There aren’t many bluegrass musicians born and raised in North Jersey, where you’re more likely to grow up as a disappointed Mets fan than a professional bluegrass guitar player. I was ten when I experienced my first festival, The Wind Gap Bluegrass Festival, and met some kids my age actually playing the music. It wasn’t long before I found my passion in the guitar and formed a group called Kickin’ Grass with these same kids that inspired me to play bluegrass. We were mediocre at best, but kids in bluegrass seemed to be a huge success for festival promoters, which lead to a decent touring schedule for a young band.
Kickin’ Grass sort of modulated into the group 2nd Edition, and a hobby slowly progressed into a decent summer job between college semesters. In 2002, 2nd Edition won the SPBGMA band contest and the bookings starting rolling in, making my attendance a challenge for some of my Economics classes. The following year was filled with life decisions as 2nd Edition made their last appearance on IBMA’s showcase stage. I also graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a B.S. in Economics and a B.A. in Management.
With full intentions of pursuing a career using my newly acquired education, I was a little nervous to find myself re-locating to Nashville, TN to join the Chicago based band Special Consensus. Within months, Special C was in the studio and I was playing and singing on a CD to be released on Pinecastle Records. I never had to sing lead before this studio experience and was pleasantly surprised when a song I wrote and sang was selected as the title track. Everything’s Alright released in March of 2005.
Song writing is always something I enjoy doing, especially with my life long friends from 2nd Edition. I co-wrote a hand full of songs with Alan Bartram, several with Mike Brubaker and a bunch on my own. With the help and advice of Greg Cahill, I was able to present these songs on a solo project, which also released on Pinecastle Records in September of 2005. Music business proves to be quite a challenge, leaving me proud to be able to leave my little mark on this unique and fulfilling genre.
So glad to have you as a friend! I pray my music blesses you. Please stop by my page and sign my guestbook. Feel free to visit often and keep in touch! In His praise, Yvonne "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to God while I have my being." Psalm 146: 1-2
Monday the 9th, then. Jeremy's coming in the afternoon to cut the lead, and High Guy will be in after that to do the tenor, so we'll just sneak you in with him. I'll holler at you to confirm.
So, I'm sitting in my office and turn on my XM radio and low and behold, what do I hear? Special C on the bluegrass channel. Heard your musical influences-- nice! :) It was a great interview and the music sounds terrific. Hope you had a good time in Texas, Bedford is my hometown! :) Will hopefully see you back in Nashville before too long! Take care on the road~ S.
Hi Justin! Joel and I are looking to come to see you in NC on May 10th. I need some more info. Do you guys sleep over or travel afterwards? I think I read you have an 8pm performance? We were thinking about staying over at the hotel or campground. Call me when you get a chance!
Dadgum, Dadgum, Dadgum! My favorite "6 letter" word. You're just a Cutie, Patootie! I'm petitioning for a revival of 1950's slang language. It's gonna' be swell!
