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Biography: Nothin' Fancy Bluegrass Band
Nothin' Fancy was formed as a bluegrass band in September of 1994 with the purpose of competing in the East Coast Bluegrass Championship in Crimora, Virginia. Since their auspicious debut, they have grown in popularity, released 6 full length albums and one CD single, played the Ryman Theatre in Nashville, the Lincoln Center in New York City, the Birchmere in Alexandria VA, and have their own festival in Buena Vista, VA which is now in its fifth year. Nothin' Fancy is signed to the North Carolina-based Pinecastle record label, and with them have released two recordings, "Once Upon A Road" and "Reflections" as well as a Chris Sexton solo project "Coffee at Midnight."
NOTHIN' FANCY has enjoyed both individual and group sucesses including: The East Coast Championship, Galax Fiddler's Convention, Maury RiverFiddler's Convention, Virginia State Championhip, and many others along the way. But mostly "Nothin' Fancy" is a high energy Bluegrass Band that enjoys what they do, and it shows.
Mike Andes plays mandolin and does most of the lead singing and also does a fine job singing baritone. Mike started out playing at the age of ten when he recieved a guitar for Christmas. The following year he asked for a mandolin and that has been his instrument of choice for many years now. His song writting ability brings an additional talent to NOTHIN' FANCY. His distinctive vocals and polished mandolin playing can always be counted on to trigger a roar of applause from any crowd.
Mitchell Davis, a Lexington, Virginia native, sings bass and occasionally baritone. He was introduced to Bluegrass and Old time music by his Uncle Joe Conner. His Uncle taught him to play with the aid of "Earl Scruggs Banjo Book". His versatile and tasteful banjo playing adds just the right touch to the NOTHIN' FANCY sound.
Gary Farris sings tenor, plays guitar, and sings lead vocals. He grew up singing in his church choir and was a member of his school Glee Club. Gary did not find his admiration for Bluegrass til later in life and did not learn the guitar until he was thirty-five. His late start in Bluegrass did not slow him down at all and his POWERFUL tenor voice perfectly compliments the band.
Tony Shorter plays bass and sings baritone vocals. Another Lexington, Virginia native, he began playing bass in high school and was influenced by his father- Buck Shorter, his Uncle- Wilton Shorter, and his Grandfather- C. O. Shorter. Tony's background in Jazz, Country, and Classic Rock Music gives him the flexibility to handle anything thrown at him.
Chris Sexton plays fiddle, and is a graduate of The Shenandoah Conservatory of Music. The finished sound heard in his fiddling can be traced to his classical training as well as to his influence from his Father, banjo player Buster Sexton.
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