As they note the departure of long-time fiddler Jeff Michael, Big Country Bluegrass is pleased to announce that Don Rigsby will be working selected shows with the band in his stead.
Bluegrass fans primarily know Don as a mandolinist and lead/tenor vocalist, but he is a fine fiddler as well. In fact, the first time I ever saw Don on stage was playing fiddle with The Bluegrass Cardinals in the early 1990s. Rigsby went on to be an integral part of J.D. Crowe & The New South and Lonesome River Band before branching out as a solo artist in 2001, when he also took on a new role as a music educator.
Don has committed to doing 20-25 shows with Big Country Bluegrass in 2012, contributing on both fiddle and vocals, with Billy Hawks from Junior Sisk & Rambler’s Choice filling in on occasion as well.
BCB banjo man Lynwood “That Ain’t Bluegrass” Lunsford tells us that until they finalize plans for their new lead singer to come aboard, Johnny Williams will fill that role, one he recently vacated to perform again with his wife as Johnny & Jeanette Williams.
“We hope to make an announcement of the new lead vocalist for Big Country Bluegrass very soon. All I can say at this point is, Ken Irwin at Rounder Records once commented that this guy had a voice big enough to build a band around! Stay tuned!
Big Country Bluegrass would like to wish Johnny and Jeff much success in the future, and to thank them for their enormous contributions to Big Country Bluegrass! We encourage all our friends and fans to support both of them in their new endeavors.”
The band continues to be managed by founding members Tommy and Teresa Sells on mandolin and guitar, respectively, with Tony King on bass.
You can follow their tour schedule online.
