We were honored to be a part of the new trail unveiling for the Tennessee State Rocky Top: Smoky Peaks to Crafts & Creeks program. Check this video out that features us performing our national anthem and “Rocky Top” for The State Commissioner of Tourism Development, Susan Whitaker, and the crowd at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, TN put together by See Pigeon Forge

WVLT Volunteer TV also did a segment of the unveiling that intros with our performance of “Rocky Top”

Monroeville has been nominated for a B.O.R.N. award by National Bluegrass. (Band On Rise Nationally)

Voting goes through May 18th. If you could take a minute to visit this link and click on Monroeville we would appreciate it!

Vote Here
www.nationalbluegrass.com/index.php/b-o-r-n/vote-for-b-o-r-n

Like National Bluegrass here www.facebook.com/NationalBluegrass

Like Monroeville here
www.facebook.com/monroevilleband

Monroeville will be performing at the Bristol Motor Speedway during the NASCAR festivities March 17th and 18th. Their first performance will be during the St. Patrick’s Day Party set for March 17th following the Ford EcoBoost 300/K&N Pro Doubleheader.

The BMS St. Patrick’s Day Party, which takes place in the hospitality area, kicks off at 7 p.m. with plenty of music and food, complete with green beer, green beads and additional surprise giveaways to keep with the atmosphere of the holiday.

George Wendt, who played the fun-loving, beer-drinking “Norm” on the iconic television series “Cheers” will be in attendance, presiding over the festivities. Among the musical guests playing that evening are Monroeville and Frankie Ballard. -BMS News Release

Monroeville’s second performance will be during the pre-Food City 500 Race festivities on Sunday, March 18th. The festivities include a performance by country music sensation Kellie Pickler and tours of the track.

Most importantly, Monroeville also has the honor of singing the National Anthem before the Ford EcoBoost 300 Nationwide Series Race on Saturday, March 17th. The guys are honored to perform their Nation’s song for all of the race fans at the track and the millions more watching on television.

MONROEVILLE has just added to their arsenal! They are proud to announce the addition of new member, Eli Johnston who will debut at the live taping of PBS’ Song Of The Mountains in Marion, VA.

Eli, a multi-instrumentalist, amazing vocalist, and prolific songwriter, will be making his debut with MONROEVILLE on Saturday, December 17th, at the live taping of the PBS show “Song Of The Mountains” in Marion, VA.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to play professionally with some of my best buddies!,” states Eli. “The future of Monroeville is very bright and I’m honored to be a part of it!”

Lead vocalist Matthew Munsey says, “We are adding a whole new dimension to the band with Eli. He has so much to bring to the table. We are excited to show our fans the direction we are going with our material, and be able to debut Eli on such a respected televison show.”

“Eli has some HIT quality songs that we can’t wait to work up!” says Monroeville’s banjoist Zane Petty.

Eli wrote and recorded the popular song, “Captain”, that topped the XM and Sirius charts. Eli’s songwriting adds depth to the band’s already chart-topping writer of The Lonesome River Band’s “Jack Up the Jail”, Daniel Salyer. Daniel, the band’s lead tenor, adds, “Eli’s voice has a texture and timbre to it that will really add some depth to the lead singing and harmony of Monroeville.”

“This talented bunch offers a textbook example of how to launch a new venture………..Important note… it only works if you have a product worthy of the hype. That they have in spades.” John Lawless, Editor, Bluegrass Today.

Biography: Eli Johnston began his professional music career with the popular touring bluegrass band, Nothin’ Fancy. Besides contributing the groundwork for the band with his upright bass playing, Eli honed his harmony singing and performance skills over his stint with them. Eli played for a period with Knoxville based, Pine Mountain Railroad, where he became acquainted with band mate and future Monroeville founding member, Matt Flake. It was during that period that Eli wrote and recorded the popular song, “Captain”, that topped the XM and Sirius charts. From 2006-2010, Eli was a regular performing artist at Pigeon Forge’s Tennessee Shindig theater show. Over these four years, Eli developed from a band bass player to featured lead singer in the show. These years allowed him to develop into a standout lead vocalist and performer.

For more information, and bookings:

Management: Sheri Clark Agency
Bookings: Booking Email

Embracing a crossover sound between progressive bluegrass and acoustic country, Monroeville has caught the attention of music lovers on both sides of the tracks.

Bursting onto the scene in the past year, the band is on the fast track to success. The energy, interplay and synchronicity they possess are characteristic of the most seasoned of bands, and their love for music comes across with perfect clarity, absorbing the audience into their experience and generating a genuine bond between listener and performer.

Their debut EP, “Monroeville”, was released on the newly-created Monroeville Records label on May 18th, 2011. Produced by GRAMMY nominated producer Jim Van Cleve, the project includes songs written by Skip Ewing, and Chris Stapleton, as well as songs written by Monroeville’s own Daniel Salyer. “Monroeville” also features a guest appearance by Skip Ewing and a duet with Cia Cherryholmes.

Although they are a young band, Monroeville’s members have reached significant career milestones – 4 of the young men are GRAMMY nominated artists, one is a prolific songwriter for several industry artists, and 4 have won National instrumental competitions.

In their first year, Monroeville has performed at a number of nationally recognized festivals and showcases such as an appearance at Grey Fox and IBMA, and on The Today Show.

Monroeville had the privilege of hosting the first Hard Rock Cafe AcoustiCana Series in Nashville, TN during IBMA’s World of Bluegrass, that was sponsored by Epiphone, the Gibson Bus, and The AcoustiCana Journal. They are also sponsored by D’Addario Strings.

Monroeville’s first music video was released at the Hard Rock AcoustiCana Series in Nashville on September 29, 2011. Shot by David Poag, director of Ronnie Dunn’s video, “Love Owes Me One”, the video is of the song “Pot of Gold” written by Chris Stapleton, and will be appearing on video channels soon.

Community involvement and service are at the heart of Monroeville. Their age and ability to relate and communicate with kids and young adults has allowed them give back to the community through workshops and youth events, sharing their skill and their love of music with a wider audience.

Monroeville are stars in the making. At the band’s core is a belief that good music knows no boundaries. They seamlessly flow through a range of musical styles and sounds, from bluegrass to country and pop, gaining the attention of a rapidly expanding fan base.

Daniel Salyer
Daniel Salyer is an experienced musician and singer born in Virginia and currently residing in Bluff City, Tennessee. He brings a strong stage presence to the band as well as his soaring high tenor. He is also a prolific songwriter having cuts with Junior Sisk, The Lonesome River Band, Mark Newton and many others. Daniel is the proud father of two boys, Logan and Peyton. He works as a Biomedical Engineer at the Bristol Regional Medical Center and has been happily married since 2005 to his wife Rachel.

Eli Johnston
Eli Johnston began his professional musical career with the popular touring bluegrass band, Nothin’ Fancy. Besides contributing the groundwork for the band with his upright bass playing, Eli honed his harmony singing and performance skills over his stint with them. Eli played for a period with Knoxville based, Pine Mountain Railroad, where he became acquainted with band mate and future Monroeville founding member, Matt Flake. It was during that period that Eli wrote and recorded the popular song, “Captian,” that topped the XM and Sirius charts. From 2006-2010, Eli was a regular performing artist at Pigeon Forge’s Tennessee Shindig theater show. Over these four years, Eli developed from a band bass player to featured lead singer in the show. These years allowed him to develop into a standout lead vocalist and performer.

Travis Houck
Travis Houck is a dobro player from the ranks of musicians graduated from the East Tennessee State University bluegrass program in Johnson City, Tennessee. He was born and raised in Chilhowie, Virginia and brings a strong bass vocal to the quartet numbers. He has played on stage with Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski, and Porter Wagoner among many others. He has also traveled across the country representing the University in their top band called the ETSU Pride Band. He was a foundational member of Barry Scott & Second Wind where he recieved a GRAMMY® Nomination for his work on their debut project, “In God’s Time.” Travis also is the founder and owner of Blue Edge Knives.

Zane Petty
Zane Petty is one of the most talented young musicians in the genre today. At 17 he has been nominated for a GRAMMY®, toured across the country and internationally, been featured in numerous articles and magazines, played for production shows in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and the list just keeps going. His banjo playing is as strong as those twice his age, and his repertoire continues to expand with his ever-growing knowledge of the music. He currently resides in Kodak, Tennessee and contributes his unique character and humor to the band.

Matthew Munsey
Matthew Munsey takes up the mandolin playing for the band. His musical career began at the early age of five touring with his family band. He graduated to a regional band at the age of 16 and quickly saw great success in the tourism entertainment business around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. He is a talented producer and recording engineer with a GRAMMY® Nominated project under his belt for his previous band Barry Scott & Second Wind. Matthew applies his business and production experience to his publicity company, Blu Wav, as Production and Publicity Manager. http://blu-wav.com He brings a fun stage presence and tight lead and harmony vocals to the band and currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife Juliana who is expecting their first child.

Matt Flake
Matt Flake, or “Scooter,” as his friends know him, began playing the mandolin when he was only nine years old. About a year later, he started fiddle lessons with Jesse Haycraft. Matt has started various groups over the years but has been a fundamental part of the group Pine Mountain Railroad where he has spent the last six years of his professional career. He has won state champion competitions on three different instruments in Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Alabama. Currently, Matt plays a custom-made John Silakowski five-string fiddle. In March 2008, Matt married his Tennessee sweetheart, Betsy, and moved to Sevierville, Tennessee from his home place in Leitchfield, Kentucky.

Together, these young and talented men will bring energy, skill and entertainment to your event through their experience and showmanship. They are hard workers and driven to succeed in their profession.

Management
Sheri Clark Media
615-752-2848
Email Sheri Clark

Publicity
Blu Wav
615-878-4183
Email Blu Wav

Mailing Address
Monroeville
PO Box 268
Spring Hill, TN 37174

Embracing a crossover sound between progressive bluegrass and acoustic country, Monroeville has caught the attention of music lovers on both sides of the tracks.

Bursting onto the scene in the past year, the band is on the fast track to success. The energy, interplay and synchronicity they possess are characteristic of the most seasoned of bands, and their love for music comes across with perfect clarity, absorbing the audience into their experience and generating a genuine bond between listener and performer.

Their debut EP, “Monroeville”, was released on the newly-created Monroeville Records label on May 18th, 2011. Produced by GRAMMY nominated producer Jim Van Cleve, the project includes songs written by Skip Ewing, and Chris Stapleton, as well as songs written by Monroeville’s own Daniel Salyer. “Monroeville” also features a guest appearance by Skip Ewing and a duet with Cia Cherryholmes. Although they are a young band, Monroeville’s members have reached significant career milestones – 4 of the young men are GRAMMY nominated artists, one is a prolific songwriter for several industry artists, and 4 have won National instrumental competitions.

In their first year, Monroeville has performed at a number of nationally recognized festivals and showcases such as an appearance at Grey Fox and IBMA, and on The Today Show.

Monroeville had the privilege of hosting the first Hard Rock Café AcoustiCana Series in Nashville, TN during IBMA’s World of Bluegrass, that was sponsored by Epiphone, the Gibson Bus, and The AcoustiCana Journal. They are also sponsored by D’Addario Strings.

Click on the flyer for more information on the Hard Rock AcoustiCana Series:

Monroeville’s first music video was released at the Hard Rock AcoustiCana Series in Nashville on September 29, 2011. Shot by David Poag, director of Ronnie Dunn’s video, “Love Owes Me One”, the video is of the song “Pot of Gold” written by Chris Stapleton and Frank Rogers, and will be appearing on video channels soon.

Community involvement and service are at the heart of Monroeville. Their age and ability to relate and communicate with kids and young adults has allowed them give back to the community through workshops and youth events, sharing their skill and their love of music with a wider audience.

Click here for an article about the workshops from Bluegrass Today

Monroeville are stars in the making. At the band’s core is a belief that good music knows no boundaries. They seamlessly flow through a range of musical styles and sounds, from bluegrass to country and pop, gaining the attention of a rapidly expanding fan base.

Music samples: http://airplaydirect.com/monroevilleband

Music sales: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/monroeville/id427615291

If you would like a physical press kit mailed to you, please let us know by sending a request with details of your venue to booking@monroevilleband.com

Barboursville Middle School
1400 Central Avenue
Barboursville, West Virginia 25504
(304) 733-3003

Monroeville is a great fit for students of any age. As the principal of Barboursville Middle School, I try to bring in a variety of entertaining and educational assemblies throughout the year to our student body of nearly 800 in grades 6 – 8.

Monroeville is by far the most outstanding group we have ever had for our students. Not only does their high-energy presentation totally engage the students, they make a connection that goes far beyond simple entertainment.

I have been in the business of educating students since 1973. If I have learned anything over the years, it is that students can spot a fake a mile away. These guys are the real deal, and the students know it. They truly care about the kids, which is evident not only in their performing, but also in talking with the students following the show. They take time to converse with students, and treat each with respect and a caring attitude.

Monroeville performed a concert for each grade level and after each show they stayed around to do an educational session with our strings and guitar students.

In all my years as a principal, this group received a more positive reception than any group we’ve had before or since. Recently, Monroeville performed at the Mountaineer Opry House in Milton, West Virginia and a large screaming contingent of our student body as well as many teachers showed up to show their support.

Each member of the group is a positive role model on and off the stage. It is without reservation that I recommend them for your consideration.

The next time you need a high-energy, positive, entertaining assembly for your students, I strongly recommend that you give Monroeville a call. You won’t be sorry.

Sincerely,
Jerry Lake, Principal

Beyond that, they say what they mean, and mean what they say. That alone in this age of “fabricated-hyper-hype-plus-squared-and-doused-with-miracle-grow-and-a-prayer” is eloquent. Their direct connection-relationship with their friends-fans reminds me of the type of connection The Avett Brothers have today and The Grateful Dead had with their friends-fans in their day. That is a “back to the future” relationship the smartest artists understand; In the sense that the direct connection folks used to have with the other real folks, in the room participating in a concert-celebration and meaningful communion of spirit, also now takes place 24/7/365, beyond a set space and time via the web and social media, and it is as up close and personal, and between real people, as it is in concert.

And we haven’t even spoken of the music yet.

In communications you have the message and the meta-message. The meta-message is what is unsaid but just as clearly expressed between the lines for those paying attention. Their message is clear, and their meta-message inspiring: Their primarily bluegrass based acoustic roots music is a blend of heavy-duty rock-n-roll drive, on acoustic, by young people with high-energy levels, and which can only emerge from artists who believe, and are doing their level best, every time out, to turn you into a believer about the future for this music which they honor and love.

They are solidly rooted in tradition without being buried by tradition. They are both relentlessly respectful and fleet-footed innovative, diligent craftsmen and consistently creative. And they seem to have found that fabulous “Lonesome River Band Groove” which is enough all by its high lonesome to carry that tradition to new heights. They pack a kick and I don’t mean cans, or do I. Think Junior Johnson’s finest shine, on a moonlit night in spring, on a North Carolina backroad, leaning against the fender of your 47 Ford with your new bride in your arms. Yep, “Life is Good”.

Watch & Listen to Monroeville and you will see and hear the future of the past, and it’s lookin mighty springtime bright. Having read loads of books and articles about Ole Bill, I’ll go out on a solid limb here and say that if Bill Monroe was around, my guess is that he’d be sayin “That’s part of somethin”

If Bill was the father of Bluegrass, and Sam Bush “The Mother”*, then I’m thinkin these are mighty “cool kids” of Bluegrass.

Henri Deschamps
The Bluegrass Legacy
www.facebook.com/the.bluegrass.legacy
The AcoustiCana Journal
www.acousticana.us

*Sam Bush used to say that if Bill was the father of Blugrass then he must be the mother of Bluegrass because every time Bill saw him coming he would say “Here Comes That Mother”