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Meet the people behind the sounds and sites of
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Upright Bass |
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KYLE PERKINS, senior member of the group is a resident of Somerset, KY joining THE LARRY STEPHENSON BAND playing the upright bass, making his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in September 2006. Kyle is one of the youngest members of the group, but doesn't sound like a young player by any means, with his great timing and tone. The LSB is very proud to have him as part of their prestigious ensemble. Kyle comes from a strong background of pickers including his father, who is the sole teacher behind his rock-solid playing, and his grandfather who has been a bluegrass performer for over 60 years, influencing his style. Kyle has already proven to be one of the best musicians around even at this early stage in his career by performing with such groups as David Parmley & Continental Divide, Randy Kohrs, and Gary Brewer. Some of Kyle's inspirations to be a better bluegrass musician are: Sammy Shelor, Elmer Burchett, Wayne Fields, Mike Anglin, Ronald Mosley, Tim Caudill, Randall Barnes, David Parmley, Randy Graham, Dale Perry, Larry Stephenson and the boys & girl, and of course, his family. Off the road, Kyle enjoys fishing, riding four-wheelers, playing pool, spending time with his girlfriend and giving lessons as he is also an accomplished banjo player. Kyle is destined to be one of the best in the business. Back to Top |
Kristin Scott Benson |
Banjo & Vocals |
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KRISTIN SCOTT BENSON began for her second time around with THE LARRY STEPHENSON BAND November 2006. She grew up in Union, South Carolina, surrounded by a musical family and started playing mandolin when she was five, but found her true calling when given a much-anticipated banjo for Christmas at the age of thirteen. She relocated to Nashville to attend Belmont University, where she then found her self joining THE LARRY STEPHENSON BAND spending almost five years with the group, playing on recordings "I See God," "On Fire," and "Two Hearts on the Borderline." During Kristin's reign the band was featured once again on the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited and was making numerous appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and The Nashville Network. Kristin has attained a national identity as one of the top bluegrass banjo players on the scene. With personal cover stories in Bluegrass Now and Banjo Newsletter, persistent touring, and renowned recording efforts, people have become very aware of this young talent. Kristin’s latest solo release on Pinecastle Records, "Straight Paths", is a collection of instrumentals that range from traditional approaches to original and new acoustic songs. Before rejoining Stephenson, she preformed and/or recorded with artist such as Larry Cordle, Laurie Lewis, Chris & Sally Jones, Honi Deaton, IIIrd Tyme Out, Ronnie Reno, Roland White, Jim Hurst, Rhonda Vincent, Valerie Smith, Mickey Harris, & Josh Williams among others. The LSB now welcomes her re-addition to the group and looks forward to showcasing her talents at a show near you. Back to Top |
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| Jason Barie | Fiddle & Vocals |
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JASON BARIE, made his debut with the group in January 2007 supporting the first ever fiddle position in THE LARRY STEPHENSON BAND. Originally from Tampa, Florida Jason began classical violin at the ripe age of ten years old, at thirteen he began his endeavors in some bluegrass fiddle lessons and joined his first kids band (Jeff Jones Band), with the support of his family traveling around to festivals. He then moved on to playing at a local restaurant, filling in with several bands during the same stretch, recording on numerous projects and TV segments, fulfilling classical, gospel, bluegrass and country orientations. While still in high-school Jason sat first chair in the orchestra and became a six-time Florida State Fiddle Champion. He has toured with Bobby Osborne, Sand Mountain Boys, Carolina Road and has filled in or taken the stage with numerous artists such as: Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Chubby Wise, Vassar Clements, Bluegrass Cardinals, David Parmley, James King, Lewis Family among others including the weekly "Bluegrass Train" television show. You may find him on over 20 albums to his credit. While off the road you may find him spending time with his wife and new baby boy born in April 2006, making custom cabinets, giving music lessons, hunting, fishing or working with his church family. You may find him on his solo projects My Great Grandfather's Fiddle, & The Past Is Present released late 2007. His addition to the LARRY STEPHENSON BAND is bitter sweet as the group says goodbye to their 18 year old four-piece and says HELLO to their NEW five-piece ensemble. Jason states, "I'm looking forward to working with this fine group of musicians and singers in the LSB". |
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Manager/Agent/Merchandise/Graphic & Web Design/Photographer/Hair-Makeup Artist |
![]() Click Here to see the first "State of the Union" article written by Caroline Wright and published by Bluegrass Now featuring Dreama Stephenson |
Dreama Stephenson, is the wife of Larry Stephenson. No she doesn't play
an instrument but is an intricate member of the Larry Stephenson Band,
Inc. She travels on the road and enjoys meeting the people while working the
band's merchandise table. Dreama is from Rocky Mount, Virignia and now resides outside of Nashville with her husband. You
may find her as manager of the group
along with public relations, and merchandiser, being some of the key words. While on
the road with the band she also helps as bus driver and on occasion promoting
her families Tripple Creek Music
Campground Bluegrass Festival held in Rocky Mount, VA each May. After only
a little over 6 years of promoting her new Festival in the Pines show, she took home the 2004 SPBGMA
"Promoter of the Year" Award. In 2006 she gave back the reins of the
festival to her father along with the new festival name to give her time to
dig deeper into her graphic arts & photography business. Off the road you can find her serving as a
Hair and Make-up Artist, BeautiControl Cosmetics Skincare & Image Consultant,
Photographer
DreamBEEArtPhotography.com, Graphic
Design/Internet Artist, and Promotional Sales for her own company "DreamBEE Creations & Designs"
where she designs CD covers, websites, T-shirts, caps, programs, CD openers &
much more.
During any spare time off the road, riding her horse Cash, visiting with
friends and family to enjoying life are key elements. |
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