017 and since then, they have continued to make waves in the world of bluegrass and acoustic music. The bluegrass band was the recipient of the 2023 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Momentum Band of the Year award. The band was also honored to perform for the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame’s induction of their hero, David Grisman.
Based in Northern California, Crying Uncle Bluegrass has opened for prestigious bands, including Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives and David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, and has played at venues such as IBMA’s World of Bluegrass Festival, CBA’s Father's Day Bluegrass Festival, Strawberry Music Festival, SF’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Delfest, and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Internationally, the band toured in Japan in 2023 and in 2022, they headlined at Bluegrass in La Roche, France. In 2019, they toured throughout Finland, culminating at Kaustinen Folk Music Festival. In 2018, the band was featured on a TEDxTalk by Nashville-based singer/songwriter Phoebe Hunt. Miles was also a proud recipient of the Whippoorwill Arts Fellowship in 2022. In 2024, the band debuted at the Grand Ole Opry, receiving a standing ovation.
The band released their eponymous album, Crying Uncle, in 2018. And in 2020, they released their sophomore album, Monroe Bridge, which features guest artists, fiddler Chad Manning and mandolinist Sharon Gilchrist and produced by banjoist Keith Little. In 2021, the bluegrass band came out with an EP of mostly self-written tunes, Till I Dance Again with You, inspired by a year of “isolating” during the pandemic. Most recently (2022), they released their newest album, The Thing of Dreams, which highlights their originals. Crying Uncle Bluegrass is proud to be a Fishman artist and an Ear Trumpet Labs artist.
Widely recognized as one of the most exciting young bands in acoustic music, Crying Uncle Bluegrass plays a unique mix of bluegrass, Dawg (David Grisman music), jazz, and modern originals. Brothers Miles and Teo Quale are joined by bassist Andrew Osborn and 2023 National Flat Pick Guitar Champion Ian Ly, all outstanding young musicians of the vibrant California bluegrass scene. Founded in 2016 as a Duo band, Miles and Teo formed the bluegrass band in 2017 and since then, they have continued to make waves in the world of bluegrass and acoustic music. The bluegrass band was the recipient of the 2023 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Momentum Band of the Year award. The band was also honored to perform for the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame’s induction of their hero, David Grisman.
Based in Northern California, Crying Uncle Bluegrass has opened for prestigious bands, including Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives and David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, and has played at venues such as IBMA’s World of Bluegrass Festival, CBA’s Father's Day Bluegrass Festival, Strawberry Music Festival, SF’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Delfest, and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Internationally, the band toured in Japan in 2023 and in 2022, they headlined at Bluegrass in La Roche, France. In 2019, they toured throughout Finland, culminating at Kaustinen Folk Music Festival. In 2018, the band was featured on a TEDxTalk by Nashville-based singer/songwriter Phoebe Hunt. Miles was also a proud recipient of the Whippoorwill Arts Fellowship in 2022. In 2024, the band debuted at the Grand Ole Opry, receiving a standing ovation.
The band released their eponymous album, Crying Uncle, in 2018. And in 2020, they released their sophomore album, Monroe Bridge, which features guest artists, fiddler Chad Manning and mandolinist Sharon Gilchrist and produced by banjoist Keith Little. In 2021, the bluegrass band came out with an EP of mostly self-written tunes, Till I Dance Again with You, inspired by a year of “isolating” during the pandemic. Most recently (2022), they released their newest album, The Thing of Dreams, which highlights their originals. Crying Uncle Bluegrass is proud to be a Fishman artist and an Ear Trumpet Labs artist.
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Little Roy and Lizzy Show |
LIZZY LONG - FIDDLE, BANJO, GUITAR, RESONATOR BANJO, VOCALSHaving roots in the heart of the south, Elizabeth Long, or Lizzy as her friends and fans know her was born on a farm in Lincolnton, Georgia. She began her music accomplishment at an early age. While starting out on the piano, Lizzy soon took up the fiddle, guitar, autoharp, bass, banjo, and mandolin, and has become an accomplished musician, alternating between these instruments as part of her entertainment repertoire. She has played with great acts such as Mac Wiseman, Jim and Jesse, The Lewis Family, and Earl Scruggs. Continuing her quest for success, Lizzy has paired up with Little Roy Lewis from the legendary Lewis Family. Her extraordinary voice shimmers with strains of America’s musical roots. Lizzy has won “Bluegrass Song of the Year” for a several songs called “Mountain Top”, a duet with Ty Herndon called “When We Fly”, and "He Washed My Soul". Most recently at the 2015 GMA Dove awards she was awarded Best Bluegrass Song of the Year for a Duet with Rhonda Vincent called "God is There". She is one of the youngest fiddlers to be inducted into “America’s Old Time Fiddler’s Country Hall of Fame” in LeMars, IA. Her latest solo Album "Blueberry Pie" has ranked as high as #2 on Billboard's Bluegrass Charts. Little Roy summed it up the best, "pull a plank off the wall and she'll play it!"
LITTLE ROY - BANJO, GUITAR, CRAZY, ETC...Little Roy is awfully hard to overlook. He makes sure that no one in the audience gets bored at any time. Little Roy has won awards as Entertainer as well as for his banjo playing. Little Roy learned to play banjo when he was only six years old, and won a local talent contest for his playing when he was eight. Little Roy's favorite banjo players are Don Reno and Earl Scruggs. USA Today called Little Roy 'a banjo master, truly a picker's picker'. Little Roy can also be found playing the guitar and autoharp. In fact, the song 'Good Time Get-Together' was written to highlight his instrumental skills. Little Roy is multi-talented - he sings, plays many instruments, tells stories, and acts. When you see this Duo, you are sure to notice Little Roy, and he'll make you smile. He has been inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, SPGBMA Hall of Greats, IBMA Hall of Honor, and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
LITTLE ROY - BANJO, GUITAR, CRAZY, ETC...Little Roy is awfully hard to overlook. He makes sure that no one in the audience gets bored at any time. Little Roy has won awards as Entertainer as well as for his banjo playing. Little Roy learned to play banjo when he was only six years old, and won a local talent contest for his playing when he was eight. Little Roy's favorite banjo players are Don Reno and Earl Scruggs. USA Today called Little Roy 'a banjo master, truly a picker's picker'. Little Roy can also be found playing the guitar and autoharp. In fact, the song 'Good Time Get-Together' was written to highlight his instrumental skills. Little Roy is multi-talented - he sings, plays many instruments, tells stories, and acts. When you see this Duo, you are sure to notice Little Roy, and he'll make you smile. He has been inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, SPGBMA Hall of Greats, IBMA Hall of Honor, and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Kody Norris Show
Because while the reigning SPBGMA Entertainers of the Year are known for the rhinestones that shine from their lapels and the fringe that hangs from their collars seem to conjure up memories of times gone by, The Kody Norris Show are very much directing their gaze forever forward.
Now, more than ever before.
The talented group, made up of frontman Kody Norris, Josiah Tyree, Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, and Charlie Lowman, finds themselves with a growing legion of fans craving the comfort that comes from their retro look, but equally craving dynamic instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics – all of which can be heard throughout their epic new album Rhinestone Revival.
“There is a whole chapter of country music that's just kind of faded away,” The Kody Norris Show’s frontman once said. “I believe The Kody Norris Show has been instrumental in bringing back some of that nostalgia and some of that classic look that country music and bluegrass music used to have.”
The foundations of the electrifying four-piece band can be found within the roots of Kody Norris himself, a once inquisitive youngster from Mountain City, Tennessee who would spend hours sitting in the passenger seat of his Uncle Jack’s Chevrolet El Camino listening to the entirety of The Stanley Brothers 16 Greatest Hits tape, wondering if he would ever be able to match the sweet harmonies coming through the speakers.
It was those very harmonies that Norris also would recognize wavering through the rafters of the Baptist church he attended as a kid. There was a bluegrass quartet that would play in the Free Will Baptist Church, and soon Norris became infatuated with the music that could materialize from a banjo and a guitar. So, at nine years old, he picked up the mandolin.
And he never put it down.
It was a similar love affair of music for Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, who started playing classical violin in the fourth grade, but by the fifth grade, she knew it wasn’t for her. Instead, in a quest to differentiate herself from her musical counterparts in her grade school orchestra, she took up the fiddle. She began playing the festival circuit alongside the likes of the legendary Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers and soon became one of the most dynamic females on those festival stages.
It was on that stage she eventually met her husband Kody, who had already gone on to play alongside the likes of Ralph Stanley, Ralph Stanley II, and Joe Isaacs throughout his already impressive career. In 2017, banjo extraordinaire Josiah Tyree signed on with The Kody Norris Show, and soon his old-time clawhammer style fit right into the bluegrass style that the band was becoming known for across the country. And when bass player Charlie Lowman joined in on the fun, armed with a giddiness and love for the music that he plays that soon became infectious, The Kody Norris Show as we now know it was complete.
It was musical magic at its finest.
It’s this easy-going nature that became downright illuminated on 2017’s When I Get the Money Made, which was named Bluegrass Album of the Year by the National Traditional Country Music Association. The Kody Norris Show followed it up with 2019’s All Suited Up, which debuted at #7 on the Billboard charts. Now playing over 100 dates a year across the country and around the world, The Kody Norris Show have been part of the University of Chicago Folk Festival and are part of two weekly programs on the acclaimed RFD-TV's network, The Cumberland Highlanders Show and The Bluegrass Trail.
But with the release of Rhinestone Revival comes a feeling that listeners have just begun to witness The Kody Norris Show’s very own revival, as the band finds themselves sprinkling their iconic rhinestones on a few different music genres to solidify their place on the musical landscape.
And the fans can’t get enough.
In fact, it’s those fans that have raised The Kody Norris Show to a place in which they stand today, a place where the four-piece, multi-instrumentalist, bluegrass band are quickly becoming four of the most epic entertainers of our time. Add that to the songwriting displayed on the Kody Norris-penned “Baltimore I’m Leaving,” “Fiddler’s Rock,” “Please Tell Me Why,” and the infectious “Gotta Get My Baby Back” on Rhinestone Revival, and there is no doubt that The Kody Norris Show is as current as ever.
They ain’t retro. They have something different. They have something uniquely theirs. They have something that makes them stand out.
“We want people to know who we are,” Norris once said.
And they will.
Now, more than ever before.
The talented group, made up of frontman Kody Norris, Josiah Tyree, Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, and Charlie Lowman, finds themselves with a growing legion of fans craving the comfort that comes from their retro look, but equally craving dynamic instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics – all of which can be heard throughout their epic new album Rhinestone Revival.
“There is a whole chapter of country music that's just kind of faded away,” The Kody Norris Show’s frontman once said. “I believe The Kody Norris Show has been instrumental in bringing back some of that nostalgia and some of that classic look that country music and bluegrass music used to have.”
The foundations of the electrifying four-piece band can be found within the roots of Kody Norris himself, a once inquisitive youngster from Mountain City, Tennessee who would spend hours sitting in the passenger seat of his Uncle Jack’s Chevrolet El Camino listening to the entirety of The Stanley Brothers 16 Greatest Hits tape, wondering if he would ever be able to match the sweet harmonies coming through the speakers.
It was those very harmonies that Norris also would recognize wavering through the rafters of the Baptist church he attended as a kid. There was a bluegrass quartet that would play in the Free Will Baptist Church, and soon Norris became infatuated with the music that could materialize from a banjo and a guitar. So, at nine years old, he picked up the mandolin.
And he never put it down.
It was a similar love affair of music for Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, who started playing classical violin in the fourth grade, but by the fifth grade, she knew it wasn’t for her. Instead, in a quest to differentiate herself from her musical counterparts in her grade school orchestra, she took up the fiddle. She began playing the festival circuit alongside the likes of the legendary Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers and soon became one of the most dynamic females on those festival stages.
It was on that stage she eventually met her husband Kody, who had already gone on to play alongside the likes of Ralph Stanley, Ralph Stanley II, and Joe Isaacs throughout his already impressive career. In 2017, banjo extraordinaire Josiah Tyree signed on with The Kody Norris Show, and soon his old-time clawhammer style fit right into the bluegrass style that the band was becoming known for across the country. And when bass player Charlie Lowman joined in on the fun, armed with a giddiness and love for the music that he plays that soon became infectious, The Kody Norris Show as we now know it was complete.
It was musical magic at its finest.
It’s this easy-going nature that became downright illuminated on 2017’s When I Get the Money Made, which was named Bluegrass Album of the Year by the National Traditional Country Music Association. The Kody Norris Show followed it up with 2019’s All Suited Up, which debuted at #7 on the Billboard charts. Now playing over 100 dates a year across the country and around the world, The Kody Norris Show have been part of the University of Chicago Folk Festival and are part of two weekly programs on the acclaimed RFD-TV's network, The Cumberland Highlanders Show and The Bluegrass Trail.
But with the release of Rhinestone Revival comes a feeling that listeners have just begun to witness The Kody Norris Show’s very own revival, as the band finds themselves sprinkling their iconic rhinestones on a few different music genres to solidify their place on the musical landscape.
And the fans can’t get enough.
In fact, it’s those fans that have raised The Kody Norris Show to a place in which they stand today, a place where the four-piece, multi-instrumentalist, bluegrass band are quickly becoming four of the most epic entertainers of our time. Add that to the songwriting displayed on the Kody Norris-penned “Baltimore I’m Leaving,” “Fiddler’s Rock,” “Please Tell Me Why,” and the infectious “Gotta Get My Baby Back” on Rhinestone Revival, and there is no doubt that The Kody Norris Show is as current as ever.
They ain’t retro. They have something different. They have something uniquely theirs. They have something that makes them stand out.
“We want people to know who we are,” Norris once said.
And they will.
Seth Mulder and Midnight Run
Hailing from the Gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run began its journey in February 2015 at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Made up of 5 like-minded musicians and graduates of college music programs, this group of friends and musicians created a band tied to the rich traditions of bluegrass music, yet one that offers a fresh approach to that "High Lonesome" sound. Each member draws from various influences, including bluegrass, country, and rock and roll.
They present a high-energy show filled with nostalgic entertainment, tight harmonies, and skillful musicianship, all built around their curated set list of original material and lost covers.
Favorites among bluegrass enthusiasts and non-bluegrass audiences alike; they keep the energy high and the audience on their feet. The band knows when they are on stage; it is not only about the music; it is about connecting with the audience and leaving them with a memory that will last a lifetime.
2022 was a big year for them. They completed their first studio album on Mountain Fever Records, "In Dreams I Go Back," which debuted on the Billboard charts at number #7. In addition, their singles "My, My, My" ,"The Mountains are Calling", "Carolina Line" and "One More Night" spent multiple weeks on the top ten charts. "One More Night" was the named #4 most played song on bluegrass radio in 2021.
With over 300 dates a year, their high-energy style of music has taken them worldwide, including festivals across the United States, Canada, and multiple European tours.Together, Seth Mulder, Colton Powers, Ben Watlington, Max Etling and Max Silverstein create a powerhouse of music and a stage show you do not want to miss and that is why they are one of the most talked-about young bluegrass bands on the festival circuit today!
In a day and age where authenticity is everything, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run are the real deal.
They present a high-energy show filled with nostalgic entertainment, tight harmonies, and skillful musicianship, all built around their curated set list of original material and lost covers.
Favorites among bluegrass enthusiasts and non-bluegrass audiences alike; they keep the energy high and the audience on their feet. The band knows when they are on stage; it is not only about the music; it is about connecting with the audience and leaving them with a memory that will last a lifetime.
2022 was a big year for them. They completed their first studio album on Mountain Fever Records, "In Dreams I Go Back," which debuted on the Billboard charts at number #7. In addition, their singles "My, My, My" ,"The Mountains are Calling", "Carolina Line" and "One More Night" spent multiple weeks on the top ten charts. "One More Night" was the named #4 most played song on bluegrass radio in 2021.
With over 300 dates a year, their high-energy style of music has taken them worldwide, including festivals across the United States, Canada, and multiple European tours.Together, Seth Mulder, Colton Powers, Ben Watlington, Max Etling and Max Silverstein create a powerhouse of music and a stage show you do not want to miss and that is why they are one of the most talked-about young bluegrass bands on the festival circuit today!
In a day and age where authenticity is everything, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run are the real deal.
Tim Raybon
Tim Raybon has a natural vocal ability that has been described as “real” - and combined with a growing list of number one songs he's written, Tim is now considered one of the premiere singer- songwriters in Bluegrass, Traditional Country and Gospel music - a style he describes as "American Music".
Tim's musical trek began with his dad and brothers in the family band The American Bluegrass Express when Tim was only eleven. Based in Florida, the band met with great success throughout the South and afforded Tim the opportunity to sharpen his skills by playing festivals and concerts that were shared by some of the greatest legends in Bluegrass music. Tim will forever be grateful for the opportunity to have played with the likes of Bill Monroe, the McReynolds, and the Osborne Brothers.
Tim’s talent would soon be recognized far beyond his Florida home as the lead singer for one of the hottest nightclubs in the country, The Barn.
1997 brought a musical reunion to Tim and his brother Marty that produced the certified gold hit “Butterfly Kisses.” That same year the Raybon Brothers were nominated for the CMA Duo of the Year.
In 2019, Tim came back on the musical scene in Merle Monroe, a band that produced two number one projects along with 10 number one singles.
Now, in 2022, Tim is on the road with a list of extraordinary musicians as the Tim Raybon Band showcasing his story-telling ability through his masterful vocal delivery of a song.
Tim has penned other great songs for other artist.
1. Walking The Floor Marty Raybon
2. Drip Rock Kentucky Marty Raybon
3. I'm Warming Up To n Old Flame Tn Bluegrass Band
4. Ready For The Weekend Dave Adkins
5. I'm Still Not Over You Rhonda Vincent
He has also written may #1 songs for his band...
Featuring #1 hit songs “Hello Sunshine”, “God’s Still In Control”, (on charts for 53 weeks) “I’m Leaving Town Tonight” and many others that Tim has written and performed, Tim Raybon songs have appeared on Bluegrass, Country, Americana and Gospel charts. Tim is also the voice behind #1 songs "Goodbye Marie", "Harlan Darlin" and Grammy nominated "Suzanne" with Mo Pitney. Tim is also the writer of hit songs for Marty Raybon and Rhonda Vincent.
Tim Raybon has also garnered two number one projects featuring 14 songs written as the former lead singer for Merle Monroe. "Back to the Country" in 2020 for seven weeks, and now the 2021 Roots Music Report's Traditional Bluegrass Album of the Year with "Songs of a Simple Life".
Rest assured the highlight for the listener and the audience will always be hearing a man sing with the gift of pure talent singing songs that relate to real life.
Tim Raybon is the perfect combination of Bluegrass and Country - and surrounded by a band of some of Country and Bluegrass's most respected musicians, you won't want to miss this show!
Tim's musical trek began with his dad and brothers in the family band The American Bluegrass Express when Tim was only eleven. Based in Florida, the band met with great success throughout the South and afforded Tim the opportunity to sharpen his skills by playing festivals and concerts that were shared by some of the greatest legends in Bluegrass music. Tim will forever be grateful for the opportunity to have played with the likes of Bill Monroe, the McReynolds, and the Osborne Brothers.
Tim’s talent would soon be recognized far beyond his Florida home as the lead singer for one of the hottest nightclubs in the country, The Barn.
1997 brought a musical reunion to Tim and his brother Marty that produced the certified gold hit “Butterfly Kisses.” That same year the Raybon Brothers were nominated for the CMA Duo of the Year.
In 2019, Tim came back on the musical scene in Merle Monroe, a band that produced two number one projects along with 10 number one singles.
Now, in 2022, Tim is on the road with a list of extraordinary musicians as the Tim Raybon Band showcasing his story-telling ability through his masterful vocal delivery of a song.
Tim has penned other great songs for other artist.
1. Walking The Floor Marty Raybon
2. Drip Rock Kentucky Marty Raybon
3. I'm Warming Up To n Old Flame Tn Bluegrass Band
4. Ready For The Weekend Dave Adkins
5. I'm Still Not Over You Rhonda Vincent
He has also written may #1 songs for his band...
Featuring #1 hit songs “Hello Sunshine”, “God’s Still In Control”, (on charts for 53 weeks) “I’m Leaving Town Tonight” and many others that Tim has written and performed, Tim Raybon songs have appeared on Bluegrass, Country, Americana and Gospel charts. Tim is also the voice behind #1 songs "Goodbye Marie", "Harlan Darlin" and Grammy nominated "Suzanne" with Mo Pitney. Tim is also the writer of hit songs for Marty Raybon and Rhonda Vincent.
Tim Raybon has also garnered two number one projects featuring 14 songs written as the former lead singer for Merle Monroe. "Back to the Country" in 2020 for seven weeks, and now the 2021 Roots Music Report's Traditional Bluegrass Album of the Year with "Songs of a Simple Life".
Rest assured the highlight for the listener and the audience will always be hearing a man sing with the gift of pure talent singing songs that relate to real life.
Tim Raybon is the perfect combination of Bluegrass and Country - and surrounded by a band of some of Country and Bluegrass's most respected musicians, you won't want to miss this show!
Frank Ray and Cedar Hill
Frank Dallas Ray was born on Christmas Eve 1946, to a family with deep roots in the Missouri Ozarks. They were settled in Hartshorn, a small community just outside of Summersville, Missouri. The second child of Dallas and Bertha Ray. Frank recalls his first encounter with music being a wind up Victrola at home that the family’s three records were played on; Jimmy Rodgers, Hank Williams, and Bill Monroe. Saturday nights, they tuned in to the distant Grand Ole Opry.
Dallas, Frank’s father, loved music and sang while playing guitar and harmonica. Frank's Grandfather, Frank Newton Ray played fiddle and would often travel the countryside playing square dances. That caused the 7 year old Frank to pick up the guitar and learn to accompany his father as he sang and played. Learning proficiently at a young age, Frank started backing area square dance fiddlers, such as Ansil Gore. As most teenagers of the time, though, he was drawn by the electric sounds of Rock & Roll music for a brief time, but was soon bitten by the Bluegrass bug once again.
By 1963, Frank had developed an interest in banjo, but soon laid it down for the mandolin. This would be the instrument Frank would be known for from that point on.
On July 15, 1964, Frank married the love of his life, Miss Vicki. They would go on to have 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Frank and his Uncle Richard Orchard had began playing music together around this time, and by 1967 Rich Orchard, Frank Ray and The Ramblin’ Blue Grass Boys had formed. The band began playing local and regional venues, helped to form the Missouri Area Bluegrass Committee, and became one of the prominent acts in the early times of Missouri Bluegrass. This band can be heard on a 1970 Trepur 45rpm with Bob and Stan Wagganer on twin fiddles. Frank’s iconic tenor is prevalent even in these early recordings.
As The Ramblin’ Blue Grass Boys became more popular in the Midwest, Bluegrass Music was changing in a more progressive manner, and Frank felt the need for a new band name. He didn’t know what to call it, though. While playing a show in Cedar Hill, Missouri in 1972, Jimmy Bunch’s banjo fell out of his case into the grass. With Frank’s remark of “at least you’re taking some Cedar Hill Grass home with you,” The Cedar Hill Grass was born. One recording from 1974 captures Frank’s first recorded original, Piney Ridge. By 1976, Rich Orchard had left the band and Frank became the sole leader of The Cedar Hill Grass. That same year, their first 33 1/3 LP album was recorded titled Cedar Hill Express after the title cut instrumental written by Frank and Jim Bunch. From that album False Hearted Love became the first song of Frank’s originals to win accolades and nationwide attention.
The Cedar Hill Grass became a top Bluegrass band in the 1970’s and 1980’s in the Midwest Bluegrass scene, along with homing in on the sound that Frank was searching for. Original traditional material with a touch of new feel. Frank’s mandolin playing infused innovation and Monroe. The band’s arrangements were precisely thought out and always showcasing stellar vocals and the stories of the songs.
By the late 1970's, the word Grass was dropped from their name and they became known as Cedar Hill. Recording with Rich R Tone Records, Hay Holler Records, and Blue Circle Records, some of Cedar Hill’s most iconic songs were captured. Pearl’s Song, Echo Mountain, Blood Stained Bible, Ice on The Timber, Hobo’s Wings, For Me It’s Hello.... the list goes on and on. Story songs. Real songs. Music that makes you feel. That is Frank Ray and Cedar Hill. Original Traditional Ozark Bluegrass Music.
From a little Ozark town to England to the Grand Ole Opry, Frank Ray has taken a music that is truly his own everywhere in the world. In 2008, Frank was inducted into the National Traditional Country Music Association Hall of Fame and also received the Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
As it’s known today, Frank Ray and Cedar Hill has celebrated over 50 years of Ozark Bluegrass Music. Always staying true to his roots, Frank carries stories and songs that people all over the world have enjoyed. This connection to his roots can be heard on the 1991 Missouri Sessions as Frank sings with his mentor, Don Brown, on Where We’ll Never Die. Frank has become the Ambassador of Ozark Bluegrass Music, a disciple of Bill Monroe, and a treasure to the Bluegrass Music industry.
Dallas, Frank’s father, loved music and sang while playing guitar and harmonica. Frank's Grandfather, Frank Newton Ray played fiddle and would often travel the countryside playing square dances. That caused the 7 year old Frank to pick up the guitar and learn to accompany his father as he sang and played. Learning proficiently at a young age, Frank started backing area square dance fiddlers, such as Ansil Gore. As most teenagers of the time, though, he was drawn by the electric sounds of Rock & Roll music for a brief time, but was soon bitten by the Bluegrass bug once again.
By 1963, Frank had developed an interest in banjo, but soon laid it down for the mandolin. This would be the instrument Frank would be known for from that point on.
On July 15, 1964, Frank married the love of his life, Miss Vicki. They would go on to have 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Frank and his Uncle Richard Orchard had began playing music together around this time, and by 1967 Rich Orchard, Frank Ray and The Ramblin’ Blue Grass Boys had formed. The band began playing local and regional venues, helped to form the Missouri Area Bluegrass Committee, and became one of the prominent acts in the early times of Missouri Bluegrass. This band can be heard on a 1970 Trepur 45rpm with Bob and Stan Wagganer on twin fiddles. Frank’s iconic tenor is prevalent even in these early recordings.
As The Ramblin’ Blue Grass Boys became more popular in the Midwest, Bluegrass Music was changing in a more progressive manner, and Frank felt the need for a new band name. He didn’t know what to call it, though. While playing a show in Cedar Hill, Missouri in 1972, Jimmy Bunch’s banjo fell out of his case into the grass. With Frank’s remark of “at least you’re taking some Cedar Hill Grass home with you,” The Cedar Hill Grass was born. One recording from 1974 captures Frank’s first recorded original, Piney Ridge. By 1976, Rich Orchard had left the band and Frank became the sole leader of The Cedar Hill Grass. That same year, their first 33 1/3 LP album was recorded titled Cedar Hill Express after the title cut instrumental written by Frank and Jim Bunch. From that album False Hearted Love became the first song of Frank’s originals to win accolades and nationwide attention.
The Cedar Hill Grass became a top Bluegrass band in the 1970’s and 1980’s in the Midwest Bluegrass scene, along with homing in on the sound that Frank was searching for. Original traditional material with a touch of new feel. Frank’s mandolin playing infused innovation and Monroe. The band’s arrangements were precisely thought out and always showcasing stellar vocals and the stories of the songs.
By the late 1970's, the word Grass was dropped from their name and they became known as Cedar Hill. Recording with Rich R Tone Records, Hay Holler Records, and Blue Circle Records, some of Cedar Hill’s most iconic songs were captured. Pearl’s Song, Echo Mountain, Blood Stained Bible, Ice on The Timber, Hobo’s Wings, For Me It’s Hello.... the list goes on and on. Story songs. Real songs. Music that makes you feel. That is Frank Ray and Cedar Hill. Original Traditional Ozark Bluegrass Music.
From a little Ozark town to England to the Grand Ole Opry, Frank Ray has taken a music that is truly his own everywhere in the world. In 2008, Frank was inducted into the National Traditional Country Music Association Hall of Fame and also received the Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
As it’s known today, Frank Ray and Cedar Hill has celebrated over 50 years of Ozark Bluegrass Music. Always staying true to his roots, Frank carries stories and songs that people all over the world have enjoyed. This connection to his roots can be heard on the 1991 Missouri Sessions as Frank sings with his mentor, Don Brown, on Where We’ll Never Die. Frank has become the Ambassador of Ozark Bluegrass Music, a disciple of Bill Monroe, and a treasure to the Bluegrass Music industry.
Mark Miklos
Mark Miklos was born in the central NJ suburb of Edison‚ a place one would not expect to find a Bluegrass Traditionalist. Marks broad vocal range gathers groups of all ages at each show. It’s a voice that stands out in the crowd‚ one you won’t soon forget!
Hank Williams‚ Sr. is what finally hooked Mark. He realized that Country Music and song writing were where his heart was. After hearing “Your Cheatin’ Heart‚” a tune Mark often includes in his sets‚ Mark bought his first guitar at age 18.
Mark started learning music under his musical mentor and friend‚ Zeke Nagy. Nagy was a major player in the Bluegrass and Old Time Music scene in New Jersey at one time‚ and the elder Zeke was the first to invite Mark to his debut performance. Zeke shepherded the buddy artist through jams and events sponsored by the NJ Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association. Mark’s first CD entitle “Pocono Joe” includes a song written by mark entitled “From your Soul” *track 2* on his new release. This song was written from the words Zeke told Mark “God‚ Family & Music” keep it in that order and you will be ok. It’s a great song!
From those solid roots‚ Mark has expanded his artistry and vision. He has ventured into doing his own bluegrass shows‚ as well as opening for major recordings acts at Six Flags Great Adventure. Mark’s music can also be heard up and down the East Coast and recently as far as air play in Canada!
Mark has received recognition from several local newspapers and radio hosts. To find out more on Mark’s career go to google.com and search MARK MIKLOS.
Hank Williams‚ Sr. is what finally hooked Mark. He realized that Country Music and song writing were where his heart was. After hearing “Your Cheatin’ Heart‚” a tune Mark often includes in his sets‚ Mark bought his first guitar at age 18.
Mark started learning music under his musical mentor and friend‚ Zeke Nagy. Nagy was a major player in the Bluegrass and Old Time Music scene in New Jersey at one time‚ and the elder Zeke was the first to invite Mark to his debut performance. Zeke shepherded the buddy artist through jams and events sponsored by the NJ Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association. Mark’s first CD entitle “Pocono Joe” includes a song written by mark entitled “From your Soul” *track 2* on his new release. This song was written from the words Zeke told Mark “God‚ Family & Music” keep it in that order and you will be ok. It’s a great song!
From those solid roots‚ Mark has expanded his artistry and vision. He has ventured into doing his own bluegrass shows‚ as well as opening for major recordings acts at Six Flags Great Adventure. Mark’s music can also be heard up and down the East Coast and recently as far as air play in Canada!
Mark has received recognition from several local newspapers and radio hosts. To find out more on Mark’s career go to google.com and search MARK MIKLOS.