Patrick Russell developed his love for bluegrass music growing up in East Tennessee. While in the military, he pursued bluegrass wherever he could, sometimes form bands in unlikely places. A bluegrass band formed in South Korea, “Just Grass”, won the All Army Battle of the Bands in 2000, competing against bands from all for genres of music from around the world. After retiring from the Army, he moved back to the southeast and its bluegrass nest bed. Patrick wrote 4 originals here, including the title song “Gravel in my Shoe “that spins a wistful tale of the wanderlust residing in many of us. He pays homage to the Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe in “Hear That Mandolin Ring.” Our two spiritual offerings also came from Patrick, “Walk a Mile” and “The Guiding Light.” Patrick is a member of Willie Wells and the Blueridge Mountain Grass.

Back in the 60's, Nathan started listening to the Kingston Trio, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez. That was when he first fell in love with folk music. Some 50 years later, as his kids began to play in their school orchestras, Nathan started bringing them to Bill's Pickin' Parlor to perform on stage. After seeing how much fun they were having, he decided he would try his hand at it, and began learning the guitar. Eventually, he founded the Saluda River Band. Nathan is in-charge of organizing our House Concerts to raise funds for the Youth in Bluegrass and Traditional Music Scholarships.

Dr. Klein began playing music when he was 15 years old after listening to his parents' Americana record collection. His first exposure to bluegrass was via Flatt and Scruggs. After hearing Earl Scruggs playing the banjo, he was hooked. Dr. Klein has since learned to play multiple instruments, including the guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro, and even the accordion! Dr. Klein was one of the original board members of the SCBTMA when it was founded in 1991. Dr. Klein hosted the NPR radio program called, “The Bluegrass Tradition,” and retired from that after 30 years, in 2015. From 1989 to 2011 he played with, “Bill Wells and the Blueridge Mountain Grass,” and he has continued to play at various local bluegrass settings. He has pitched in with various bands from time to time, including the Flat Out Strangers, Amick Junction, the Carolina Rebels, Palmetto Blue, and many others. He continues to advise the board as acting Past President, drawing on his vast knowledge and experience of bluegrass and traditional music.

Larry was raised around Bluegrass music in and around Winston Salem, NC. His grandfather was a craftsman who produced folk style homemade banjos. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he eventually would call Columbia, SC home. After several years of attendance, at Bills Picking Parlor as a listener and friend of the late Bill Wells, he was invited to join SCBTMA by Louise Wells at Bills Picking Parlor in West Columbia, SC. To help fill a need of the association he started helping with the membership and is serving as the membership chair person. He is proud to be part of the SCBTMA family.