Mountain Cove Bluegrass is a six-member band comprised of talented young musicians ranging in age from 15 to 18 from two Chattanooga area high schools. Originally founded during school lunch periods in 2008, Mountain Cove Bluegrass has enjoyed a rapid rise in popularity in several southeastern states. They have garnered frequent news media attention for outstanding instrumental work, close vocal harmonies, and their energetic stage presence.

Banjo player Cody Harvey started Mountain Cove Bluegrass in 2008 during lunch breaks at Signal Mountain Middle High School. The young musicians also jammed together whenever possible at Walden Ridge’s famed Mountain Opry, where Cody met two band members that hail from Hixson High School. The group began performing in late 2008, gaining audience approval and local media attention. Their first CD, “New Generation,” was released in late 2009, and is in its second printing.

Austin Adkins, 19, guitar ; Cody Harvey, 18, lead banjo, guitar and vocals; Mike Holloway, 18, bass fiddle and vocals; Colin Mabry, 17, lead vocals and lead guitar; Tyler Martelli, 17, harmonica, mandolin, guitar, and vocals; Wil Markham, 16, fiddle and vocals

Matt Downer plays traditional, regional music on the banjo and fiddle. A native to this region, he has learned the local tunes and techniques from the elder musicians of our southeastern mountains. He plays regularly with the New Binkley Brothers and has taken top honors at regional old time fiddlers’ conventions on both banjo and fiddle. Last year, he was awarded a MakeWork grant to compile and produce a collection of his field recordings conducted on visits with several elder musicians of this area. – http://www.slowtimerecordings.com/

Pontiac Blue is a soulful blues group based in Chattanooga, Tennessee made up of six veteran musicians. The live sets grow from subtle to savage as the band tunes in the echoes of authentic American blues, then sparks them to life with extraordinary vocals from Tootsie von Comare and dueling guitarists, Stephen Bajkiewicz and Lightning, as well as soulful keyboards from Bill Lefton and a rock solid foundation from the ultra-experienced road-wise rhythm duo, Tom McLaren (bass) and Mike Salter (drums).  It’s sweet soul and blood and guts blues, drawing on original songs, as well as source nuggets from the likes of Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Muddy Waters. Pontiac Blue musically acknowledges blues heritage while pushing forward with passion and intensity. And sound.
http://www.PontiacBlue.com