North Georgia band BlueBilly Grit took first place in the nationally renowned Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition located in southwestern Colorado this year. Competing against eight other bands in the preliminary round and then moving onto the final round, the band played on the main stage for several thousand festival attendees and emerged as the winner. Along with prize money, the band won a highly sought after spot in next year’s festival line up. Previous winners of this prestigious contest include Nickel Creek and the Dixie Chicks.
“We have put years of hard work into this band. Winning Telluride and playing the main stage is a dream come true,” said banjoist Mark Garrison of Maysville, Ga. Other members include guitarist Shawn Hart and vocalist Amber Starr Hollis from Commerce, Ga., as well as mandolin player Roman Gaddis, fiddle player Patrick Chisolm, and upright bassist Adam Rambin, all from Dahlonega, Ga.
Since forming in 2008, BlueBilly Grit has released two albums, Mill Grinder’s Blues, and Ready For A Change. The albums showcase the songwriting talents of Mark, Shawn, and Amber, featuring driving bluegrass with modern lyrics and seamless harmony. Both cds have received airplay in the United States as well as abroad.
This past year BlueBilly Grit has played festivals and venues in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina as well as hosting their own “Tony and Ann Ianuario” annual festival that honors a former band mate and wife who died in an auto accident in early 2009. They also recently appeared on the Sport South fishing show, “Nuts and Bolts of Fishing” with Captain Cefus McRae.
With the Telluride win the band is excited about what the upcoming year has in store. They hope to broaden their fan base and their touring schedule. For more information visit www.bluebillygrit.com or contact Mark Garrison at 706 215-1856.