Bluegrass Martins with special guest Mr. P
THE MARTINS
Today as yesterday, bluegrass music remains as down-to-earth and as relevant as ever in the hands and hearts of those who have the desire to come of age immersed in its mountain soul. Among today’s musicians, there is but a remnant talented enough to call forth and build upon the music’s heritage.
Bluegrass Martins are just such a band.
Affirming the musical legacy they carry forward, Bluegrass Martins have begun to receive modest recognition including eleven times voted SPBGMA Instrumental Group of the Year by Midwest fans, winners of the SPBGMA International Bluegrass Band Championship in Nashville, TN in 2007, and three of the family’s sisters were plucked temporarily for their inclusion in Bluegrass Bouquet – Daughters of Bluegrass (Blue Circle Records). Released in 2008, the all-star project was voted by industry peers to be IBMA Recorded Event of the Year in 2009. Including such well known talent as Sonya Isaacs, Sierra Hull, Dale Ann Bradley, Kristin Scott Benson and more, the Martin sister’s equal participation in such a nationally renowned project speaks to how well the group’s talent stacks up to some of the best in the bluegrass industry.
Born and raised where the prairie meets the Ozark hills in Morgan County, Missouri the band is now based in the ‘show me’ state’s capital Jefferson City. While becoming perennial favorites on the bluegrass circuit in the Midwest since 2001, they have entertained tens of thousands of guests at hundreds of events from California to the Carolinas, Minnesota to Texas, from Florida to Maine and many stops between drawing an increasing number of fans to their fold.
They instill hope for the future of the music through their tradition honoring stage craft, but perhaps more importantly, a younger generation of fan through their dynamic concerts and willingness to be Bluegrass in the Schools presenters and knowledgable workshop clinicians that are dedicated to paying their dues forward. A witness not only to the bond they share among each other but the commitment to share their love of bluegrass music with their fans young and old. Simply put – they embody the best of bluegrass music’s heritage.
“I have recently met some folks that give new meaning to “On the Road again”, the Martin Family Band of Versailles, MO. WOW ! What a touring schedule, but you know it doesn’t surprise me one bit. What a Talented group of folks! This Family Band will entertain you like you’ve never been entertained before. Now I’ve told you about the talent, which is great, but now I’m going to tell you the best part, they are some of the very nicest, and friendliest people I’ve ever met, and I’m one old boy that is proud to know them. If they come to your area, you’ll find out just what I mean… and if you don’t go to see them, shame on you!”
Bob Elston (Maine Academy of Country Music)
Bluegrass, Acoustic Country, Bluegrass Gospel
The Martins are:
Larita – Dobro and Vocals
Janice – Banjo and Vocals
Dale – Guitar and Vocals
Jeana – Fiddle and Vocals
Lee – Mandolin and Vocals
Anne – Bass and Clogging
Bluegrass Festivals and other Venues
2007 Rhonda Vincent Bahamas Bluegrass Cruise
Silver Dollar City – Branson, MO
Music In The Mountains – Summersville, WV
Blistered Fingers Bluegrass Festival – Sidney, ME
Podunk Bluegrass Festival – East Hartford, CT
Franklin Bluegrass Festival – Franklin, KY
Blythe Bluegrass Festival – Blythe, CA
Starvey Creek Bluegrass Festival – Conway, MO
Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival – Waldron, AR
MR> P
