Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band

NEWS

Alive @ Five Concert Series draws 1,300

FREDERICK, Md. (May 26, 2023) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band's May 25 appearance at the Alive @ Five concert series drew 1,300 ticket buyers, in addition to concert goers seated outside the event. This is a new record for the band at a ticketed concert.

Alive @ Five is a summer-long event held each Thursday evening at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater in downtown Frederick. Alive @ Five is 21 and up, and is a fundraiser for the Downtown Frederick Partnership. Alive @ Five is presented by DARCARS Toyota of Frederick, and is made possible with many other sponsors and volunteers.

"There is a Time" enters Top 10 on Cashbox Magazine's Bluegrass Top 100

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (May 1, 2023) - "There is a Time," the third single from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band's A Miner's Life album, has reached No. 10 on Cashbox Magazine's Bluegrass Top 100 chart.

Stoney Creek released its version of the bluegrass classic "There is a Time" to radio broadcasters in 2022. Featuring lead vocals by bassist Libby Files, the single includes a haunting melody, recalling English folk ballads (albeit with an authentic Appalachian flavor). "There is a Time" was originally performed by the Dillards (as the Darlings) on the Andy Griffith Show. The Dillards have been very active in promoting Stoney Creek's version of the song.

"There is a Time" first appeared on the Bluegrass Top 100 chart in September 2022, moving from No. 89 to No. 63 by the end of the year.

Cashbox Magazine is published monthly, alternating between printed and online editions. Cashbox began in 1942 and features a variety of music charts. All chart data is provided by Digital Radio Tracker.

"There is a Time" is available to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct. Bluegrass fans can find the songs at most online music outlets, as well as the band's website, http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net, and the band's Facebook page.

Stoney Creek tops Roots Music Report single and album charts

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (April 24, 2023) - "There is a Time," the third single from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band's A Miner's Life album, has reached 37 weeks at No. 1 on the Roots Music Report Top 50 Bluegrass Song Chart. Stoney Creek's current album, A Miner's Life, has reached No. 1 for two weeks on the RMR Top 50 Bluegrass Album Chart.

The April 22 edition of the Top 50 Bluegrass Song Chart marks a total of 37 weeks at No. 1 for "There is a Time." The album, A Miner's Life, reached No. 1 on the Top 50 Bluegrass Album Chart on April 8 and remained at the top through April 15. While Stoney Creek has had six singles reach No. 1, the band had not topped the album chart until now.

According to its website, "Roots Music Report is the number one independent music chart in the world." The chart "compile[s] radio airplay data from radio stations around the globe that play all forms of roots music." For more information, visit Roots Music Report.

Stoney Creek welcomes back Bob Simmers

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Feb. 24, 2023) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has added renowned mandolin player Bob Simmers to its lineup. Longtime fans of Stoney Creek may remember Simmers playing with the band throughout 2012.

Simmers has been playing the mandolin for over 35 years. He has played with bands throughout Maryland and south-central Pennsylvania, including Clear Spring Bluegrass Band, the Gospel Grass Band and Harmony Road. Simmers also played with the late Deanna Stottlemyer (sister of Stoney Creek's Libby Files) and Kenton "Red" Catlett.

"Bob is very accomplished in his mandolin picking, and his vocals will add a new twist to balance out what Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has been known for throughout the years," Files said.

When the announcement went out in December 2022 that the band was auditioning mandolin players, Files noted that Simmers "said he would do whatever it took to be part of Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band."

In January, Stoney Creek performed a private show in Hagerstown, Maryland, as a five-piece band with both Simmers and longtime mandolin player Brett Smeltzer. Smeltzer stepped down from performing with Stoney Creek at the end of January, following a sold-out show at the Ranson Civic Center, to focus on spending time with his family.

With Simmers on board, Stoney Creek is preparing for a busy 2023 concert season. New show dates are expected to be announced soon at http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net.

Brett Smeltzer stepping down in 2023

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Nov. 15, 2022) - We just want to take a few moments to thank and recognize Brett Smeltzer for the role he has played in Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band. Brett joined the band in 2008 and his mandolin work and vocals have been a big part of our sound over the past 13 years.

Brett will be stepping back from performing with Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band in 2023. He will be focusing on spending time with his family, and we fully support him in doing so. Brett is still part of our Stoney Creek family, and we can't thank him enough for the time he has devoted to the band over the years.

Brett wanted listeners to know that he will continue to support Stoney Creek’s music during his weekly broadcast of “Bluegrass Retrospect,” airing Friday evenings on The Bluegrass Jamboree.

The Dillards praise Stoney Creek's cover of "There Is a Time"

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Oct. 11, 2022) - What an honor! The Dillards had this to say about our cover of their classic song:

Stoney Creek's version of "There Is a Time" has reached No. 1 for ten weeks on the Roots Music Report's Top 50 Bluegrass Songs chart. The Dillards responded by saying "[e]xciting news! Very nice rendition." The legendary bluegrass group also thanked Stoney Creek for "all the effort you have put in to keep the old songs alive."

We were always fans of the Andy Griffith Show, and particularly the Darlings (played by the Dillards). The show featured some of their original songs, including "There Is a Time," which was a signature song sung by Miss Charlene Darling (played by Maggie Peterson). We recorded this song in 2021 for our album A Miner's Life, and filmed this video in December 2021. For months, our plan was to release the single and music video on June 3, 2022. Shortly before its release, Maggie Peterson sadly passed away (on May 15). With respect to, and in honor of Maggie Peterson, this video became a tribute to Miss Charlene.

Stoney Creek's "There is a Time" hits No. 1 on Roots Music Report

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (June 13, 2022) - "There is a Time," the third single from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band's A Miner's Life album, has reached No. 1 on the Roots Music Report Top 50 Bluegrass Song Chart for the week of June 11.

This most recent chart success precedes Stoney Creek's June 14 performance at Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festival in Bean Blossom, Indiana.

Stoney Creek released its version of the bluegrass classic "There is a Time" to radio broadcasters on June 3. Featuring lead vocals by bassist Libby Files, the single includes a haunting melody, recalling English folk ballads (albeit with an authentic Appalachian flavor). "There is a Time" was originally performed by the Dillards (as the Darlings) on the Andy Griffith Show.

Stoney Creek also released a music video for the single. The video is available on YouTube, Facebook, and the band's website.

In a recent interview with bluegrass podcaster Devon Jamieson, Stoney Creek's Brett Smeltzer described "There Is a Time" as "one of the songs which we have a lot of fun with in a live setting. Libby sings lead on this and I'm always introducing her as 'Miss Charlene, coming down from Mount Pilot to sing lead on this one.'"

"There is a Time" is the third single from Stoney Creek's latest album, A Miner's Life. "There is a Time" follows "A Miner's Life" and "I Wish I Had a Lifeline."

Stoney Creek's "I Wish I Had a Lifeline" stays No. 1 on Roots Music Report

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (June 4, 2022) - "I Wish I Had a Lifeline," the second single from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band's A Miner's Life album, has reached No. 1 on the Roots Music Report Top 50 Bluegrass Song Chart for the week of June 4. This marks the fifth week that the song has held the No. 1 spot on the national chart.

"I Wish I Had a Lifeline" debuted at No. 2 on the Roots Music Report chart on July 3, 2021, and spent a total of 11 weeks in that position. The song was written by Mike Henderson and originally recorded in 1985 by the Virginia Squires. The song blends a Southern Gospel feel and vocal arrangement with Stoney Creek's traditional bluegrass sound. Stoney Creek's rendition includes lead vocals by Brett Smeltzer. A music video for "I Wish I Had a Lifeline" was released in June 2021 through Bluegrass Music TV.

"I Wish I Had a Lifeline" has also held the No. 1 spot on the Fan-Voted Roots Chart for twenty weeks.

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band released a third single, a remake of the Dillards' "There is a Time," on June 3. A music video has been released to accompany the new single.

"I Wish I Had a Lifeline" and "There is a Time" are available to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct. Bluegrass fans can find the songs at most online music outlets, as well as the band's website, http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net, and the band's Facebook page.

"There is a Time" for new Stoney Creek single

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (June 3, 2022) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band is releasing its version of the bluegrass classic "There is a Time" to radio broadcasters. Featuring lead vocals by bassist Libby Files, the single includes a haunting melody, recalling English folk ballads (albeit with an authentic Appalachian flavor). "There is a Time" was originally performed by the Dillards (as the Darlings) on the Andy Griffith Show.

Stoney Creek is also releasing a music video for the single. The video is available on YouTube, Facebook, and the band's website.

"There is a Time" is the third single from Stoney Creek's latest album, A Miner's Life. "There is a Time" follows "A Miner's Life" and "I Wish I Had a Lifeline."

During the studio sessions for A Miner's Life, the band chose original material and cover songs that would sit well alongside the album's title track. The album's layered production and field recordings evoke the roots of bluegrass, emphasizing the 18th and 19th century English and Scotch-Irish folk roots that still resonate in the music. The album's artwork matches the tone of music, depicting dusty coal towns in the early 1900s.

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band will be promoting "There is a Time" with concert dates, including an appearance at Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festival in Morgantown, Indiana, on June 14.

"There is a Time" is available to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct. A Miner's Life is available through all major online digital music services. Physical copies may be purchased from Amazon, or directly from the band's website, http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net.

Stoney Creek's "I Wish I Had a Lifeline" reaches No. 1 on Roots Music Report

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (May 28, 2022) - "I Wish I Had a Lifeline," the second single from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band's A Miner's Life album, has reached No. 1 on the Roots Music Report Top 50 Bluegrass Song Chart for the week of May 28. This marks the fourth non-consecutive week that the song has held the No. 1 spot on the national chart.

"I Wish I Had a Lifeline" has also held the No. 1 spot on the Fan-Voted Roots Chart for twenty weeks.

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band will be releasing a third single, a remake of the Dillards' "There is a Time," on June 3. A music video will also be released to accompany the new single.

Stoney Creek announced for Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festival at Bean Blossom, pre-sale open now

MORGANTOWN, Ind. (Feb. 10, 2022) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band will be appearing on Tuesday, June 14, at Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festival at Bean Blossom. Pre-sale tickets are available through March 13 at Eventbrite.

Stoney Creek's set will run from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (ET), following an afternoon workshop session at 2:30 p.m. (ET).

Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festival in Bean Blossom, Indiana, is the oldest and longest running bluegrass festival in the country.

This annual event is held in beautiful Brown County, Indiana at the historic Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground. The event will be returning to it's original June dates in 2022 for 9 days of bluegrass music, jams around the campground and on stage, workshops and the traditional free Bean Dinner.

Camping has long been a tradition for bluegrass enthusiasts, with nightly jams held around the campsites. You don't have to camp to enjoy the festival. For those who like to camp, there are plenty of campsites available from primitive to water/electric hookup for any size camper. Camping reservations are separate from admission tickets, each person staying at the campsite is required to purchase their own admission ticket. Reserve your campsite online through our reservation system. If camping isn't your style, book a room at our host hotel. Make sure to arrive on Thursday to get settled in and set up.

Daily tickets are available for walk ups, come for a day, multi-days or purchase a 9-day ticket. Order your admission tickets, and don't forget to reserve your golf cart to get around the campground to listen to all of the music and great jam sessions!

Golf Cart Rentals: There are a limited number of golf carts available to rent. They must be rented in advance up to 2 weeks prior to the festival. Carts will not be available to rent day of festival. By renting the golf cart you agree to the Terms and Conditions. Only the ticket holder is permitted to pick up the golf cart. No refunds.

Every person entering the campground/festival grounds is required to purchase an admission ticket. Campers are required to purchase admission tickets equal to the number of days of their reservation. Children 12 & under are free and do not need an admission ticket.

The festival is held rain or shine, all tickets and camping are non-refundable.

Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground | 5163 N. State Road 135 | Morgantown, IN 46160
info@billmonroemusicpark.com

Official website: https://billmonroemusicpark.com/bill-monroe-bluegrass

Pre-sale tickets: Eventbrite

Stoney Creek tops two genre charts on Roots Music Report

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Dec. 13, 2021) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has achieved two songs at No. 1 in two different genres on the Roots Music Report for the week of Dec. 11.

"I Wish I Had a Lifeline," the second single from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band's A Miner's Life album, has returned to No. 1 for the third time on the Roots Music Report Top 50 Bluegrass Song Chart.

"That Child Was Born (Christmas in West Virginia)," the 2018 Christmas single from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band, has held the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive week on the Top 50 Holiday Song Chart.

This is the first week that these songs have reached No. 1 simultaneously.

Both songs are available to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct. Bluegrass fans can find the song at most online music outlets, as well as the band's website, http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net, and the band's Facebook page.

Stoney Creek's "That Child Was Born (Christmas in West Virginia)" reaches No. 1 on Roots Music Report

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Nov. 27, 2021) - "That Child Was Born (Christmas in West Virginia)," the 2018 Christmas single from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band, has reached No. 1 on the Roots Music Report Top 50 Holiday Song Chart for the week of Nov. 27.

The song, written by guitarist Kenton "Red" Catlett, retells the biblical gospel story during the verses, while the chorus describes a traditional mountain Christmas in West Virginia. Libby Files performs the song's lead vocals, with four part harmony rounded out by the entire band. "That Child Was Born" features the resonator guitar work of Troy Stangle and the seasonally appropriate mandolin melodies of Brett Smeltzer. The track opens with a portion of the traditional English folk tune "Greensleeves" (the melody used in the carol "What Child is This?"), arranged by Smeltzer.

"That Child Was Born (Christmas in West Virginia)" is available to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct. Bluegrass fans can find the song at most online music outlets, as well as the band's website, http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net, and the band's Facebook page.

Stoney Creek's "I Wish I Had a Lifeline" reaches No. 1 on Roots Music Report

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Oct. 30, 2021) - "I Wish I Had a Lifeline," the second single from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band's A Miner's Life album, has reached No. 1 on the Roots Music Report Top 50 Bluegrass Song Chart for the week of Oct. 30.

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band will be performing "I Wish I Had a Lifeline" as part of the band's set at the Eagle Bluegrass Concert Series in Berryville, Virginia, on Saturday, Nov. 6. The headlining act will be Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. Tickets are available at the Eagle Bluegrass website.

"I Wish I Had a Lifeline" debuted at No. 2 on the Roots Music Report chart on July 3, and spent a total of 11 weeks in that position. The song was written by Mike Henderson and originally recorded in 1985 by the Virginia Squires. The song blends a Southern Gospel feel and vocal arrangement with Stoney Creek's traditional bluegrass sound. Stoney Creek's rendition includes lead vocals by Brett Smeltzer. A music video for "I Wish I Had a Lifeline" was released in June through Bluegrass Music TV.

"I Wish I Had a Lifeline" has also held the No. 1 spot on the Fan-Voted Roots Chart for eight weeks.

"A Miner's Life" retired after 52 weeks at No. 1 on Bluegrass Tunes Weekly Top 10 Countdown

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Oct. 22, 2021) - "A Miner's Life" by Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has held at No. 1 on the Bluegrass Tunes Weekly Top 10 Countdown for 52 weeks. After this week, the song will be retired from the countdown.

The Bluegrass Tunes Weekly Top 10 Countdown airs every Friday at 6 p.m. (ET) at Bluegrass Tunes.

Stoney Creek announces A Miner's Life album, drops new single and video

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (June 18, 2021) - "This is going to put Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band on the map," Annette Grady said on Aug. 28, 2020, when premiering the single "A Miner's Life" on the Bluegrass Jamboree. "The song is wonderful. I am expecting it to do really great things for Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band."

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has announced the June 25 release of a new studio album, A Miner's Life. The album builds on the momentum of its title track. The latest single from the full-length album is "I Wish I Had a Lifeline," written by Mike Henderson. The song blends a Southern Gospel feel and vocal arrangement with Stoney Creek's traditional bluegrass sound. Stoney Creek's rendition includes lead vocals by Brett Smeltzer. A music video for the song is now available to accompany the radio single.

During the fall of 2020, Stoney Creek's recording of "A Miner's Life" spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Roots Music Report's Top 50 Bluegrass chart. The song spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Bluegrass Jamboree's Top 15 chart. "A Miner's Life" was featured on West Virginia Public Broadcasting's Inside Appalachia program and was among the top played songs for 2020 on numerous bluegrass radio stations. By April 2021, "A Miner's Life" reached No. 1 on the Fan Voted Chart, a rigorous process that includes passing through ten levels of voting.

"It was inevitable -- when a group is receiving support not seen on this chart, they are bound to get to No. 1 eventually. The support for Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has steadily increased over the 27 weeks "A Miner’s Life" has been on the chart and it pays off in it making it to No. 1," said chart operator Matt Fanton.

"This song, the composition, the recording is pure genius," said bluegrass promoter Ed Henry.

The song "A Miner's Life" was originally recorded by Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen shortly before Waller's passing in 2004. The song was written by Bill Dailey, a third-generation West Virginia coal miner. Banjo player and resonator guitarist Troy Stangle helped Dailey arrange the song in the late 1990s. Charlie Waller passed away in August 2004, shortly before his banjo-driven recording of "A Miner's Life" was released.

"I decided to redo "A Miner's Life" with Stoney Creek, more of the way Bill and I put it together, and I actually played the Dobro," Stangle said.

Stoney Creek's version of "A Miner's Life" features a stirring lead vocal performance by guitarist Kenton Catlett, and rich harmonies by bassist Libby Files, mandolin player Brett Smeltzer and Stangle.

In January 2021, Stoney Creek returned to the recording studio to prepare a full-length album. The band chose original material and cover songs that would sit well alongside the album's title track. The album's layered production and field recordings evoke the roots of bluegrass, emphasizing the 18th and 19th century English and Scotch-Irish folk roots that still resonate in the music. The album's artwork matches the tone of music, depicting dusty coal towns in the early 1900s.

Original material on A Miner's Life includes "The One," "I Think I'm Gonna Love Her" and "When The Sun Goes Down," written by Kenton Catlett.

The album's cover material includes a version of "Take Me Home, Country Roads," featuring lead vocals by Libby Files. The track reaches a peak with 1,000 voices joining in for a stadium anthem ending. This large-scale choir arrangement recalls the crowd singing along with the classic song at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, W.Va., often cited as one of the loudest stadiums in college sports.

Files also revisits "There is a Time," a classic performed by the Dillards (as the Darlings) on the Andy Griffith Show. Like the title track, "There Is A Time" also includes a haunting melody, recalling English folk ballads (albeit with an authentic Appalachian flavor).

Another highlight of the album is the instrumental tune "Somewheres In West Virginia," composed by the late Andy Boarman. Based in Stoney Creek's hometown of Hedgesville, W.Va., Boarman was a renowned banjo and autoharp player, and instrument luthier. Bluegrass Unlimited called Boarman "the guru of the 5-string banjo" in 1978. "Somewheres In West Virginia" features the ragtime and classic banjo stylings that Boarman learned from his uncle C.C. Stump in the 1920s.

The album concludes with a rousing cover of Bob Dylan's "Fare Thee Well." Dylan's tune was a revision of the British sea shanty "The Leaving of Liverpool," dating back to the California Gold Rush of 1849. "The Leaving of Liverpool," which connects the themes of seafaring and gold mining, was possibly based on an earlier Irish song called "The Leaving of Limerick." Stoney Creek's rendition, with lead vocals by Catlett, may be the only version to include portions of all three songs. The track also includes field recordings from the locations mentioned in "The Leaving of Liverpool," which traces a route from England to San Francisco, sailing around Cape Horn in South America. The album ends as it began, with the sound of a lonesome resonator guitar lamenting the circumstances of a would-be miner.

The music video for "I Wish I Had a Lifeline" is being distributed online by Bluegrass Music TV.

A Miner's Life will be available through all major online digital music services on June 25. Physical copies may be purchased directly from the band's website, http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net, which also includes links to retailers and digital outlets. The entire album is available to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct.

A Miner's Life track listing:

1. A Miner’s Life 3:19
2. Take Me Home, Country Roads 2:52
3. I Wish I Had A Lifeline 2:59
4. The One 3:09
5. There Is A Time 3:03
6. When The Sun Goes Down 4:30
7. Somewheres In West Virginia 2:53
8. The Waves Of Sorrow 2:25
9. What Was I Supposed To Do? 3:32
10. I Think I’m Gonna Love Her 2:57
11. Fare Thee Well 5:00

Stoney Creek's A Miner's Life album featured on Hear It Here

PRINCETON, N.C. (June 17, 2021) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band will be joining host Annette Grady on Thursday, June 17, to discuss the band's new album, A Miner's Life.

Brett Smeltzer, Libby Files and Troy Stangle will be previewing several tracks from A Miner's Life, as well as discussing the new single and music video, "I Wish I Had a Lifeline."

Hear It Here will air at 12 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, June 17, on The Bluegrass Jamboree. The Bluegrass Jamboree features bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and traditional country. The station's 24-hour programming includes live disc jockeys, syndicated shows and streaming content.

A Miner's Life is available to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct. The album will be released on June 25 through all major online music outlets.

The music video for "I Wish I Had a Lifeline" is being distributed online by Bluegrass Music TV.

A Miner's Life album now available for pre-order!

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (June 11, 2021) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has set June 25, 2021 as the release date for the new album, A Miner's Life. The album is now available for pre-order exclusively through Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band's official store.

A Miner's Life builds on the momentum of the title track, which spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Roots Music Report and six weeks at No. 1 on the Bluegrass Jamboree's Top 15 Chart.

A new single, "I Wish I Had a Lifeline," will be released to bluegrass and gospel radio on June 18. Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band will be premiering a music video when the single is released.

Stoney Creek's "A Miner's Life" reaches No. 1 on Roots Music Report

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Nov. 16, 2020) - "A Miner's Life," the latest single from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band, has reached No. 1 on the Roots Music Report Top 50 Bluegrass Song Chart for the week of Nov. 14.

"A Miner's Life" debuted at No. 6 on the Roots Music Report chart on Oct. 3, and reached No. 3 on Nov. 7. The song was No. 1 on the Bluegrass Jamboree's Top 15 Chart for six weeks from Sept. 5 through Oct. 10. The music video for "A Miner's Life" has been No. 1 on Bluegrass Music TV's Top Ten Music Video Chart since Sept. 25.

According to its website, "Roots Music Report is the number one independent music chart in the world." The chart "compile[s] radio airplay data from radio stations around the globe that play all forms of roots music." For more information, visit Roots Music Report.

Stoney Creek's "A Miner's Life" to be featured on Inside Appalachia

Listen here

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Oct. 5, 2020) - "A Miner's Life," the latest single from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band, is set to appear on the Oct. 16 edition of West Virginia Public Broadcasting's Inside Appalachia. The episode deals with Black Lung Disease among coal miners.

"A Miner's Life" is an autobiographical song written by William Dailey, who was a third-generation coal miner from Richwood, West Virginia, before honoring his father's wishes to leave the coal industry. Dailey's father suffered from Black Lung Disease, as depicted in the song. "A Miner's Life" has resonated among bluegrass music fans, reaching No. 1 for multiple weeks on the Bluegrass Jamboree's Top 15 Chart for radio airplay. The music video for "A Miner's Life," featuring Dailey, has held the No. 1 position for several weeks on Bluegrass Music TV's Top Ten music video chart.

"A Miner's Life" features a stirring lead vocal performance by guitarist Kenton "Red" Catlett, and rich harmonies by bassist Libby Files, mandolin player Brett Smeltzer, and resonator guitarist Troy Stangle.

Stangle assisted Dailey with the song's arrangement in the late 1990s. A few years later, Dailey was working as a bus driver for national recording artist Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen. Waller recorded "A Miner's Life" for his final album, which was released after his death in 2004. Louisville Music News praised the song's "haunting melody," and the Washington Post called it a "coal country lament." Sixteen years later, Stangle suggested the song to his Stoney Creek band mates. Stangle wanted to capture Dailey's original tempo and the resonator guitar arrangement that the duo had developed.

Inside Appalachia is an hour-long weekly radio news magazine devoted to topics of interest in the central Appalachian region. Inside Appalachia tells the stories of Appalachian people and how they live. The program covers history, food, music and culture. Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB), with help from public radio stations in Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia. Inside Appalachia is available on major podcast platforms, and on affiliate WVPB and NPR radio stations. For more information about Inside Appalachia, visit http://wvpublic.org.

Stoney Creek holds No. 1 spot on radio chart for fourth week

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Sept. 28, 2020) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band's new single "A Miner's Life" has held the No. 1 spot on the Bluegrass Jamboree's Top 15 Chart since Sept. 5.

The Top 15 Chart replaces the Bluegrass Jamboree's previous Weekly Music Chart. "A Miner's Life" debuted at No. 9 on that chart on Aug. 29.

The Bluegrass Jamboree radio network, based in Princeton, North Carolina, features bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and traditional country. The Bluegrass Jamboree's 24/7 programming includes live disc jockeys, syndicated shows and streaming content.

Stoney Creek hits No. 1 on music video chart with "A Miner's Life"

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Sept. 25, 2020) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band's music video for "A Miner's Life" has reached No. 1 on the Bluegrass Music TV Top Ten Music Video Chart.

"A Miner's Life," the new single from West Virginia's Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band, was originally recorded by national record artists Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen on their final album. "A Miner's Life" was written by Bill Dailey, a native of Richwood, West Virginia, and a third-generation coal miner. Dailey wrote the autobiographical song based on his family's coal mining roots.

Stoney Creek's music video for "A Miner's Life," features Dailey as the central character. The music video was primarily filmed in Berkeley County: in Back Creek Valley and at the historic Meadow Branch Coalfield. Additional filming occurred in Virginia along the Clinch River and at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse near Duffield, and at the Clinch Mountain's Big Moccasin Gap near Gate City and Weber City.

Bluegrass Music TV, part of 615 Hideaway Entertainment in Nashville, earned a Telly Award in 2020. Bluegrass Music TV is run by Sammy Passamano III, son of Sam Passamano of Rural Rhythm Records. Bluegrass Music TV promotes music videos online, to social media, and maintains a chart of the most-viewed videos.

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band to play Eagle Bluegrass Series

BERRYVILLE, Va. (Sept. 12, 2020) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band will be appearing with Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out at the Eagle Bluegrass Series on November 6, 2021. This event has been rescheduled from November 7, 2020.

Stoney Creek hits No. 1 on radio chart with "A Miner's Life"

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Sept. 10, 2020) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band's new single "A Miner's Life" has reached No. 1 on the Bluegrass Jamboree Top 15 Chart on Sept. 5.

"A Miner's Life," the new single from West Virginia's Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band, was originally recorded by national record artists Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen on their final album. "A Miner's Life" was written by Bill Dailey, a native of Richwood, West Virginia, and a third-generation coal miner. Dailey wrote the autobiographical song based on his family's coal mining roots.

Stoney Creek's Troy Stangle noted, "In the late '90s, I joined the Nickel Misery band, where Bill Dailey had written the song "A Miner's Life" about his dad. We sat and worked up the song, and played it at our shows. Bill was driving the bus for the Country Gentlemen around 2004, and Charlie Waller heard it and decided to record it."

Charlie Waller passed away in August 2004, shortly before his banjo-driven recording of "A Miner's Life" was released. Due to the tragic circumstances, the song was not heavily promoted. Still, Louisville Music News praised the song's "haunting melody," and the Washington Post called it a "coal country lament." Sixteen years later, Stangle suggested the song to his Stoney Creek band mates. Stangle wanted to capture Dailey's original tempo and the resonator guitar arrangement that the duo had developed.

"I decided to redo "A Miner's Life" with Stoney Creek, more of the way Bill and I put it together, and I actually played the dobro," Stangle said.
Stoney Creek's version of "A Miner's Life" features a stirring lead vocal performance by guitarist Kenton "Red" Catlett, and rich harmonies by bassist Libby Files, mandolin player Brett Smeltzer and Stangle.

Stoney Creek has also filmed a music video for "A Miner's Life," featuring Dailey as the central character. The music video was primarily filmed in Berkeley County: in Back Creek Valley and at the historic Meadow Branch Coalfield. Additional filming occurred in Virginia along the Clinch River and at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse near Duffield, and at the Clinch Mountain's Big Moccasin Gap near Gate City and Weber City.

The Bluegrass Jamboree radio network, based in Princeton, North Carolina, features bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and traditional country. The Bluegrass Jamboree's 24/7 programming includes live disc jockeys, syndicated shows and streaming content.

"A Miner's Life" featured on Hear It Here

PRINCETON, N.C. (Aug. 25, 2020) - Troy Stangle (Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band) and songwriter Bill Dailey will be joining host Annette Grady on Friday, August 28, to discuss "A Miner's Life."

"A Miner's Life," the new single from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band, was originally recorded by Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen on their final album.

Stoney Creek's Troy Stangle noted, "In the late '90s, I joined the Nickel Misery band, where Bill Dailey had written the song "A Miner's Life" about his dad. We sat and worked up the song, and played it at our shows. Bill was driving the bus for the Country Gentlemen around 2004, and Charlie Waller heard it and decided to record it."

Charlie Waller passed away in August 2004, shortly before his banjo-driven recording of "A Miner's Life" was released. Due to the tragic circumstances, the song was not heavily promoted. Still, Louisville Music News praised the song's "haunting melody," and the Washington Post called it a "coal country lament." Sixteen years later, Stangle suggested the song to his Stoney Creek band mates. Stangle wanted to capture Dailey's original tempo and the resonator guitar arrangement that the duo had developed.

"I decided to redo "A Miner's Life" with Stoney Creek, more of the way Bill and I put it together, and I actually played the dobro," Stangle said.

Stoney Creek's version of "A Miner's Life" features a stirring lead vocal performance by guitarist Kenton "Red" Catlett, and rich harmonies by bassist Libby Files, mandolin player Brett Smeltzer and Stangle.

Stoney Creek has also filmed a music video for "A Miner's Life," featuring Dailey as the central character. Dailey, a native of Richwood, West Virginia, wrote the autobiographical song based on his family's coal mining roots. The music video was primarily filmed in Berkeley County, in Back Creek Valley and at the historic Meadow Branch Coalfield. Additional filming occurred in Virginia along the Clinch River and at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse near Duffield, and at the Clinch Mountain's Big Moccasin Gap near Gate City and Weber City.

Hear It Here will air at 10 a.m. (ET) on Friday, August 28, on The Bluegrass Jamboree. The Bluegrass Jamboree features bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and traditional country. The station's 24-hour programming includes live disc jockeys, syndicated shows and streaming content.

"A Miner's Life" is being released to bluegrass and Americana radio. Stoney Creek has partnered with Gold Tone Music Group, maker of the Paul Beard Signature resonator guitar that Stangle played on the song.

"A Miner's Life" is available to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct. The song will be released in the near future on most online music outlets.

The music video for "A Miner's Life" is being distributed online by Bluegrass Music TV.

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band to release "A Miner's Life"

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Aug. 21, 2020) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band is releasing a new single to radio on August 28. The song is called "A Miner's Life" and was originally recorded by Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen on their final album.

"I decided to redo "A Miner's Life" with Stoney Creek, more of the way Bill and I put it together, and I actually played the dobro," Stangle said.

Stoney Creek has also filmed a music video for "A Miner's Life," featuring Dailey as the central character. Dailey, a native of Richwood, West Virginia, wrote the autobiographical song based on his family's coal mining roots. The music video was primarily filmed in Berkeley County: in Back Creek Valley and at the historic Meadow Branch Coalfield. Additional filming occurred in Virginia along the Clinch River and at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse near Duffield, and at the Clinch Mountain's Big Moccasin Gap near Gate City and Weber City.

On August 28, Stangle and Dailey will be discussing "A Miner's Life" on Hear It Here with host Annette Grady. Hear It Here will air at 10 a.m. (ET) on The Bluegrass Jamboree.

"A Miner's Life" is available to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct. The song will be released in the near future on most online music outlets.

The music video for "A Miner's Life" is being distributed online by Bluegrass Music TV.

For more information, visit the band's website, http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net, and the band's Facebook page.

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band to play Eagle Bluegrass Series

BERRYVILLE, Va. - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band will be appearing with Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out at the Eagle Bluegrass Series on November 6, 2021. This event has been rescheduled from November 7, 2020.

Wild Beast Feast 2020 sells out!

RANSON, W.Va. (Feb. 1, 2020) - 1,200 tickets were sold for the 11th Annual Wild Beast Feast. The sold out event was held on January 31 at the Ranson Civic Center and featured a performance by Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band.

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band to headline Bluegrass & BBQ Festival

ST. THOMAS, Pa. - The Williamson Ruritan Club has announced the line-up for the inaugural Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, scheduled for Aug. 16 and 17, 2019. West Virginia's Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band will be closing the festival with a headlining set on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 17.

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band release "That Child Was Born (Christmas in West Virginia)"

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Nov. 23, 2018) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band and Calv'ry Music have released an original Christmas song, "That Child Was Born (Christmas in West Virginia)".

The song, written by guitarist Kenton "Red" Catlett, retells the biblical gospel story during the verses, while the chorus describes a traditional mountain Christmas in West Virginia. Libby Files performs the song's lead vocals, with four-part harmony rounded out by the entire band. "That Child Was Born" features the resonator guitar work of Troy Stangle and the seasonally appropriate mandolin melodies of Brett Smeltzer. The track opens with a portion of the traditional English folk tune "Greensleeves" (the melody used in the carol "What Child is This?"), arranged by Smeltzer.

"Fast Train" featured on Beyond Country

PRINCETON, N.C. (Sept. 16, 2018) - Libby Files (Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band) will be joining host Ed "The Doctor' Asher to discuss the "Fast Train" single and music video, as well as other tracks from Live On Location. The interview is AVAILABLE HERE from the Bluegrass Jamboree.

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band "Fast Train" music video to premiere on TheBoot.com

UPDATE: The video is AVAILABLE HERE.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 3, 2018) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has partnered with TheBoot.com for the exclusive premiere of the band's "Fast Train" music video on Sept. 17. The video will be available starting at 9 a.m. (ET).

"Fast Train" was written by guitarist Kenton "Red" Catlett and country artist Gib Sage. The song details an itinerant musician and laborer's journey and anticipated return home. Sage, a West Virginia native and Nashville recording artist, recorded a country version of the song in 1980. That project was shelved when Sage's record label folded. Catlett continued performing his bluegrass arrangement of the song, and has included it on Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band's double album, Live On Location. The music video was filmed in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. The main location was an historic railroad station in Charles Town, with additional scenes filmed at Martinsburg's Roundhouse Center and various sites in Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties. Additional aerial shots were filmed in Chicago, Illinois, and Amarillo, Texas. The video features Amtrak passenger cars, along with CSX and Norfolk Southern freight trains.

The Boot is a top source for country music news, videos, songs and interviews. According to parent company Townsquare Media, The Boot is among "the leading country music digital destinations based on web traffic." The Boot is part of Townsquare Media's Taste of Country network. Townsquare Media owns and operates 317 radio stations and approximately 500 live events in 66 markets. The company is the third largest owner of radio stations in the U.S.

Live On Location is a 2-CD project noted for its original compositions. In addition to "Fast Train," Catlett also wrote "The Traveling Song," "When the Sun Goes Down" and "Thirty Years." The instrumental "Antietam Turnaround" was composed by banjo player Troy Stangle. The rest of the album is rounded out by traditional and gospel bluegrass staples from the band's live shows, such as mandolin player Brett Smeltzer's take on "I'm Working on a Building," "Are You Washed in the Blood?" and many more. "Fast Train" is currently being serviced to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct.<

Stoney Creek's live shows have been entertaining audiences for years, prompting Around the Panhandle magazine to name the band "West Virginia's classic bluegrass band." Stoney Creek features an updated and high energy approach to traditional bluegrass, which Bluegrass Unlimited praised as "mainstream bluegrass at its best." According to Libby Files, the band's founder, "we try to put on a show that will entertain any music fan, even if they don’t consider themselves a bluegrass fan. The show offers something for everyone."

Live On Location is available through most online digital music services, and as a 2-CD set from retailers such as Amazon and CD Baby. The project is available to retailers through Alliance Entertainment. The album can be purchased directly from the band's website, http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net, which also features links to retailers and digital services.

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band releases "Thirty Years" music video

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (June 27, 2018) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has released an official music video for "Thirty Years" - the latest radio single from double album Live On Location. "Thirty Years" is available to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct. The music video can be viewed on Stoney Creek's Facebook and YouTube pages.

Live On Location is a 2-CD project featuring five original compositions, including the instrumental "Antietam Turnaround" by banjo player Troy Stangle. Guitarist Red Catlett contributes four original songs. In addition to "Thirty Years," Catlett also wrote "The Traveling Song," "When the Sun Goes Down" and "Fast Train"(co-written with late country artist Gib Sage). The rest of the album is rounded out by traditional and gospel bluegrass staples from the band's live shows, such as mandolin player Brett Smeltzer's take on "I'm Working on a Building," "Are You Washed in the Blood?" and many more.

"These CDs really turned out great," said Smeltzer. "I think this project will go over great with anyone who purchases or hears it on the air."

Vocalist and bassist Libby Files said "we try to put on a show that will entertain any music fan, even if they don’t consider themselves a bluegrass fan. The show offers something for everyone."

Stoney Creek's live show and sound system have been entertaining audiences for years, prompting Around the Panhandle magazine to name the band "West Virginia's classic bluegrass band." Stoney Creek features an updated and high energy approach to traditional bluegrass, which Bluegrass Unlimited praised as "mainstream bluegrass at its best."

The Live On Location concept developed in 2016. Stoney Creek had been recording two-track stereo mixes from the band's soundboard for several years, and band members expressed interest in making some of these available to fans. In late 2016 and early 2017, the band brought out a studio multi-track console to record a series of public and private shows, adding extra microphones to capture the audience as well. The double album features two complete sets from Stoney Creek's live performances. The project was recorded and mastered without compression, to preserve the full dynamic range of the performances. As a result, the album is a few decibels quieter than most recordings from the past few years (including Stoney Creek's previous albums), but the improved sound quality should be noticeable to careful listeners. Live On Location captures the band's long-standing commitment to bringing near-studio quality sound to live concert audiences.

Live On Location also captures a recent phenomenon at Stoney Creek shows - the dancers. This trend began occurring on a regular basis in 2017 and has been encouraged by the band. One goal for this album was to include the audience, and the double album is ultimately a tribute to the fans.

"This might be the best Stoney Creek project yet," according to Stangle.

Live On Location is available through most online digital music services, and as a 2-CD set from retailers such as Amazon and CD Baby. The project is available to retailers through Alliance Entertainment. The album can be purchased directly from the band's website, http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net, which also features links to retailers and digital services.

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band to perform at Orr’s Farm Market

By Johnna Leary, The Journal Weekender (May 24, 2018)

MARTINSBURG – Enjoy live bluegrass music this weekend in a beautiful farm setting as the Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band performs at Orr’s Farm Market for their Live Bluegrass Weekend! The Orr’s Farm Market in Martinsburg hosts a monthly Live Bluegrass Weekend where local bands can perform outdoors during marketplace hours.

“Katy Orr-Dove and the staff at Orr’s Farm Market have gone out of their way to create a home for live music in the area. Music fans can hear the music they enjoy without traveling or buying expensive tickets. The idea of a farm market and traditional music goes back to an earlier time when people were closely involved in their community, and the community was self-sufficient. These events are a great place to see old friends, and it’s great to know that Live Bluegrass Weekends are a regular event throughout the spring, summer and fall,” said Libby Files, Vocalist in the Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band

The Live Bluegrass Weekends feature music for all types of bluegrass fans.

“Live Bluegrass Weekends usually include several hours of music each day, so we prepare extended set lists and often include new material for audiences. Our music ranges from hard driving traditional bluegrass to bluegrass gospel and some slower dance numbers,” said Files.

Now a monthly event, the Live Bluegrass Weekends have expanded to offer more opportunities for music fans and musical performers.

“We started with one festival a year and had bluegrass bands play that event. Then we realized how many wonderful bands there are in our local area and we wanted to showcase all of our local talent. We decided that customers would enjoy the live bands while visiting us for their shopping and pick your own needs,” said Katy Orr-Dove, General Manager of Orr’s Farm Market

“Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band began playing at Orr’s Farm Market several years ago at the annual Fall Festival. To build on the success of the festival, Orr’s Farm Market began hosting Live Bluegrass Weekends with a variety of bands. Stoney Creek occasionally filled in once or twice each year. In 2018, we signed on to play Live Bluegrass Weekends on a regular basis, hoping to turn the residency into regular destination for music fans,” said Files.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy live bluegrass music in a fantastic farm setting for no charge this weekend.

“The live shows at Orr’s Farm Market have already turned into a great destination for bluegrass fans. We try to put on a show that will entertain any music fan, even if they don’t consider themselves a bluegrass fan. The show offers something for everyone, and the market is convenient for buying locally grown foods and other items. There are usually events for kids and it is a great place for families to visit again and again,” said Files.

“It’s free entertainment for lots of folks to enjoy! We have lots of families and senior citizens who are looking for a fun, affordable way to enjoy a weekend. The trip out here is full of beautiful scenery to enjoy. Visitors can view our new baby bison calves and baby goats as they head back to our farm. Now they can stop by the market for snacks and then sit under the tent and enjoy the tunes. The Lions Club will be opening their food trailer these weekends to serve delicious food and raise money for their wonderful projects. Stop in for some pickin’ in the country at Orr’s Farm Market,” said Orr-Dove.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs for the Live Bluegrass Weekend.

IF YOU GO:

What: Live Bluegrass Weekend featuring the Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band

When: Sunday, May 27 from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM

Where: Orr’s Farm Market, 682 Orr Drive, Martinsburg, WV, 25403

Cost: Admission is Free

For more info: Please visit http://orrsfarmmarket.com

Stoney Creek to play Bluegrass Weekends residency

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Jan. 8, 2018) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has signed on to perform at Live Bluegrass Weekends, a monthly concert series hosted by Orr's Farm Market.

Stoney Creek will be appearing on five dates in the 2018 season, including return appearances at the Farm Days Festival:

Sunday, May 27 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday, July 1 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 22 Farm Days Festival 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 23 Farm Days Festival 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 27 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Live Bluegrass Weekends are typically held on the last weekend of each month from May through October, with the Farm Days Festival falling on the fourth weekend in September. Each Live Bluegrass Weekend is a two day event, and additional bands will be announced by Orr's Farm Market. Live Bluegrass Weekends are free to the public and open for all ages.

Stoney Creek's live show and sound system have been entertaining audiences for years, prompting Around the Panhandle magazine to name the band "West Virginia's classic bluegrass band." Stoney Creek features an updated and high energy approach to traditional bluegrass, which Bluegrass Unlimited praised as "mainstream bluegrass at its best."

Stoney Creek will be playing shows throughout 2018 in support of the band's most recent project, Live On Location. The two disc live album was recorded in 2017 and features two sets of Stoney Creek's concert material. Live On Location is available through most online digital music services, and from online retailers. The album can be purchased directly from the band's website, http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net, which also features links to retailers and digital services.

Orr's Farm Market is located at 682 Orr Drive in Martinsburg. Information about upcoming events can be found at http://orrsfarmmarket.com.

Stoney Creek has No. 1 album on AirPlay Direct for September

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Oct. 2, 2017) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band is honored to announce that its new double album Live On Location was No. 1 on AirPlay Direct's Top 50 Albums chart for September.

The album's chart position was partly driven by its lead single, "The Traveling Song," which debuted at No. 1 on the Top 50 Singles chart on Sept. 18.

"I heard the song on Annette Grady's show ... I really wanted to play it on my show too," said Jeff Lipchick, host of Bluegrass From the Smokies on the Bluegrass Jamboree.

"This project had me mesmerized the entire time," said Al Shusterman of KUBU's Bluegrass Backroads. Shusterman noted that the album "featured great traditional songs, fine vocals and superb musicianship."

"The Traveling Song" is one of four original songs from Live On Location written by guitarist Red Catlett. The album also features an original instrumental titled "Antietam Turnaround" composed by banjo player Troy Stangle. The rest of the album includes traditional bluegrass and bluegrass gospel material that has increasingly drawn fans to the band's live concerts. Highlights include bassist Libby Files' take on "Those Memories of You" and mandolin player Brett Smeltzer's performance of "I'm Working on a Building."

The band cites bluegrass media outlets such as Cybergrass, as well as the social media popularity of "The Traveling Song" music video, for generating interest among broadcasters. Stoney Creek is hoping to schedule performances in areas where Live On Location is receiving radio airplay, as well as places where the band has developed a strong social media following.

AirPlay Direct is a leading platform for delivering broadcast music to radio stations worldwide. According to the company's website, "the Top 50 Albums chart displays releases/albums with the most song downloads by radio within a set period of time."

Fans and broadcasters can find Live On Location though Stoney Creek's website, http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net.

Live On Location was released on AirPlay Direct on Sept. 17. On Sept. 18, "The Traveling Song" reached No. 1 on the Top 50 Singles chart and the album reached No. 1 on the Top 50 Albums chart.

Stoney Creek release single and music video from double live album

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Sept. 18, 2017) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has released a new single and music video for "The Traveling Song." The track is the first single from the band's new double live album, Live On Location. "The Traveling Song" is available to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct. The music video, featuring West Virginia's mountain scenery and a touch of vaudeville humor, can be viewed on Stoney Creek's Facebook and YouTube pages.

Live On Location will be available from Calv'ry Music on Sept. 29. Stoney Creek will be premiering a live stream of the album as a Facebook Live Event on Sept. 24 at 4:00 p.m. (ET). The stream will be replayed on Oct. 1.

The album contains five original compositions, including the instrumental "Antietam Turnaround" by banjo player Troy Stangle. Guitarist Red Catlett contributes four original songs. In addition to "The Traveling Song," Catlett also wrote "Thirty Years," "When the Sun Goes Down," and "Fast Train"(co-written with late country artist Gib Sage). The rest of the album is rounded out by traditional and gospel bluegrass staples from the band's live shows, such as mandolin player Brett Smeltzer's take on "I'm Working on a Building," "Are You Washed in the Blood?" and many more.

"These CDs really turned out great," said Smeltzer. "I think this project will go over great with anyone who purchases or hears it on the air."

Stoney Creek will be celebrating the release of Live On Location with performances at Orr's Farm Market's Fall Festival in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Sept. 23 and 24, and at the Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival in Manteo, N.C. on Oct. 4.

Stoney Creek's live show and sound system have been entertaining audiences for years, prompting Around the Panhandle magazine to name the band "West Virginia's classic bluegrass band." Stoney Creek features an updated and high energy approach to traditional bluegrass, which Bluegrass Unlimited praised as "mainstream bluegrass at its best."

The Live On Location concept developed in 2016. Stoney Creek had been recording two-track stereo mixes from the band's soundboard for several years, and band members expressed interest in making some of these available to fans. In late 2016 and early 2017, the band brought out a studio multi-track console to record a series of public and private shows, adding extra microphones to capture the audience as well. The double album features two complete sets from Stoney Creek's live performances. The project was recorded and mastered without compression, to preserve the full dynamic range of the performances. As a result, the album is a few decibels quieter than most recordings from the past few years (including Stoney Creek's previous albums), but the improved sound quality should be noticeable to careful listeners. Live On Location captures the band's long-standing commitment to bringing near-studio quality sound to live concert audiences.

"It almost sounds like a studio album," said bassist and founder Libby Files upon hearing the playback.

"It sounds live," said Catlett. "It is a live recording and I think it is just fine."

Live On Location also captures a recent phenomenon at Stoney Creek shows - the dancers. This trend began occurring on a regular basis in 2017 and has been encouraged by the band. One goal for this album was to include the audience, and the double album is ultimately a tribute to the fans.

"This might be the best Stoney Creek project yet," according to Stangle.

Live On Location will be available through most online digital music services, and as a two CD set from retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target and CD Baby. The project will be available to retailers through Alliance Entertainment. The album can be purchased directly from the band's website, http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net, which also features links to retailers and digital services.

1. Ladies and Gentlemen (Introduction)
2. Those Memories of You
3. The Traveling Song
4. Cold Sheets of Rain
5. Thirty Years
6. Beyond Those Gates
7. Why Don't You Tell Me So?
8. Just Like You
9. Are You Washed in the Blood?
10. Little Cabin Home on the Hill
11. Antietam Turnaround
12. I'm Working on a Building

1. I'm Lost and I'll Never Find the Way
2. Kentucky Borderline
3. Fast Train
4. When the Sun Goes Down
5. Shadows in My Room
6. Crying Holy
7. Just Someone I Used to Know
8. Blue Ridge Cabin Home
9. High Lonesome Sound
10. Nashville Skyline Rag
11. Freeborn Man

Stoney Creek release "The Traveling Song" single

Sept. 15, 2017 - Brett Smeltzer will be premiering "The Traveling Song" on Bluegrass Retrospect (7-10 p.m. ET). "The Traveling Song" is the debut single from Live On Location - the new double live album from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band. The two-disc album will be released on Sept. 29 - with CD release shows at Orr's Farm Market in Martinsburg, West Virginia on Sept. 23 & 24. Bluegrass Retrospect airs on Friday evening on The Bluegrass Jamboree website and app.

Stoney Creek release music video for "Never Tell Me"

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (Nov. 21, 2016) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has released a music video for the single "Never Tell Me". The video is available on YouTube and at http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net. "Never Tell Me" is the second single and video from the band's album "Memories & Tears". The single is available to broadcasters through AirPlay Direct and to fans through online retail and streaming outlets.

"Never Tell Me" is one of eleven original tracks on "Memories & Tears" written by the late Deanna Stottlemyer, sister of Stoney Creek's Libby Files. The band decided to record a full album of Stottlemyer's original material after recording two gospel tunes for 2012's "Are You Ready?" project.

"Memories & Tears" was released to radio broadcasters in June via AirPlay Direct, and the album went to #1 on the website's Top 50 Albums chart. The album's 11 tracks also held the top 11 spots on AirPlay Direct's Top 50 Singles chart.

Stottlemyer had performed and recorded six of the songs, leaving Stoney Creek with a blueprint for their rendition. Stottlemyer's and Files' mother, Ruby Kindle, then gave Files an additional five songs that only existed as lyrics on paper.

"Some of them she sang in her band, but then my mom gave me a stack of songs that she wrote and said 'why don't you do something with these?' So that's what I did," Files says. "I give the guys credit; they're all singing on it with me," Files says. "It's a project that I started mainly for my mom and dad; that's why I called it "Memories & Tears". I wanted to get all of my sister's music on a CD for them. There are 11 songs on the project - six are gospel songs and five are traditional bluegrass. I tried to keep them with a traditional flavor."

Stoney Creek has been praised as "mainstream bluegrass at its best" by Bluegrass Unlimited. Frank Jurney of the Berryville Bluegrass Series has noted that "Libby [Files] is among the rising number of female vocalists who are making a big impact on bluegrass music."

"Memories & Tears" is the first project to feature Stoney Creek's current lineup, including Libby Files on vocals and bass, Brett Smeltzer on mandolin and vocals, Red Catlett on guitar and vocals, and Troy Stangle on banjo and vocals.

Stoney Creek release "Memories & Tears"

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (June 23, 2016) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has announced the July 1 release of "Memories & Tears", a new album featuring the music of Deanna Stottlemyer.

"All of the songs were written by my late sister, Deanna. She passed away 12 years ago and she left a big pile of music," says Stoney Creek's Libby Files.

The album's first single, "Come Stay Awhile", was released on May 1, along with a music video filmed at Sleepy Creek Lake in Berkeley County, West Virginia.

"Memories & Tears" was released to radio broadcasters on June 15 via AirPlay Direct, and the album went to #1 on the website's Top 50 Albums chart. The album's 11 tracks also held the top 11 spots on AirPlay Direct's Top 50 Singles chart.

Stottlemyer had performed and recorded six of the songs, leaving Stoney Creek with a blueprint for their rendition. Stottlemyer's and Files' mother, Ruby Kindle, then gave Files an additional five songs that only existed as lyrics on paper.

"Some of them she sang in her band, but then my mom gave me a stack of songs that she wrote and said 'why don't you do something with these?' So that's what I did," Files says. "Over the last six months, I put my style of bluegrass music to them. They all turned out pretty good."

Files wrote music for three of the new songs ("Give Them All To Jesus", "Won't It Be a Happy Time?", and "Keep Your Eyes Toward Heaven"). By this time, Kenton Catlett, who had played in Stottlemyer's band, joined Stoney Creek. He remembered writing music to one of the songs ("Someone To Share the Load") years earlier. Catlett also composed new music for Stottlemyer's final song, "Some Sweet Day", which he performs on the album in his lead vocal debut with Stoney Creek.

"I give the guys credit; they're all singing on it with me," Files says. "It's a project that I started mainly for my mom and dad; that's why I called it "Memories & Tears". I wanted to get all of my sister's music on a CD for them. There are 11 songs on the project - six are gospel songs and five are traditional bluegrass. I tried to keep them with a traditional flavor."

Stoney Creek has been praised as "mainstream bluegrass at its best" by Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine. Frank Jurney of the Berryville Bluegrass Series has noted that "Libby Files is among the rising number of female vocalists who are making a big impact on bluegrass music."

"Memories & Tears" is the first project to feature Stoney Creek's current lineup, including Libby Files on vocals and bass, Brett Smeltzer on mandolin and vocals, Red Catlett on guitar and vocals, and Troy Stangle on banjo and vocals.

Stoney Creek will be celebrating the release of "Memories & Tears" with a series of concerts in July. This will include dates in West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The band's full schedule can be found at StoneyCreekBluegrass.net.

MEMORIES & TEARS - No. 1 album on AirPlay Direct

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (June 17, 2016) - Stoney Creek's "Memories & Tears" has been released to broadcasters on AirPlay Direct and reached No. 1 on the Top 50 Albums Chart. The album held the No. 1 spot through the close of June 16 and returned to No. 1 on June 17. The album's 11 tracks also held the top 11 positions on the Top 50 Singles chart on June 16.

The album is available to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct. To request physical CDs, or Soundcloud / Dropbox downloads, DJs can email stoneycreekbluegrass@gmail.com

MEMORIES & TEARS - new album available in July!

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (June 15, 2016) - Calv'ry Music announces "Memories & Tears", the new album from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band available in July. The album features 11 original songs, including the first single "Come Stay Awhile".

The single is available to radio broadcasters through AirPlay Direct. To request physical CDs, or Soundcloud / Dropbox downloads, DJs can email stoneycreekbluegrass@gmail.com

"Come Stay Awhile" is available to fans through the following sources: Amazon Music | Google Play | iTunes | Spotify

"Come Stay Awhile" is one of eleven original tracks on "Memories & Tears" written by the late Deanna Stottlemyer, sister of Stoney Creek's Libby Files.

Stoney Creek release music video for "Come Stay Awhile"

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (May 10, 2016) - Calv'ry Music announces the release of a music video for the single "Come Stay Awhile" by Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band. The video is available on YouTube and at StoneyCreekBluegrass.net. "Come Stay Awhile" is the first single from the band's forthcoming album "Memories & Tears". The single is available to broadcasters through AirPlay Direct and to fans through online retail outlets.

"Come Stay Awhile" is one of eleven original tracks on "Memories & Tears" written by the late Deanna Stottlemyer, sister of Stoney Creek's Libby Files. The band decided to record a full album of Stottlemyer's original material after recording two gospel tunes for 2012's "Are You Ready?" project.

Stoney Creek has been praised as "mainstream bluegrass at its best" by Bluegrass Unlimited. Frank Jurney of the Berryville Bluegrass Series has noted that "Libby [Files] is among the rising number of female vocalists who are making a big impact on bluegrass music."

"Memories & Tears" is the first project to feature Stoney Creek's current lineup, including Libby Files on vocals and bass, Brett Smeltzer on mandolin and vocals, Red Catlett on guitar and vocals, and Troy Stangle on banjo and vocals.

Stoney Creek announce new single: "Come Stay Awhile"

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (March 28, 2016) - Calv'ry Music announces the single "Come Stay Awhile" from Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band. The song will debut on bluegrass radio in May. "Come Stay Awhile" is the first single from the band's forthcoming album "Memories & Tears". The single will be available through AirPlay Direct and other outlets.

"Come Stay Awhile" is one of eleven original tracks on "Memories & Tears" written by the late Deanna Stottlemyer, sister of Stoney Creek's Libby Files. The band decided to record a full album of Stottlemyer's original material after recording two gospel tunes for 2012's "Are You Ready?" project.

Stoney Creek has been praised as "mainstream bluegrass at its best" by Bluegrass Unlimited. Frank Jurney of the Berryville Bluegrass Series has noted that "Libby [Files] is among the rising number of female vocalists who are making a big impact on bluegrass music."

"Memories & Tears" is the first project to feature Stoney Creek's current lineup, including Libby Files on vocals and bass, Brett Smeltzer on mandolin and vocals, Red Catlett on guitar and vocals, and Troy Stangle on banjo and vocals.

Stoney Creek on WINLife TV webcast

Winchester, Va. (March 1, 2016) - Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band is scheduled to appear on WINLife TV's "After Hours with Eric Sandstrom" on Saturday, March 5, at 1 p.m. (ET).

The hourlong program will feature two performance sets and an interview with Stoney Creek. The band is expected to share an update on its forthcoming studio album.

Viewers can watch the show on WINLife TV's Livestream website (available through a link at http://winlifetv.com or directly at http://livestream.com/accounts/13579207). The show will be available for replay after the live broadcast.

Stoney Creek has been named "West Virginia's Classic Bluegrass Band" by Around the Panhandle magazine, and "mainstream bluegrass at its best" by Bluegrass Unlimited. The band features Libby Files, Brett Smeltzer, Red Catlett, and Troy Stangle. The forthcoming album is a follow-up to the band's 2012 gospel project "Are You Ready?", and the first to showcase Stoney Creek's current lineup.

WINLife TV is a new Internet production facility in Winchester, Virginia, and broadcasts live music, interviews, and hosted shows for Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. WINLife TV streams on the http://livestream.com website and app.

Stoney Creek can be followed online at http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net and on the band's Facebook page.

Stoney Creek plus two

HEDGESVILLE, W.Va. (February 16, 2015) - Stoney Creek's Libby Files and Brett Smeltzer have announced that "West Virginia's Classic Bluegrass Band" is entering the 2015 season with two additions: banjo player Troy Stangle and guitarist Red Catlett. Files described recent rehearsal sessions with the new lineup as "unbelievable."

Troy Stangle previously played banjo and dobro with All4Hym, who recorded on the Rural Rhythm Christian label. His stage and studio experience made Stangle a logical pick for Stoney Creek.

"Troy displays a vast array of versatility and uniqueness in his banjo skills," according to the band's mandolin player Brett Smeltzer. "He is a veteran with a musical talent that is not overpowering, but what audiences will appreciate and find very pleasing to the ear. It's great to have Troy on board with Stoney Creek."

The band is also bringing on board guitarist Red Catlett. Catlett had filled in with Stoney Creek throughout 2013 and 2014 when guitarist Ed Barney's job responsibilities kept him from playing show dates. In January 2015, Barney decided to step back from Stoney Creek, and Catlett was a natural fit.

"When I was first getting into bluegrass music nearly 30 years ago, Red was the first person that I started playing music with ... rather quickly focusing on both harmonies and arrangement," Smeltzer noted. Smeltzer and Files agreed that "over the past few years, Red has been a reliable source to help out Stoney Creek with his vocal and guitar skill on an 'as needed' basis. It is great to know that we have that same commitment from him now on a full-time basis."

"I would like to welcome the new members to the band," Files said. "I am excited about the upcoming lineup and the new opportunities that it will bring."

Longtime banjo and dobro player Darrell Sanders is on the band's injured reserve list. Sanders is facing surgery for a damaged nerve that has limited his playing ability.

Stoney Creek plans to announce 2015 show dates, as well as returning to the studio to finish work on a new album. The new project will be a follow-up to 2012's "Are You Ready?" album, which gained the band airplay in over 200 radio markets and a music video in national rotation on BlueHighways TV.

Stoney Creek's upcoming tour dates and contact information can be found at http://stoneycreekbluegrass.net. Radio service, booking, and press inquiries for Stoney Creek can be made by contacting Calv'ry Booking and Management through http://calvrybooking.com.