The Hillbenders
The Missouri-based Hillbenders have claimed the title of the 2009 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition.
The Telluride Band Competition in Colorado is nationally recognized and has served as the proving grounds for such bands as Nickel Creek and The Dixie Chicks in years past.
Residing in Springfield, Mo., The Hillbenders are a string quintet of individually accomplished musicians; Nolan Lawrence on mandolin/vocals, Jim Rea on guitar/vocals, Gary Rea on bass/vocals, Mark Cassidy on banjo/vocals, and Chad “Gravy Boat” Graves on dobro/vocals.
Brought together through their mutual desire to write and perform original music, they combine the traditions of bluegrass with their own diverse musical influences from Jimmy Martin to The Beatles to Guy Clark.
The Hillbenders will return to Colorado in July to compete in the equally prestigious Rockygrass Bluegrass Band Competition.
They are also working in the studio with producer Jeremy Chapman of The Chapmans wrapping up their first full-length record, slated for release early this fall.