Rigney Family Bluegrass • Among numerous distinctions and awards, Andrew Rigney received 2nd place at The Merlefest Doc Watson Guitar Championship in 2011, and Grant Rigney 1st Place in the Masters Division at The Alabama State Fiddle Championship in 2012. The Mast Farm Inn is honored to be one of the official sponsors of Rigney Family Bluegrass. "The adjectives used to describe this family include ‘phenomenal’ and ‘blown away.’ They’re all true! This family quartet gets it done." ~ Terri Holloway, Prescription Bluegrass



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The Rigney Family is a high energy bluegrass band that offers an appealing blend of tight family vocal harmonies and innovative bluegrass instrumentation. The Rigney’s have a great sense of balancing the traditional with fresh new sounds that exhilarates your soul with energy, laughter, and emotion. Based near Nashville, TN, this established band plays over 70 shows annually entertaining fans in a variety of venues from Bluegrass Underground to Festivals, TV shows, a host of other acoustic music venues, and Private Parties. Bluegrass and Gospel that exhilarates your soul with youthful energy, laughter, and emotion. Respecting the fathers of Bluegrass, the Rigney Family holds tradition, flavored with their unique sound that keeps you asking for more. Rigney Family Bluegrass hails from Normandy, Tennessee – just outside of Nashville. They play numerous dates annually throughout the southeast and Midwest.

"What a phenomenal show you presented in Paragould last night! I had high expectations for the concert, and you greatly exceeded what I ever could have imagined. Andrew and Grant clearly demonstrated why they have won so many awards! They have each developed a style that would be envied by musicians triple their ages. You presented a tight show on stage, choosing great material that connected with the audience, and keeping the show flowing." ~ Marty Scarbrough, KASU

Andrew Rigney (age 18) has been playing guitar since age 10. He also plays the mandolin, banjo, bass, and bouzouki. His hard-drivin’ smooth sound gives the band its tight drive. Andrew sings lead vocals and harmony and contributes much to the band with his original songs and natural ear for music. In 2012 he added to his many accomplishments by winning his third flat-pick guitar title at the Tennessee State Fiddle Championships and placed 2nd in the 2010 and 2011 Doc Watson/Merlefest Guitar Championship along with his many other awards from festivals and contests. Andrew actively teaches private lessons.

"Andrew and Grant are virtuoso on whatever instrument they choose to play. Andrew plays guitar and mandolin. Grant plays fiddle and mandolin and both sing lead and harmony vocals. Mark provides strong banjo work and lead and harmony vocals. Melissa keeps the band together with powerful bass backup. This family band exemplifies everything that is right about a family playing together." ~ David C. Blood, Mixt Company

Grant Rigney (age 15) has been playing mandolin since age 8. He started on the fiddle around age 10 and also plays bass and tenor guitar. Grant liven’s up the crowd and the stage with his soulful, yet hot fiddle and great mandolin work. He recently added to his many accomplishments by winning the 2012 Alabama State Fiddle Championship (Masters Division) and Governor’s Cup. His other accomplishments also include National Championship Youth Instrumental Entertainer of the Year at the Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree in 2007, 2008, & 2009, Alabama State Fiddle Champion for his age division (2009), and numerous other awards from many festivals and contests. Grant typically pulls double duty in the band playing mandolin and fiddle and also sings harmony vocals. Grant actively teaches private lessons.

"I was absolutely blown away by the superb vocals and tremendous musicianship exhibited by everyone in the band. I’ve listened to a lot of family bluegrass and gospel bands through the years, some really great and others who are just enjoying a fun hobby, but the Rigney Family’s attention to detail in their harmonies and arrangements demonstrated to me immediately that this family is very serious about making great music. Although their mandolin-fiddle player is very young, you won’t find any "cutesy" stuff here! This kid can really play and is very professional on stage! Not only are they a pleasure to listen to, but they’re really nice people to boot!" ~ Chris West, Blue Moon Rising

Melissa Rigney grew up playing the piano and learned music at an early age. Currently she plays bass for the band and keeps things going with a steady beat. Melissa also keeps things going behind the scenes. She provides the organizational element of the family and has a keen ear for fine tuning a lot of the band’s music.

"Family harmony is something that is incredibly special. It is the tradition that built American county music. Rigney Family Bluegrass celebrates the heritage and tradition that comes from a solid love and respect of bluegrass." ~ Christopher Gowin, WSMV

Mark Rigney grew up learning music and singing in church. He began learning to play banjo as a teenager but didn’t get very far as farm work and school took priority. While in college, he gave up his beloved Gibson to buy Melissa’s engagement ring. He didn’t own another banjo for 17 years. Then she surprised him one Christmas with a banjo under the tree and that is the beginning of their story. Mark plays banjo, sings lead and harmony vocals for the band, and is the band’s manager/business agent.

"Familiar Paths" the latest CD from the Rigney Family is receiving great reviews! It is available at live shows, iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon and other online retailers. Radio Broadcasters can download direct from Airplay Direct.

For More Information
FaceBook • www.facebook.com/rigneyfamilybluegrass
WebSite • www.rigneyfamilybluegrass.com
AirPlay Direct • www.airplaydirect.com/rigneyfamilybluegrass
Twitter • www.twitter.com/RigneyFamily
ReverbNation • www.reverbnation.com/rigneyfamilybluegrass

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