Performers & Sponsors

Leslie Tucker is one of those rare talents that seem destined to turn the music community on its ear. As a songwriter, she has started out where most end up if they're lucky. Her writing is beautifully crafted but never contrived. As a singer, her pure and unadorned vocals have been compared in warmth to Kate Wolf and in strength to Linda Ronstadt. Veterans of the business have been quick to praise her eminently likable style. Tim O'Brien has said: "I would pay to hear Leslie sing from the index of a computer manual."
* James Leva is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter whose music is deeply rooted in Appalachian tradition.  James has performed with l traditionally focused groups exploring the boundaries of Appalachian music through his Free Will Savages period that was pronounced as “the perfect marriage between Ralph Stanley and the Sex Pistols.”  As Jones and Leva, his focus was on traditional style vocal harmonies. Since then his musical journey has taken him from exploring the Celtic roots of Appalachian music to performing renowned Cajun stars, and most recently has made explorations of the African roots of Appalachian music
* Nate Leath is a remarkable talent. Just 21 years old, Leath has thoroughly absorbed the roots of traditional bluegrass fiddling -- winning numerous contests including first place in bluegrass fiddle and best all around musician at the famed Galax Fiddlers Convention when he was just 11--and commands an adventurous musical appetite that often slides into a jazz influenced terrain (he also studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston). He is currently a member of the Old School Freight Train.
* Honest Labor is comprised of: Billy Friar on dobro, guitar and vocals; Lee Sauder on blues harp; Travis Weaver on bass and vocals. The trio takes its name from the daytime occupations of the band members and the way they approach the music. All three are skilled tradesmen. Friar is a stonemason; Sauder is a blacksmith; Weaver is an upholsterer. Sauder says they play music that is “honest and straightforward.” Friar is becoming widely known as a gifted blues singer, and the group adapts other musical styles to their acoustic blues method. They have been performing as an ensemble for four years.
* Loose Gravel Drummer Randy Huffman and keyboardist Skip Ravenhorst are Rockbridge County natives who first began playing together as members of the Lucky Pierre Blues Band in the 1970’s. In the late 1990’s they began conspiring with bassist Fred Baker, and ultimately formed the group Loose Gravel when joined by Jim Payette on flute and saxophone. In 2005 the band was further enhanced by the addition of Amanda Baxter, who emigrated from her native England to play guitar and provide vocals. When not occupied with their day jobs as rental managers, architect, bookkeeper, and farmers, the group enjoys performing an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, and music of various genres at parties, weddings, and festivals.
* Brad “Dog Soldier “Young describes himself as a simple Native American flute maker, nothing could be further from the truth. Brad views the Native American flute as about the most powerful instrument you will ever play. He believes the spirit and soul of the tree is brought forth by the flute making process but it is just a shell until the heart of a player is found to give it emotion. His simple approach to playing has allowed him to make music that stretches along a broad spectrum of musical styles. He has collaborated with many accomplished recording artists and song writers. Brad is also an accomplished flute player, having placed first place in the flute player contest at Musical Echoes in 2006.
* Bruce Clark was born in June 8, 1921, and grew up on Irish Creek in the Eastern Part of Rockbridge County. Bruce learned most of his music from his mother and father. Bruce’s concern that traditional ole time music was in danger of fading prompted him to start, with his son James, the Clark’s Saw Mill Old-Time Music venue. Performances takes place at the sawmill on Friday nights and the sound of his fiddle rings clear and true as he and his fellow musicians from the surrounding community cheerfully play such old-time mountain favorites as "Cotton-eyed Joe"‚ "Old Joe Clark" (Bruce Clark’s direct ancestor)‚ and other traditional tunes and they are regularly joined by over one hundred dancers and listeners.
* Toni & Andy Williams have been married for 30 years, and have played together for nearly that long. Andy played with the Plank Road String Band and the Hellbenders. Toni was a founding member of the Green Grass Cloggers and played with the local band Stay Tuned, and is currently organizer for several local music events. They both were in the prize-winning band Rattleshake Chili, and enjoy playing at home and festivals with friends.
* The Rag Tops are a group of local musicians who have come together specifically to play BoxerWoodStock. The band plays classic rock and all are veterans of the local and regional music scenes. The members of the Rag Tops are: Oakey Pruett, formerly of The Convertibles, on lead vocals and keyboards, Jeremy Leadbetter, formerly of The Convertibles and Slingblade, on guitar mandolin and harmonica. Mellyora Mason Groah, solo recording artist, on lead vocals, Rexx Rexrode, formerly of Slingblade, on bass guitar, John Goode, formerly of Deep Blue Jones, on drums and John Vita also formerly of The Convertibles and currently with Fatty Lumpkin & the Love Hogs, on guitar and vocals.