Appalachian Mountain Boys - What a pleasant surprise to welcome newcomers to the Smyth County Jam and also such talented and young fellows. These are our next generation of musicians and if they are any indication of things to come; we should not worry about carrying on the tradition of mountain string music!
Caleb Norris lives in the community of Glade Spring. He plays guitar extremely well and handles some vocals. Caleb says he plays a “little” mandolin. He is in the eighth grade and will be fourteen in April. He has one brother, who is eleven years old and plays the recorder, trombone and bass. Caleb's dad, Tim, also plays guitar. Caleb collects vinyl records. The late George Shuffler (who was a member of The Stanley Brothers Clinch Mountain Boys) is someone Caleb likes to listen to.
Austin Greer lives in the Adwolfe community. He is fourteen years old and in the eighth grade. Austin has been playing the five-string banjo for about a year and a half. He sounds as if he has played it much longer. He has a very good singing voice and an easy stage presence. Bill Greer, his Dad, also plays guitar. Austin is an only child. He says he likes most outdoor things as hunting and fishing. He hopes to make music a career later in life when he finishes his education. Austin admires the music of Earl Scruggs.
Austin Tate is the junior member of the Appalachian Mountain Boys; at age eleven. He is in sixth grade at Marion Middle School. He lives outside the town of Marion, going toward Brushy Mountain. Austin plays a superb mandolin, plus guitar and is now beginning to learn banjo! He says several folks in his family play music including his great-grand parents. He would like a musical career when he is through school. He enjoys outdoor pursuits as hunting and racing, especially dirt-track racing. Some of his favorite musicians are: Doyle Lawson, Bill Monroe and Rickey Scaggs.
