Rockin' Acoustic Circus

Oklahoma based Rockin’ Acoustic Circus was all the rage at this year’s IBMA World of Bluegrass events. The group’s youthful energy and fresh approach to acoustic music defines this exciting new group and makes them the new act to watch in the coming year. A new release (their third) and a new video are scheduled for early 2010. Turning heads with an overflowing talent pool and musicianship beyond their years, this six-piece ensemble comprised of five teens and one musical veteran are wowing crowds and critics alike.

“This band is open to all styles of music, and they are hardworking,” says veteran musician, Rick Morton, guitarist and leader of the Rockin’ Acoustic Circus. Morton once made a career out of fighting four-alarm fires but now, as “ringmaster” of Rockin’ Acoustic Circus, he is fanning the flames of one of Oklahoma’s hottest up-and-coming bands. “We really don’t talk much about where it all might lead. If we play on a level that’s consistent, exciting and fun, then where we play and when we play and how far we’ll go, will take care of itself.”

“From the first moment I heard Rockin’ Acoustic Circus, I knew that our Wintergrass audience would love them. They have that young energy that is so fun for audiences and you can tell they are all accomplished musicians that have a good sense of not only music, but performance as well.” — Stephen Ruffo, Wintergrass

The rest of this young band may not have had the years of experience as Morton, but all of them have spent a good portion of their young lives playing music. Defining the groove with his “Dawg-inspired” mandolin chops, Sterling Abernathy is an accomplished player with a couple of contest championships under his belt and Iron Chef of the eight-string. He makes older mandolin players so jealous their F-styles turn green. Eric Dysart’s impressive list of fiddling achievements includes being a finalist in the Nashville-based Grand Masters Fiddle Championship. His fiddle playing is virtuosic with his left hand as smooth and unyielding as his bow hand. Voted “best hair in the band” and playing banjo for only a few years, Carson Clemishire has licks to spare and banjo rolls to be reckoned with, plus, he’s already earned a first place contest finish. Emma Hardin, “bluegrass cellist” for Rockin’ Acoustic Circus is not only an accomplished young classical cellist, but is breaking ground by innovatively chartering a journey into new musical territory. Watching Emma’s brother, Zac Hardin (also classically trained) play bass is like watching a man wrestle a bear, but kidding aside, that bear is not going to win.

Now, these powerhouse teens – along with their musical mentor – have merged into one impressive band. As they continue putting their unique mark on their music and writing more originals to add to their already impressive repertoire, listening to their acoustical fused music influenced by bluegrass, jazz, classical, swing, blues and even some rock-n-roll, make them an incredible listening experience. “I’m really focused, and they’re really focused,” observes Morton. “Right now it’s about the music, about taking our opportunities to go play, play well, and have fun.”

– From Class Act Entertainment