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Inspiration

The creation of innovative and original music is an ever elusive goal in this day and age. The Virginia Dare Devils’ mission to do just that is most certainly well under way. From their beginnings a year ago in the acoustic music hotbed of Asheville, NC, this group of seasoned tour veterans has embarked upon an organic musical journey rooted in traditional melody and tone layered with improvisational solos and textured rhythms reminiscent of 30’s swing bands. Add a little bit of grit plus big family-style vocals and a Virginia Dare Devils show is the crowd-pleasing product.<> Named after the first person of European descent born in the new world, the Virginia Dare Devils’ moniker conjures the image of a culturally blended life and honors the amazing spirit of this legendary woman. Born in what is currently present day costal North Carolina, Virginia Dare is said, in legend, to have wholeheartedly embraced the primitive culture of the Croatoan people after being abducted by them in 1590 along with the rest the settlers of what is known today as “The Lost Colony.

Bobby Miller: Mandolin-Lead and Backup Vocals

The legend of Virginia Dare appealed to founding member Bobby Miller while on annual holiday in Ocracoke Island, NC, as a powerful blueprint for the embracing of our ancient roots. A descendant of Tennessee/North Carolina Cherokee natives and Georgia Scots-Irish emigrants, Miller felt a deep desire to honor the spirit of the music that was so much a part his ancestors’ daily existence while bringing to it something fresh that also speaks to the pioneer nature of the creators of the mountain music he loves so well. Thus began the seventeen year musical journey from his humble beginning as a student of the music to present day. A veteran leader of local and regionally successful bands in the southeast, Bobby has spent these many years touring the Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida bluegrass music scenes with such bands as Cornfusion (Atlanta, GA) and Boss Hawg (Boone, NC), and under the tutelage of such bluegrass luminaries as Larry Keel, Reverend Jeff Mosier and Georgia Guitar genius Jeff Autry.

Stefan Custodi: Upright Bass-Lead and Backup Vocals

Stefan is a native of Aiken, South Carolina. He started playing acoustic guitar at an early age, always enchanted by the ancient tones of bluegrass and acoustic music. His formative years were filled with analyzing the guitar, but later when he enrolled at the University of South Carolina as a jazz studies major, moved to the upright and electric bass. After his stint at USC, he packed up his bluegrass roots and newfound musical bent to find himself in Washington DC where he began playing and recording with a number of local and national acts including Richard Green, Frank Wakefield, Fred Wesley, Big Hillbilly Bluegrass, The Patuxtent Partners, and Meta. Stefan is a “first call” studio musician in the DC metro area. He has played on albums with the likes of Arlo Guthrie, Bill Keith, Mike Auldrige, Mark Shatz, Gordon Titcomb, Nate Leath, and Frank Solivan. Now a permanent resident of Asheville, NC, Stefan is the newest member of the Virginia Dare Devils.

Griff Martin: Flat Top Guitar-Lead and Backup Vocals

Griff Martin is also a proud Carolina native and, curiously, the only member of The Virginia Dare Devils not to have actually lived in Virginia. Griff is widely accepted as one of the hottest young bluegrass guitar players in the region. His fluid and inventive style has been sharply honed from his early beginnings as a classical pianist to his current accomplishments as a Bluegrass guitar player. He has played with such Bluegrass touring acts as Boss Hawg and Buncombe Turnpike. His musical talent has taken him nationwide as well as overseas in a tour to Spain. In addition to his accomplished guitar playing, he may be found playing Bluegrass Banjo, Mandolin and even Electric Guitar.