ETSU Bluegrass Band

The Bluegrass & Country Music Program at East Tennessee State University (Johnson City,TN) is one of the best friends this music ever had. The program not only nurtures the individual talents of aspiring bluegrass music students from around the country, but serves as home base for the equally diverse ETSU Bluegrass Band. The group has represented the State of Tennessee in concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and has toured Russia representing the United States at various venues as part of the Moscow International Folk Festival.  Their rousing performance style will be a perfect way to kick off the second night of Blockbuster Bluegrass Weekend. cass.etsu.edu/bluegrass

Twin Springs

The members of Twin Springs came together in the late 1990s to play for one school function and have gone on to become one of the most popular bands in our region. Vickie Austin (bass), Tommy Austin (mandolin), Todd Meade (fiddle), Matthew Gruby (banjo) and Matt Bright (rhythm and lead guitars) are familiar faces to fans of the BCMA (Birthplace of Country Music Alliance), Bristol's Rhythm and Roots festival, the Carter Family Fold and the Down Home in Johnson City. www.twinspringsonline.com

McPeak Brothers

The McPeak Brothers have been a widely respected band in the bluegrass and gospel worlds since they first started performing over 40 years ago. Usually considered a Wytheville, VA band, the group's influence has spread far and wide due to their long history of songwriting, appearances on television and radio, and memorable recordings. If you've ever tapped your toes to "Somebody Socked It to Mine" or "Bobbi," then you know what it means to be a fan of these superb musicians.

Fire in the Kitchen

A quartet specializing in Appalachian and Celtic music, Fire in the Kitchen features Tammy Martin, Debbie Shrewsbury, Teddy Helton and Linda Waltner. Instrumentation for the ensemble includes hammered dulcimer, Irish whistles, classical flute, Irish bodhran, guitar, bass, violin and viola. www.fire-in-the-kitchen.com

Robby Spencer and The VW Boys

Presenting "old timey country music and fun," Robby Spencer blends music and comedy, featuring a "drop-thumb lick" banjo style made famous by Grandpa Jones. Spencer was the first recipient of the Benny Sims Memorial Bluegrass Scholarship at East Tennessee State University. www.robbyspencer.com

The VW Boys

The VW Boys blend music, magic and comedy to present a complete variety show. Their performance credits range from Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN to openings for comedic greats such as Jerry Clower and Don Knotts. Members are Tim White (banjo, vocals), Dave Vaught (guitar, vocals), and Larry McPeak (bass, vocals). McPeak also lends his songwriting abilities, in tunes ranging from the silly "Big Fat Earl" to serious heartwarming gospel tunes such as "Saved By the Blood."
www.vwboys.com

The Booher Family

Northeast Tennessee natives The Boohers include Gary Booher (banjo), Lora Booher (guitar), Joseph Booher (mandolin), Jamey Booher (bass) and Rachel Johnson (fiddle) and all members provide their vocal talents. Smooth harmonies, great original material and tight instrumentation are a few of the hallmarks of this band, which blends the finest traditional, contemporary and gospel bluegrass. Their debut album with Lonesome Day Records, Grandma's Song , will be released in late spring, and a self-released gospel project, There's A Miracle Everywhere You Go, is also set for spring 2005 release. www.thebooherfamily.com