 LORRAINE JORDAN – Featured on project I and project II
Lorraine Jordan grew up around bluegrass music on the coast of North Carolina . She has performed bluegrass music for over twenty years. Lorraine plays Monroe style mandolin and is known for her hard driving mandolin chop. "Mandolin Rose" is the name of her first solo mandolin project. It has received great reviews from both Bluegrass Unlimited and Bluegrass Now. “Lorraine is a consummate performer, songwriter, emcee, and show organizer. She has the musical skill, personality, energy and charisma to go a long way in bluegrass music." ASCAP chose Lorraine as a finalist in the International Bluegrass Music Association songwriter showcase. She was the first runner up in the prestigious national song-writing contest at MerleFest. She was a finalist for female vocalist and mandolin player at SPBGMA in Nashville , Tennessee . Lorraine 's work was also a finalist for Recorded Event of the year at IBMA in 2005. Lorraine demonstrates an outgoing personality and charisma that draws audiences to the edge of their seats with every word and note. Lorraine Jordan is the band leader of Carolina Road .
 Dale Ann Bradley – Featured on project I and project II
Dale Ann Bradley has been described by Music Row magazine as a "gentle mountain songbird with a shimmering delivery." She has been making a name for herself within bluegrass circles and beyond since 1992, but Dale Ann has been singing forever. She is most definitely a mountain songbird, born and raised in the small Eastern Kentucky town of Pineville , where she first sang in a Primitive Baptist church and at school contests. But Dale Ann is more quietly determined than gentle. Her pure, sweet vocals are backed by the force it takes to propel a small-town girl from her humble beginnings to the national respect and acclaim she and her band now hold. Dale Ann has won Female Vocalist of the Year at SPBGMA. She was a member of the Coon Creek Girls and now leads her own band, Dale Ann Bradley and Coon Creek.
 GENA BRITT – Featured on project I and project II
Gena Britt grew up in a small town in North Carolina where she fell in love with the sounds of bluegrass music at a very early age. Gena has been a member of three critically acclaimed bands including Petticoat Junction, New Vintage, and Lou Reid & Carolina . She then went on to form her own band in 2001, called “The Gena Britt Band”. Gena won an IBMA award for Recorded Event of The Year in 2001, for her work on “Follow Me Back To the Fold”, and has received two other notable nominations. These nominations include Female Vocalist of the Year in 2002 at the SPBGMA Awards, and Recorded Event of the Year in 2005 at IBMA for “Daughters of American Bluegrass ”. Gena is also a 2003 graduate of the Leadership Bluegrass Program at IBMA.
 DIXIE HALL – Featured on project I and project II
Dixie Hall was born in the old country, England, and has spent a lifetime reaching into lives of all walks from royalty to gypsies, presidents to prisoners, princesses to coal
miners and Beatles and Dillon to the Cash and Carter clans. From this background emerged the threads that have colored the many songs she has and continues to lay before the bluegrass world. There is a song in or about everyone she believes; everyone and just about any situation. “Writing for the Daughters has been such a rewarding experience.” Hall says. “Let's hope there will be many more such opportunities.”
 JEANETTE WILLIAMS – Featured on project II
Jeanette Williams, from Danville, Virginia, is the lead singer and bassist for the Jeanette Williams Band. A former Virginia State Champion Female Vocalist, she has garnered four nominations for SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year and has been featured in both Bluegrass Unlimited and Bluegrass Now Magazine as well as the soundtrack of “Bell Witch - The Movie.” Listen for Jeanette's lead vocals with Michelle Nixon on the single "How's It Feel" from Back to the Well. The single is currently charting on the Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine's National Bluegrass Survey Chart. Look for Jeanette's upcoming album featuring a duet with the legendary George Jones.
 MICHELLE NIXON – Featured on project II
Michelle Nixon, from Louisa, Virginia has been singing, playing and writing music her whole life. She is truly happy when she's on stage and it shows! Her smile, talent and energy will have you tapping your toes and singing along. Michelle's second project for Pinecastle Records "What More Should I Say" was released in 2005 and appeared on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine's National Bluegrass Survey Singe Chart for the single, "I Know Rain." Michelle was very honored when Lorraine asked her to be a part of this special project. She truly admires the other female artist in bluegrass and feels blessed to call them her friends. Michelle won SPBGMA Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year in 2006 and currently tours with Michelle Nixon & Drive.
 VALERIE SMITH – Featured on project II
Valerie Smith grew up in Missouri . The child of musical parents, Valerie showed talent at an early age, and soon began singing rousing Baptist hymns in church. She later began to accompany her parents playing her fiddle and singing with local country and bluegrass musicians in her hometown of Holt and the surrounding area. Not only did Valerie learn to sing in front of an audience, but she learned to be an entertainer as well, a skill which has endeared her to thousands of fans across the world. A strong desire to learn more and to teach others prompted Valerie to attend the University of Missouri Conservatory of Music in Kansas City , where she received her B.A. in vocal music education and further broadened her musical horizons. Valerie, J. Gregory Heinke, and Kraig Smith founded Bell Buckle Records. Valerie recorded her first highly acclaimed CD, "Patchwork Heart" and formed her band, Liberty Pike. Since then, Valerie's music has taken her from coast to coast and around the world. She has been the recipient of IBMA awards and has been nominated for a Grammy Award as part of the Ralph Stanley "Clinch Mountain Sweethearts" project. She has appeared on the famous Grand Ol' Opry as guest of Hall of Famer Charlie Louvin.
 LOUISA BRANSCOMB – Featured on project II
Louisa Branscomb is a household word in bluegrass. She
was one of the first women to front a band playing
banjo, with Boot Hill, in the 70's, distinguishing the band as a songwriter with material "twenty years ahead of her time" (Lance Leroy). She went on to pen a song that kicked a generation of women into bluegrass, Krauss's "Steel Rails," and over 75 songs recorded by bluegrass bands, including two Grammy cuts (John Denver and Alison Krauss). Louisa took part in another previous IBMA Recorded Event of the Year (Follow Me Back to the Fold), and has earned numerous songwriting awards and invitational workshops. She runs Woodsong Farm Songwriters' Retreat in North Georgia. Congratulations to Louisa Branscomb who was inducted into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame honoring her writing and playing music in Georgia for 25 years. Click to read story from the Cartersville Daily Tribune.
JULIE ELKINS – Featured on project II
A native of Bozeman , Montana now living in Raleigh , North Carolina , Julie Elkins is a veteran recording artist, performer and instructor. Elkins, who started playing banjo at age seven, comes from a long line of musicians and vocalists. She has performed and released many acclaimed recordings with renowned bands such as Wheel Hoss, New Vintage, and currently with trailblazing bluegrass band, Kane's River.
 FRANCES MOONEY – Featured on project II
Frances joined up with “The Daughters of Bluegrass ” in 2004 to promote women in bluegrass while she maintains her own band; “Fontanna Sunset.” She has a long track record of band management ranging back to the early 70's with her first band, “The Bluegrass Generation”(recording 4 albums) which worked the National and International festivals & venues. In the early 80's she was in “Cherokee Rose”, (all female band), and around the mid 80's “Indian Summer Band.” Singing both lead and harmony and playing bass, Frances said, “There's nothing like 40 years of experience in the bluegrass music world. My commitment to bluegrass goes on to yet another fun project, getting to be a part of and recording this CD with “The Daughters of Bluegrass .”
 BETH LAWRENCE – Featured on project II
Beth Lawrence was born and raised in southern Wisconsin town of Kenosha . From early age, she performed with her family's band, "The Lawrence Family." Her musical interests led her to attend the University of Wisconsin , Parkside, where she pursued a degree in choir directing and voice. In 1998, Beth's passion for playing bluegrass led her to relocate to Johnson City , Tennessee where she became a part of the respected bluegrass program at ETSU. In the next few years, she spent a lot of time in the East Tennessee area, where she played with many bands including The Steven's Sisters, The Jim Hurst Band, The Gena Britt Band, and the house band for Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. Beth has been playing with The Mark Newton Band since October of 2003 and currently makes her home in Nashville, Tennessee .
 VICKI SIMMONS – Featured on project II
Bassist Vicki Simmons has been Dale Ann Bradley's musical partner for a decade. She had already been a member of the New Coon Creek Girls for more than a decade when Dale Ann joined the band. Born in California but raised in Berea , Kentucky , Vicki began her musical career in her early teens, learning guitar before switching to the bass. She won a job at Renfro Valley when she auditioned on-stage, and was an original member of the New Coon Creek Girls when the group was created by the legendary John Lair in 1979. Simmons' determination and commitment led her into a role as the band's business manager which she continues to this day. She plays bass and sings while traveling with Coon Creek.
 MINDY RAKESTRAW – Featured on project II
Mindy started in music in elementary school band playing the trumpet and eventually switching to euphonium and tuba in high school and college at Jacksonville State University in Alabama . She also recorded and played upright bass with Red and Murphy Henry for a couple of years and electric Bass with a jazz band “Public Relations”. Mindy, along with Frances Mooney, formed “Fontanna Sunset” 1998. Mindy fills in on bass with local Atlanta band “Ramblin Grass” and has been performing and recorded with The Daughters of Bluegrass . She was inducted into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Honor in 2001. Mindy has, on occasion, filled in with the Gary Waldrep Band and in January 2006 joined forces with Gary 's band on vocals and guitar.
 BECKY BULLER - Featured on project II
A multi-instrumentalist from St. James , Minnesota , Becky Buller now resides in the Nashville , Tennessee area. She holds a degree in communication from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City where she was involved in the Bluegrass and Country Music Program. In 2000, she released "Rest My Weary Feet," a self-produced solo release for SRS Records. Becky was awarded first place in the bluegrass division of the 2001 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merle Fest in Wilkesboro, N.C. Becky's songs have also been recorded by Rhonda Vincent, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Mark Newton, David Parmley and Continental Divide, the Kenny and Amanda Smith Band, and most recently, IIIrd Tyme Out and Carolina Road. Her second album, "Little Bird," was release in October 2004 and is available from Bell Buckle Records.
 ANGELA OUDEAN – Featured on project II
Angela grew up in Anchorage , Alaska with a family of musicians. She learned to play the fiddle and guitar by taking lessons, attending acoustic music camps for kids, listening to CDs, and watching her family and friends play. Angela was in many childhood bluegrass and folk bands that performed all over Anchorage . When she was 16, Angela became a member of the band Bearfoot. She began to get more serious about playing bluegrass fiddle after traveling and performing. After graduating high school, Angela decided to attend East Tennessee State University . Angela is planning on graduating May of 2006 with Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a minor in bluegrass. While in Johnson City , Angela plays fiddle with an up and coming singer/songwriter group called the Everybodyfields.
 HEATHER BERRY – Featured on project II
Heather Berry grew up in Sherando, Virginia. At just twelve years old, Heather won Female Vocalist of the year for the East Coast Bluegrass Championship. A year later she entered the junior division of VFMA (Virginia Folk Music Association). At the age of thirteen she entered the junior division of VFMA (Virginia Folk Music Association) and won first place. At the age of fifteen she entered as an adult and, by this time, it was no shocking surprise to anyone when she won first place once again. The Lewis Family and Charlie Waller are not the only big names in bluegrass that have noticed Heather's beautiful gift - she's also been featured by: Alvin Breedin & the Virginia Cutups, Ralph II & the Clinch Mountain Boys, Jim & Jesse & the Virginia Boys - just to name a few. She has also opened shows for Stonewall Jackson, Kitty Wells and Johnny Wright, John Conlee, IIIrd Tyme Out, Del McCoury, Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys, The Easter Brothers, Nothin' Fancy, and others. She has recently formed a new band called Dominion Grass.
 MEGAN McCORMICK – Featured on project II
Megan McCormick grew up in Kootenai County, Idaho, where she played electric lead guitar and sang in a blues band called eleven: eleven. She played in a band with her cousin Frank Solivan II, who is now part of the Navy Bluegrass/Country band; Country Current. At age 16, Megan traveled to Mount Airy, North Carolina to perform with Ginger Boatwright and Doug Dillard at the Mayberry Days Festival. She returned to her home state with Ginger Boatwright and performed at Anderson Bluegrass Festival where she was called “the best guitar player in the state.” At 17, Megan received the Public Performance scholarship at ETSU and traveled from there to Johnson City , Tennessee to be a part of the Bluegrass and Country Music Program. After finishing her first solo album, “Runaway,” Megan played with Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, and the Missy Raines Band.
 DONICA CHRISTENSEN - Featured on project II
Donica was raised in the small town of Washburn , Wisconsin . She began learning old-time banjo and quickly switched over to the bluegrass style after she heard the Minnesota based band Stoney Lonesome at a nearby music festival. At age 17, Donica's passion for music led her to move south where she studied at Nashville 's Belmont University . Throughout college Donica performed on banjo with the Belmont University Bluegrass ensemble as well as completing a BBA with a focus on the music business. Upon graduation in 2000, she re-located to Franklin County , Virginia where she worked as head of publicity for Doobie Shea Records. During this time she also performed as part of Jeanette Williams & Clearwater and David Via & Corn Tornado. Though Donica's main instrument has primarily been the banjo, she has been recently concentrating on fiddle, which she plays with the Daughters of Bluegrass.
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 MICHELLE BIRKBY-VANCE – Featured on project I
Michelle Birky-Vance was born in Oakland , MD and grew up listening to fiddle music played by family members. She started playing fiddle when she was ten years old. She mainly played in the regions of MD, OA , WV , OH and MI. Throughout the years she was a 5-time Ohio State Old-Time Fiddle Champion, 7-time WV State Champion, 4 times in Michigan , and 2 times in Maryland . She currently plays with the band Northwest Territory , which has been together for 7 years. Between 1994 & 1995, she also played with The New Coon Creek Girls. She enjoys playing music with her husband, Radford Vance, who also plays in the band Northwest Territory.
 CINDY CASHDOLLAR – Featured on project I
Cindy Cashdollar grew up in the famed musical community of Woodstock , NY . Starting out on folk and Delta Blues style guitar at age 11, she later switched to dobro. A later affinity for swing music led her to the steel guitar and relocation to Austin , TX to join western swing stars Asleep At The Wheel, with whom she played with for eight years. After her departure from the band in 2001, Cindy has continued to tour with different artists. She also has four instructional videos for steel guitar and dobro. She also conducts workshops across the country.
 HONI DEATON – Featured on project I
Honi Deaton was born and grew up in Irving , Texas , but moved to a small town in Idaho with her family when she was fifteen years old. Music was a part of Honi's life from the start. As a young child her father taught her to play guitar. She started singing and playing piano before she was three. She was lead vocalist and bass player with The Grasshoppers for eight years before moving to Georgia in 2001. She now has her own band with her husband, Jeff Deaton, called Honi Deaton and Dream. Despite her admirable songwriting and bass playing. Honi is best known for her inredible and unique voice and considered one of the finest vocalists in all of bluegrass.
 ANITA FISHER – Featured on project I
Singer/songwriter Anita Fisher was raised in the hills of West Virginia . Being the daughter of a Baptist preacher, she grew up singing gospel music with her family. As an adult, she branched out on her own into country and southern gospel. She is currently enjoying a lifelong dream of traveling and singing with siblings, Tina and Craig, performing with the Anita Fisher Band. .
 KIM FOX – Featured on project I
Originally from the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York , Kim Fox has been playing bluegrass music for 25 years. She, along with her brother Joel and sister Barb, were the core members of The Fox Family, a band that enjoyed a 22 year run playing throughout the US and Canada. Now Kim performs with 3 Fox Drive and she captivates listeners with her strong and expressive voice as well as her from-the-heart original songs.
 CHRYSTAL FRANKLIN – Featured on project I
Chrystal Franklin has been involved in music all of her life. Her talent was recognized at age 9, when she entered her first banjo competition in Seagrove , NC . By the time she was 12, Chrystal was performing at the professional level. She was invited to play for North Carolina Governor, James B. Hunt Jr. Later that year, she was invited to play on stage with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. When Chrystal was 13, she took top honors in the Adult Division Banjo competition at the NC State Fair. Her father is longtime bluegrass radio personality, Bobby Franklin.
 KRISTIN SCOTT-BENSON – Featured on project I
Kristin grew up surrounded by musical family. She has been playing banjo since the early age of thirteen, studying the techniques of banjo greats from Earl Scruggs to Bela Fleck. Having attained national renown as one of the top bluegrass banjo players on the scene, as well as a bachelor's degree in marketing, Kristin has enjoyed much success at a young age. Kristin has been featured on several bluegrass recordings and was a touring member of the Larry Stephenson band for nearly six years. Now she is currently playing with both Larry Cordle and Sally Jones & the Sidewinders. She has had cover stories in Banjo Newsletter and Bluegrass Now, as well as many television appearances featuring her unique style.
 MISSY RAINES – Featured on project I
A West Virginia Native, Missy Raines began playing guitar at age ten, but later switched to playing bass at age twelve. She has played with several outstanding musicians including The Brother Boys, The Eddie Adcock Band, Cloud Valley and The Masters, and is currently playing full time with guitarist Jim Hurst as a duo. Missy has received much recognition and many awards for her awesome bass playing including IBMA's Bass Player of the Year for 4 years in a row. She is the first woman to ever receive this prestigious award. The readers of Bluegrass Now magazine voted her Fan's Choice Bass Player of the Year.
 DEANIE RICHARDSON – Featured on project I
Deanie Richardson is a well-known fiddle player who makes her home in Nashville , TN. She is a former member of New Coon Creek Girls. Deanie is an outstanding studio-recording artist. She was a top ten finalist in the World Grand Master Fiddler's Championship for five years running. She is best known for her fiddle playing with Patty Loveless and has been involved in the projects Songcatcher, Mountain Soul, and many others.
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