2010 Performers
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Appalachian Trail
Appalachian Trail is a union of seasoned and innovative singers, songwriters, and musicians who are breaking new ground in the bluegrass arena. Combining strong lead vocals, tight harmonies, and distinctive picking, "the Trail" can move an audience with a melodic love song, then crank out a quick-as-lightening instrumental that will delight all. This is the group to watch, for their original sound is raising the bar in what it takes to attract audiences.
Tommy Austin, a native of Fall Branch, Tennessee, is no stranger to the bluegrass community. He started playing guitar and singing as a boy in local churches. Later, he moved to mandolin when he became interested in the bluegrass sound. Tommy helped organize the "Rising Wind" band, which toured extensively in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as "Tennessee Skyline," both of which made highly acclaimed recordings. Tommy has recorded with several groups, including: Ray Harper, Carl Story, the Hopson Family, Trey Hensley, and the Linda Lay Cracker Barrel projects. Currently, he sings lead and harmony, plays mandolin and mandola and shares the songwriting and arranging with the other members of Appalachian Trail.
If you know bluegrass, Tim Laughlin is a name you probably recognize. Hailing from Bristol, Virginia, Tim has worked with many of the greats in bluegrass music. While Doyle Lawson was recuperating from heart surgery, Tim filled in for the group on mandolin. He's also played with the likes of Jim and Jesse, Lynn Morris, Dale Ann Bradley, and many others. Doing his part to continue the tradition, Tim teaches mandolin during the day. With Appalachian Trail, Tim shines on the fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and harmony vocals.
Matthew Cruby plays banjo and guitar for Appy Trail. He is "up and coming" bluegrass. At a tender age of twenty, he has already established himself as a sought after musician. He resides in Fort Blackmore, VA and has won many instrumental contests in the southwest VA/northeast TN region. Matthew began playing when he was seven years old and says his greatest musical influence was Tony Rice. Matthew attends Northeast State Community College.
Vickie Austin has been singing for audiences since age six, when she caught the performing bug by winning two dollars in a school talent show. Vickie became her church's pianist at age thirteen. She learned how to play by watching her grandmother chord an old pump organ. Traveling to local churches in the East Tennessee/Southwest Virginia area as the Page Sisters, Vickie developed an extensive vocal range. Eventually joining Twin Springs Bluegrass Band, Vickie honed her skills on the upright bass. Singing lead with Twin Springs, the band won several band competitions, opened for several professional acts including Loretta Lynn, and participated in a recording for the Carter Fold, produced by Tom T. Hall. Vickie contributes lead and harmony vocals, upright bass, and songwriting to Appalachian Trail.
Allen Hughes is the most recent addition to Appalachian Trail. Through the nineteen-nineties, he, along with Tommy, played with the Rising Wind band. His distinctive style sets him apart from most guitar players. He also adds some strong lead and harmony vocals to the group. Allen resides in Erwin, TN with his wife, Lee, and his son Little Allen.
Website: http://www.mbus.com/bands/genadm/Appalachian.Trail.htm
Appalachian Trail - Schedule
| Stage | Date |
| Jackson Street - Gate City | 06/13/2009 2:05 PM |
