New look for Rockin’ Acoustic Circus

Along with their move to the Nashville area from Oklahoma, Rockin’ Acoustic Circus has made a couple of personnel changes.

The group got their start when the original band members were studying with Rick Morton, and he took on the guitar player/chaperone role when RAC began touring as young teens. It had been the plan for some time to have Rick step aside when a suitable replacement closer to the age of the other members could be found, but there was never a rush to make that happen.

This past September, they found Dillon Hodges, and decided that the time and the chemistry was right. Hodges got their attention for his skills as a singer, songwriter and guitarist. He had taken the Winfield guitar championship at 17, and at 21, he is now in his final year at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!). He has the distinction of being the only left-handed guitar winner at Winfield over 40 years.

Also new to the group since September is Adam Chaffins on bass, who comes over from the jazz world. He also provides his singing and songwriting chops to RAC.

Still remaining from the founding are Emma Hardin on cello and vocals, Sterling Abernathy on mandolin, and Eric Dysart on fiddle and vocals. Missing from their current lineup is the banjo.

Here’s a look at their new lineup recorded last month in Texas.

You can keep an eye on their schedule online.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.