2010 MELTDOWN LINEUP


Audie Blaylock and Redline

Audie Blaylock took center stage in 2009 with a brand new self produced album on Rural Rhythm Records and continues to wow audiences with the energy of the early days of bluegrass at every show.

Born in El Paso, Texas into a family whose roots go back to the hills of Virginia and Tennessee, Audie learned to play guitar and sing with his parents and siblings, and went on to play locally in the Lansing, Michigan area where he grew up. In 1982, at age 19, Audie Blaylock joined Jimmy Martin and The Sunny Mountain Boys and spent nine years on the road learning the craft of bluegrass from one of the music's first-generation legends.

Blaylock is joined by Redline, a group of exceptional musicians and vocalists that include: Jason Johnson on mandolin and vocals, Matthew Wallace on bass and vocals, Evan Ward on banjo and vocals, and Patrick McAvinue on fiddle.

 

Chris Jones and the Night Drivers

Chris Jones will be the first headliner to be a “threepeat” performer, having brought the talented Night Driver band to Meltdown stages in 1998 and 2002. The festival is thrilled to have them back!

Jones is no newcomer to the musical spotlight. His resume includes appearances and recordings with some of the world’s most respected musicians including The Chieftains (he was featured on their 2003 U.S. tour), Earl Scruggs, Vassar Clements, Lynn Morris Band, April Verch Band, the McCarters and the award-winning quartet Weary Hearts, among others. He has performed as a sideman at the Grand Ole Opry and has been seen on such television shows as Conan O’Brien, Emeril Live, and The Grand Ole Opry Live. Jones’ collaboration with legendary country singer/songwriter Tom T. Hall led to the release of the duet “Man On The Side Of The Road” from Chris’ “Just a Drifter” album, which became one of the Top 5 airplay bluegrass songs of 2001. Most recently, he appeared in the PBS series “The Appalachians” as both a performer and commentator.

Chris Jones has been named Broadcaster Of The Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s annual awards for his work as a DJ on Sirius Satellite Radio’s bluegrass channel, Jones also took home a co-writer’s Song Of The Year trophy for “Fork In The Road,” the title track of an Album Of The Year winner by the Infamous Stringdusters. Jones will be broadcasting interviews and selected sets live from the 2010 Meltdown on satellite radio.

Town Mountain

Imagine a band that occupies the common ground between traditional bluegrass, outlaw country, and pure old time mountain music. Imagine a band with one foot proudly planted in the path of traditional bluegrass, and one foot stepping out into the unknown forefront of American string music.

This is Town Mountain, the exciting new sound from Asheville, North Carolina. Born out of the all night jam sessions and fertile picking scene of Western North Carolina, Town Mountain has emerged as one of the premiere young American bluegrass bands. Great original, tight vocal harmonies, a charismatic stage presence, and instrumental expertise place this group in the upper tier of contemporary acoustic bands. But, in the end, despite these qualities, it’s always the undeniable, irresistible energy of a live Town Mountain show that truly sets this group apart.

This is the hard-driving, no nonsense, slammin’ bluegrass that makes you whoop and holler and stomp your feet. Yet it’s mixed with just enough slow country crooning to keep it balanced. Just enough outlaw swagger to give it a honkytonk edge. Just enough contemporary, alt-whatever elements to make it equally appealing to non-bluegrass fans. And it’s mostly original music. Robert Greer, Jesse Langlais, and Phil Barker have all proven themselves to be prominent American songwriters worth keeping an eye on.

The band consists of: Robert Greer (guitar and vocals), Jesse Langlais (banjo and vocals), Phil Barker (mandolin and vocals), Barrett Smith (bass and vocals), and Joe Troop (fiddle and vocals).

Gold Heart

Gold Heart features the jaw-dropping talents of the three Gold sisters. This award-winning 5-piece band displays a  "fresh zest"! They are revving up crowds and raising roofs worldwide with their stunning harmony, solid lead vocals and energetic instrumentation. Their unique "slow drive" sound is unmistakable and captivating. Since the bands first stage appearance in September of 2005, the Gold sisters have been touring extensively and impressing audiences across the map! The girls "cut their teeth" singing acappella at church and their Mama taught them how to harmonize their voices together. Their Daddy kept the truck rollin' to the best bluegrass and gospel music he could find. Good music and singing from the heart is something the whole family enjoyed on the long road trips to and from their country home.

The band presents Analise on mandolin, Jocelyn on guitar and Shelby on fiddle, with each sister contributing vocals that together creates their velvety smooth and addicting sound. Their own Dad, Trent Gold, holds the band steady on bass, while Russ Carson tears it up on the 5 - string banjo. 

Gold Heart is a tight group that will leave a positive impression on you from the first note to the last. Their impact in bluegrass and acoustic music is bound to endure. Gold Heart has set a high standard and this group promises to deliver their very best.

Riley Baugus with the Stuart Brothers

Riley Baugus represents the best of old time American banjo and song. His powerful singing voice and his expert musicianship place him squarely in the next generation of the quality American roots tradition.

Riley first came to music through his family. His father had left his roots in the mountains of North Carolina in the search for work, settling near Winston-Salem and bringing with him a love of old time music and a record collection that included, amongst others, the works of fellow North Carolinian Doc Watson, which touched the young Riley on a molecular level.

Over the years, whilst working as a welder and a blacksmith by day, Riley played with many old time string bands

One fateful day, Riley got a call from longtime friend and collaborator Dirk Powell. Dirk was involved in the music direction for the Academy Award-winning film “Cold Mountain” and had convinced the producers that they needed Civil War era banjos made in the Carolina hills, specifically Riley’s handmade banjos. They also needed an authentic acapella ballad singer for the voice of Pangle, played by Ethan Suplee. Riley put the hammer down on the anvil and didn’t look back. A whirlwind Hollywood experience ensued, culminating in a place on the star studded “Great High Mountain” tour.

From there, Riley has made his own path, building in-demand instruments, performing and teaching at camps and festivals all over the world.

When not teaching or building banjos, Riley can be found out on the road performing with the likes of the Dirl Powell Band, Kirk Sutphin, KC Groves and for the 2010 Meltdown, will be bringing Trevor and Travis Stuart with him.

Finders and Youngberg

Mike Finders (say finn-ders), and Aaron and Erin Youngberg play banjo, harmonica, bass, pedal steel, and guitar, while they sing new songs, and tell new stories.  In the spaces between the seasoned vocal and instrumental performances, the synergy of this group sparkles brighter than the stage lights.  One can tell that this combination has a powerful hum about it, so as to shake the windows and rattle the doors.

Individually, they have traveled different roads to meet together here and now.  Mike, Aaron and Erin will perform at the 2010 Meltdown with a powerhouse 5-piece bluegrass band being joined by: Rich Zimmerman--plays mandolin and sings. He is the founder of the Boulder-based bluegrass band, Slipstream.  His authentic vocal style is reminiscent of folks like Tim O'Brien and Norman Blake.  Rich isalso owner and proprietor of the organic dog food company, "Pet Chef". Ryan Drickey--plays a mean fiddle and sings.  He is known for his subtle and expressive touch. While remaining deeply respectful of the traditions from which he has learned, Ryan brings his own musical language into everything he plays.  He is also the tallest guy on the stage.


Blue Canyon Boys

Winners of the 2008 Telluride Bluegrass festival band contest, the Blue Canyon Boys offer a unique style of Colorado Bluegrass steeped in tradition with enough excursions to keep all types of music lovers tapping their feet. This bluegrass powerhouse consists of Gary Dark on mandolin, Jason Hicks on guitar, Drew Garrett on bass, and Jeff Scroggins on banjo. Blending incredible brother-duet-style vocals and hard-driving instrumental proficiency, this energetic band is driving audiences to their feet and keeping them there. With two well-received recordings of originals and interpretations of traditional songs by the likes of Monroe, Stanley, and McReynolds the Blue Canyon Boys have become one of Colorado’s most celebrated Front Range bluegrass bands. Now available is their third release: House Full of Sorrow.

Duke City Swampcoolers

The Duke City Swampcoolers’ latest album, "Drained And Unplugged" is an exciting offering of eclectic bluegrass created by a high energy band from Albuquerque. The group got its unique name from an alcoholic concoction not unlike that of a margarita. The 14 featured selections on their latest CD are all band originals, many with idiosyncratic titles: "Last Roadrunner On The Highway To Hell," "Detoured Not Derailed," "Tequila Juice," and the instrumental "Swampcooler Breakdown." Other entries include "East Canyon Winds," "Coulda Been Whiskey," and "Larry And The Unabomber." With "Drained And Unplugged," the Duke City Swampcoolers have created a rambunctious and entertaining collection of high-octane bluegrass that leaves a yearning to attend one of their live shows."

The band is: Aaron Combs (Vocals, fiddle, guitar, songwriter), Bill Dufault (Vocals, mandolin, songwriter and guitar), Jon Bryan (banjos, ukuleles, vocals and tunes), Tony Smith (Acoustic guitar, vocals and songwriter) and Art Jarvis (Bass, vocals).

Antero Junction

Antero Junction first came together to prepare several tunes for Joanna Hyde’s senior thesis recital, in which she was slated to play Bach, Brahms and Bluegrass. Joanna, who had been working with Keith Reed for a couple of years at Colorado College, asked her brother, Iain, to join the group. What they have found from their first rehearsal is an instant, symbiotic connection. Keith, with years and miles of bluegrass experience, brings his well renowned, respected, driving, Scruggs infused banjo style. Iain and Joanna bring with them their American folk and Irish-rooted instrumental styles. Joanna, Iain and Sharon’s vocals provide rich three part harmonies. Finally, the addition of prolific bass player Gene Libbea creates a solid, if not virtuosic rhythmic foundation. What has evolved is a fusion of different, yet complementing styles, something that is new and exciting for everyone involved.

The Badly Bent

Winners of the coveted 2005 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition. The Badly Bent has been entrenched in the bluegrass music scene since 1997. The band has been touring extensively, from California to Indiana, and is kicking off 2009 with appearances at a number of festivals in the west.  The Badly Bent has proven its musicianship through the winning of prestigious music competitions and receiving accolades from many of its peers in the bluegrass industry. The Badly Bent released its second CD, "Olive or Twist" in April of 2007. The Badly Bent is comprised of Patrick Dressen (guitar, vocals), Robb Brophy (mandolin, vocals), Jimmy Largent (bass), and Mark Epstein (banjo, vocals).

Bar D Wranglers

Durango’s own chuck wagon superstars. The Meltdown is pleased to have the Bar D Wranglers once again gracing our stages. The band consists of: Gary Cook, a 2 time National Flatpick Champion guitar player singing tenor, Matt Palmer playing a hot fiddle and singing baritone, Joel Racheff singing comedy and playing upright bass, guitar, banjo and mandolin and Levi Mullen singing lead vocals and playing guitar.

Wild Mountain

Wild Mountain is a string band from Durango, Colorado that plays an eclectic and unique blend of mostly original bluegrass and Americana music focusing on life in the Southwest and Colorado. The band was honored to compete in the 2009 Rockygrass band competition and has been busy during the winter working on various benefit projects as well as their second CD. The band is a rich blend of musical styles featuring the husband and wife team of Brad Bartlett and Estella Moore on guitar, fiddle and vocals. Their original songwriting is the heart of Wild Mountain and mixes traditional and regional ‘mountain music’ with engaging social and environmental themes. Rusty Charpentier (bass, vocals), a virtuoso musician, is a music major at Fort Lewis College in Durango where he is mastering violin and numerous other stringed instruments. Elijah Stone (mandolin, fiddle) is the newest member of the band and also performs regionally with the songwriting duo, The Daydreamers. Wild Mountain is honest and engaging, and is excited to again be a part of the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown!

Waiting on Trial

It’s old timey with that youthful energy that old timey music had before old people were the only ones playing it. Musically their sound is distinct with the addition of Chris Lane on banjo and Ryan Doty on guitar bringing unique styles to their leads. Vocally it’s Eric Elliot that shines. Though the band brings together fine harmonies, Eric’s lead vocals are strong and ring true with a classic vaudeville tone, hinting of a time gone on. Rounding out the quartet is Ryan Zernis on bass. As a collective whole, Waiting on Trial is a welcoming addition to the Durango acoustic scene.

 


 

Under The Radar

On a night out on the town, local banjo player for The Badly Bent, Mark Epstein, and local guitar picker and singer, David Smith, realized that there were a few longtime local Durango musicians that weren’t in bands for the 2010 Meltdown.  It was decided then and there that a “throw together” band should work up a set for the festival.  Please join some of your favorite local pickers for a well rehearsed set of straight forward bluegrass music.  See the show and find out who’s in the band! 

Blue Moon Ramblers

The Blue Moon Ramblers are a Durango tradition. George Usinowicz (banjo) began playing Sundays at the Strater Hotel's Diamond Belle Saloon with the Marmot Mudflaps in 1986. A few years later he and Red Greer (fiddle) founded the Blue Moon Ramblers and continued the Belle's Sunday night tradition. Veteran Durango musician Jenny Winegardener (guitar, bass) joined early on, adding her beautiful whiskey toned vocals. The band recently welcomed Glenn "Junior" Keefe (bass).  Also, the band will be joined by Peter Neds (not pictured) ; one of the hottest country guitarists to ever call Durango home. They've been playing their unique blend of country and bluegrass to appreciative crowds at the Belle all these years. They are the only band who has played all the Durango Meltdowns. Please extend a warm welcome to the Blue Moon Ramblers.

San Juan String Band

The San Juan String Band combines their passion for the environment with their love of music to provide conservation education and environmental awareness through music with three part vocal harmonies. The group plays old traditional bluegrass tunes, ballads, and original songs. Their music is about mountains, rivers, forests, and the animals and people who live there. Their fun, interactive style engages audiences from preschool through adult. Band members are employees and a volunteer with the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management and include Laurie Swisher (guitar/vocals), Melissa Zwisler (cello), Sally Zwisler (banjo/harmonica/dulcimer/vocals), and Joni Vanderbilt (mandolin/vocals).

The Scrugglers

What's a Scruggler anyways?  Its not a bluegrass Muppet. Its not a Earl Scuggs cover band. It's three guys from here in Durango who love to scruggle every chance they get. What's scrugglin'? Well it's not in the dictionary..... yet, Earl Scruggs invented it, everyone seems to know what you're talking about when you say it, it's known to make people smile, dance, hot and holler, it's high-energy, it's fun. The Scrugglers are known for a light and fast style which comes their unique instrumentation. Steven Labowskie (playing an unusual 2-string Wash Tub Bass) put his machine together without even reading the instructions. Todd Webster (Lead Vocal and Mandolin) sings and picks songs that range from campground jam standards to those that might have gotten quite a look from father Bill. Patrick O'Halloran (Banjo) keeps up the scruggle on the tunneled one of a kind bronze Nechville 5-string while singing originals and favorites. This power trio likes to incorporate fellow musicians who are versed in the fine art art of scrugglin', who are many in the Durango area, so you never know who might sit in for a power-scruggle jam session.  


Jack Ten High

Get your bluegrass party on and get your seats early because this incredible ensemble includes some of Durango’s wildest pickers. While their upbringing was steeped in traditional genres (some for more than 30 years, gasp!), these guys have been seen around town lately playing styles of music described as, “Ain’t no part of nothin.” They promised to behave, put aside their evil drums for the weekend, and pick some real music for the fine folks of the Meltdown.

Playing a huge repertoire of Russ Crossland’s awesome originals as well as gems from the distant past proves a pleasant pastime for Durango bluegrass misfits Patrick Dressen and Hap Purcell. Rounding out this dynamic quintet are trouble makers Jimmy Largent and Bill Adams. Please – if you see any of these self-proclaimed saints wandering aimlessly around town, gently direct them to the nearest musical venue because they’re probably supposed to be on stage!

Giants Dance

Giants Dance celebrates the reverent and irreverent traditions of world Celtic music. They take particular delight in producing the quirkier or deeply moving songs that reflect the joy, pride, humor, and sorrow that is the Celtic Experience. Giant’s Dance offers original and tradition tunes, soulful vocal harmonies and astonishing acoustic instrumentals. The band features Kevin Dawson on vocals, fiddle, and bodhran, Karen Cunningham on vocals, flutes, and pennywhistles, and Steve Cunningham on guitar and vocals, three of Durango’s most seasoned Celtic musicians. Recently Eric Morningstar joined them on bodhran and other percussion instruments allowing Kevin to concentrate more on fiddle. The members have performed for over a decade at festivals throughout the Southwest including three previous Meltdowns.

Whistle Stop

Whistle Stop is a traditional bluegrass/gospel family band with a very unique sound of three female vocalists. Their love of bluegrass music started on a “camping trip” to Wickenburg, AZ in November 1995. To our pleasant surprise we were introduced to bluegrass music and it's wonderful family environment. Brittany shows her style on lead and rhythm guitar; and is a strong young vocalist. Her song writing talents clearly define Whistle Stop's sound and direction. Briana plays lead and rhythm guitar, mandolin, and spirited fiddle. She frequently surprises the audience with the maturity her voice commands. Carol, in addition to vocals, adds her Dobro skills, and Greg adds the standup bass and harmony vocals. Jake Workman who performed at the Meltdown in 2007 with the excellent Utah group Cold Creek will join the band on banjo.