Nathan Gates (banjo, guitar, lead and harmony vocals) started out traveling with in a musical family, his father put a mandolin in his hands because it seemed the perfect size for a 9 year old. But two years later he realized that while the mandolin was the perfect size, the banjo was the perfect fit, and he's been playing banjo ever since. Inspired by people like Little Roy Lewis, The New Tradition, and The Franz Family, Nathan's style has become his very own .Nathan works throughout the week as an electrician in Bloomington. In his spare time Nathan dabbles in all things electronic, and audio\visual equipment. Four years ago Nathan began putting his hobby to good use by opening his own recording studio,and startig: Brite Production Records
Ken "Thumper" Roberts (bass, lead vocals) brings his solid bass rhythm to Band, he grew up with bluegrass, country, and gospel music in the house. It took some years of listening to appreciate this style of music but "it is in my blood and will not disappear". Ken has been playing for about 9 years, sang all his life. He received 1st place bass player in the ITCMA for 7 years and it is a honor to hold this title. He also plays guitar, some dobro and mandalin. "I am were I need to be in the music and NewHeir is a awesome group to be in". Ken blends right in with the bands tight, polished sound. He makes his home Mexico Mo. and works full-time at Forrest Chevrolet
Charity Gates (mandolin, lead, and harmony vocals) has played the mandolin for a little over 3 years, but is no stranger to music. She took vocal lessons from Milikin University, and you may have heard her dynamic voice at town festivals and even the Illinois State Fair. When she is not on the road with the band, she goes to Paul Mitchell school of Cosmotology.
Lee Schofield (guitar, lead, and harmony vocals) from Monticello, Il. Lee has played guitar for over 30 years. At age 12 he was among the youngest students accepted to Western Illinois Universary Summer Music Program, and later studied Music Theory at The Universary of California. While Lee's Guitar playing is exceptional, and his vocals strong, It's his upbeat attitude, and unusual sense of humor, that has the audience (and band members) laughing throughout the entire show! While not on the road Lee works for IDOT keeping the roads clear, and the rest areas maintained.
Caleb Gates (dobro, lead and bass vocals) is the youngest member of the group. (and he let's us know about ) In addition to playing the dobro for a mere two and a half years Caleb has also expanded his talents to the piano, guitar, and pretty much anything else with strings. Born, and raised in Bloomington Il Caleb also traveling with the family never showed much interest in playing any instrument until he was about 14 thats when he really began to go after music. He has written quite a number of songs that we hope to soon incorporate into the show, outside of singing Caleb works at a Christian bookstorein our hometown, and in his free time is usually watching a movie, hanging out with friends, and being a typical teenager.
.
