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Gene Elders, violinist , brings one of the most memorable and sought-after elements to Betty's music. His extraordinary taste, technique and tonality bear evidence to all he is acclaimed for. Gene is truly one of music's marvels. Absolute perfection of his instrument (a custom-made curly maple 5-string violin handcrafted by Arthur Conner of Copper Hill, Virginia) has made him one of the most exciting live players ever to be heard, and one of the most in-demand sidemen at recording sessions all over the continent. His skills, as both sideman and producer have, likewise, unmistakably contributed to the accolades garnered for all of Betty's records.
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Jeff Midkiff grew up where bluegrass and traditional string band music thrived. Given his first mandolin ( made by Arthur Conner) at the age of 7 by a neighbor (Sherman Poff, to whose memory Partners In Time is dedicated), he moved quickly into the world of fiddlers’ conventions and contests, winning his first mandolin competition before reaching his teens. He's been playing Arthur's instruments for 32 years, including 4 string and 5 string fiddles) . more
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Chris debuted with the band on fiddle in 1998 at the Maury River Fiddler's Convention, where the band won first prize in the bluegrass band competition. He appeared as a guest on the band's second and third self-released albums and joined the band in the summer of 2000. Chris was introduced to bluegrass by his dad, "Buster" Sexton who played banjo in several bands in the 70's and early 80's. When Chris was seven, his dad discovered that his son had the gift of perfect pitch eventually making Chris one of the best bluegrass singers to hardly ever sing. Although his first instrument was a mandolin, Chris soon focused his energies on the violin. more
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Educated at the Royal conservatory of music in Ontario, canada, mike mitchell began playing the violin at the age of ve. His passion for music led him to a string performance major at Youngstown State University, and more than 10 years of national touring with rock and acoustic ensembles. Cuirrently, Mike performs with the acclaimed mountain music group, Blue Moonshine. He lives in Floyd, Virginia with his wife and two children. more and more
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