"H O W D Y B L U E S L O V E R S"

Mel Jones and his Bag O’ Bones

	Mel Jones, born & raised in Chapel Hill, NC with the blues in his blood, toured as a drummer and singer performing rock & roll and rhythm & blues for years in the Southeast before he discovered the hotbed of bluegrass and old time music deep in the heart of Western North Carolina. Picking up harmonica and venturing on to a new realm of music proved to be just another stop on the musical path for Jones. He formed the first Bag O’Bones and the Piedmont blues duo of Wicker and Jones with finger style guitarist Danny Wicker in the early 1990’s and began a new career in acoustic music. Now he finds himself soulfully connected to traditional blues combining all his musical influences to create well-rounded performances that prove blues, jazz, and a little humor go a long way. The "Bones" have taken on many forms to become the powerhouse masters of acoustic blues that they showcase today. Jones has established himself as one of the region’s best harmonica players by winning numerous titles in regional festivals and earning a solid reputation for showmanship. He is also an accomplished songwriter, with recordings that feature much of his original work in Livin’ Bones, Blues from the Porch, When the Alligators Come to Town, and Bones to Pick.
	Don Story is from the acoustic music Mecca of Wilkesboro, NC where he is widely known as one of the finest guitarists in Western North Carolina. A lifelong professional musician, he recorded his first session as a drummer at age fourteen. Since then he has toured the Southern US with an array of blues, rock, and bluegrass bands most notably his own Split Decision in the ‘80’s and most recently with Don Story and The Fried Pies, as well as, R.G. Absher and Extra Measure. A Merlefest regular, he is highly sought as a teacher, session man, and stage performer.
	Dan Campbell, three time winner of the World Champion Bassist title of the annual Union Grove Fiddler’s Convention, started on a one-string wash tub bass with his Dad, Larry Campbell. Performing on tour soon established Dan as one of the most talented bass men in Bluegrass music. Performing alongside legends such as Don Reno, Bill Harrell & the Tennessee Cutups, as well as L. W. Lambert & the Blue River Boys. His romping bass licks have also made it to the same stage as Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, the Whites, and Jerry Douglas. Dan’s musical influences include Tom Grey, John Palmer, George & John Shuffler, Allen Mills, and Pete Corum.
	Kip Snow, originally from Elkin, NC now lives in Mocksville, NC where he owns and operates Counterpoint Studios, a music store known for its fine teaching facility. He has played music since he was old enough to hold an instrument and is a master of mandolin, guitar and banjo in a variety of styles from jazz and rock to bluegrass and country. A founding member of Dixie Creek Revival, he has appeared on the same stage with The Country Gentlemen, Doyle Lawson, J.D. Crowe, and Keith Whitley.

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