Chuck Mead

After leading several popular '80s cult bands in and around his hometown of Lawrence, Kansas, Chuck Mead landed on Nashville's Lower Broadway where he co-founded the famed '90s Alternative Country quintet BR549. The band's seven albums, three Grammy nominations and the Country Music Association Award for Best Overseas Touring Act would build an indelible bridge between authentic American Roots music and millions of fans worldwide. With BR on hiatus, Chuck formed The Hillbilly All-Stars featuring members of The Mavericks, co-produced popular tribute albums to Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, guest-lectured at Vanderbilt University, and became a staff writer at one of Nashville's top song publishers. In 2009, he released his acclaimed solo debut album, Journeyman's Wager, and toured clubs, concert halls and international Rock, Country and Rockabilly festivals with his band The Grassy Knoll Boys.

Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash

Mark Stuart, singer-songwriter, and founder of the critically acclaimed band Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash was given permission to use the band's name by Johnny Cash himself- then personally invited to record songs for his first cd at Cash's home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Stuart is a passionate advocate of keeping the sounds and traditions of American Roots Music alive, while doing his best to stretch its boundaries. Stuart is a strong believer in taking the music to the people. His constant touring and hard work have built him a loyal grass roots following both in the States and abroad. Stuart and BSOJC have shared the stage with such notables as Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Willie Nelson, John Hiatt, Lucinda Williams, George Jones, and Steve Earle.

They have built an international reputation as skilled recording artists and tireless live performers. BSOJC's music has recently found more exposure on the HBO hit television series True Blood and Joan of Arcadia, their four albums have all spent time at the top of the worldwide Americana Charts. Mark Stuart and BSOJC have been a creative force on the Alt-Country/Americana Music scene for the last 15 years. Their latest creative project The "Bluegrass Bastards" is scheduled for release in 2012.