The Rarely Herd is known around the globe as one of the premier groups in Bluegrass music. In addition to receiving over 120 National, International and Regional awards and nominations, The Herd was named one of Europe's 'Top 3 Best New Bands' and have been featured on CMT, TNN and Japan's network giant NHK-TV. In 2003, The Rarely Herd received the Grand Masters Gold Award at the National Bluegrass Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee. This was given to The Herd in honor of their 10 consecutive wins as 'Entertaining Band of the Year' ' a feat unequaled in the history of these awards.
Among their long list of accolades are also a Gospel Music Association 'Dove' Award nomination and an IBMA 'Gospel Recording of the Year' nomination.
Beginning in 1992 with 'Midnight Loneliness', the first of seven internationally released albums, The Rarely Herd has consistently appeared on National and International music charts. Recently, a single from their CD, 'Return Journey' has charted in the Top Ten Bluegrass charts.
The Herd's stellar musicianship and vocals are equaled only by their captivating stage performances. Uproarious comedy and top-notch music make a Rarely Herd performance a must-see event for the entire family!
Jim Stack
Albany, OH...handles the guitar and lead vocals. Jim is among the finest and most unique vocalists working today. As proof, at the 1993 and 1995 SPBGMA Midwest Awards, Jim was voted "Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year". He also provides solid, powerful, acoustic rhythm quitar for the band, as evidenced by his 1994 and 1995 SPBGMA Midwest "Guitar Player of the Year". With a vocal range of 3 octaves Jim has the reputation of being one of the 'Best Vocalists in Bluegrass'...even stated so by his peers.
Jeff Weaver
Athens, OH... creates a solid foundation on the Bass. As front man, he has just the right approach to gain the audience's support and keep them on the edge of their seat. Being named National "Entertainer of the Year" at the 1997 and 2000 National SPBGMA Awards, and the same at the 1992, 1993, and 1994 Midwest Awards Convention confirms his abilities. Jeff is also a fine songwriter and widely recognized as such. Although he also posesses a vocal range of over 3 octaves, Jeff is most recognized for his distinctive tenor voice that adds to the uniqueness of The Rarely Herd's vocals.
Calvin Leport
Henderson, WV...another founding member of the group that has been greatly missed by Herd fans (and the rest of us) after his four year absence. On the Banjo, Calvin has been a big part of The Herd's original sound, adding memorable and tasteful transitions to the early Herd recordings. He has also developed a skillful baritone voice that will be a major component of The Herd's vocals. His guitar work is both passionate and bold as discovered on the Gospel works. Calvin is not only a great banjoist, but very fun to be around, with "the personality that everyone loves". We're so glad to have him back on stage!
Jeff Hardin
Anderson, IN...a welcome addition to The Herd. He has performed with some of the masters in bluegrass. At the early age of 15, he befriended the late great Paul Warren and spend much time traveling with and honing the style of this fiddle playing paragon. Jeff is an unequalled entertainer, adding humor to the stage and fiddle tunes that make you jump to your feet. He also plays beautiful ballads and gospel renditions that tug at your soul. We're glad to have him aboard and are sure you'll be pleased at what he adds to The Herd.
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