The
WAYFARERS
BIOGRAPHY
Hailing from rural Southeast Ohio, The Wayfarers emerged onto the scene in early 2010 playing their own form of American Roots music. While much of their repertoire is drawn from the Appalachian tradition they revere, The Wayfarers fuse tight musicianship - centered largely by the fiddle - with the high energy that characterized early mountain music. With old-time radio shows setting the example, their style encompasses Appalachian dance music, traditional mountain fiddle tunes, and pre-bluegrass music of the 1920's - resulting in a dose of nostalgic Americana. Their spirited approach to live performance is infectious, and people of all ages are drawn in to the sounds of thumping washtub bass, driving guitars, sawing fiddles, and rich harmonies. Whether it's at a large festival or barn square dance, a rock venue or a busy street corner, The Wayfarers continue to carry this music forward with creativity and authenticity, making it contemporary and fun.
The Wayfarers have been featured on the national PBS television series "Song of the Mountains", toured much of the Midwest and Southern Appalachians, released 4 studio albums, and have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in bluegrass & country music; including Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Dailey & Vincent, Lonesome River Band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Rhonda Vincent, Marty Raybon, Jerry Douglas, and many more.
ABOUT THE WAYFARERS
way·far·er (n)
One who travels, especially on foot.
Years active:
2010-present
Website:
Genres:
Mountain Music, Old-Time Stringband, Appalachian Dance
Origin:
Zanesville, Ohio
Members:
Josh Hartman | Guitar
Brandon Bankes | Mandolin
Matt Opachick | Fiddle
Justin Rayner | Banjo
Nathan Zangmeister | Washtub Bass
Label:
Unsigned
Discography:
Career Highlights:
PBS Song of the Mountains
WWVA Wheeling Jamboree
Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery - Gatlinburg, TN
Suits, Boots, and Bluegrass - Meridian, MS
Bluegrass Island - Outer Banks, NC
Museum of Appalachia/Tennessee Fall Homecoming - Clinton, TN
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge - Nashville, TN
Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival - Vine Grove, KY
Larryfest - LaFarge, WI
Ohio State Fair
Feature in Country Living Magazine
Feature in Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine
Featured on ABC, FOX 28, Highway 103.7 FM, WOUB 91.3 FM, WOSU Bluegrass Ramble, WVTF Back to the Blue Ridge, WDVX
2018 John Hartford Memorial Band Competition Finalist