Kentucky Border is a modern bluegrass band with a strong, traditional sound. Founded in 2009 the band has been growing its audience base in Ohio and the surrounding states playing in a wide variety of venues. The NIBGA Festival in Kendallville, IN, the SPBGMA band contest in Nashville, the Wheeling Jamboree in WVA, and the Conestoga Festival in Canada are just a few of the places they have played. While delivering a solid bluegrass sound and tight blended vocals this band has a great time on stage and it shows! They’re serious about great bluegrass music and having fun sharing it with their fans. The people in this band are who make it great. Spread out across Northern Ohio, these are some talented musicians that have come together.
Kentucky Border: Bio
Paul Bryant - Guitar, Vocals
Paul’s family is originally from Johnson’s Fork in Eastern Kentucky and credits his parents for his love of bluegrass music. While struggling in the coal fields, Paul’s parents grew up listening to the founding fathers of bluegrass music and passed the music on to their son. He has been playing guitar and singing since age twelve and has been influenced by many of the bluegrass greats such as Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, and Ricky Skaggs. Paul has played in the bands, Flag City Bluegrass, Woodville Express, and several others. He lives in Seville, OH with his wife, Jen, has two children, and one grandchild.
Danny Bryant - Mandolin, Vocals
Born in Whitesburg, KY, Danny was raised on bluegrass and old time country. His first instrument was guitar, but began playing mandolin when he started a band with his brothers. He has played in many country and bluegrass bands in the northwest Ohio area. One of which won the state of Ohio Jimmy Dean Country showdown in 1994. Danny now lives in Fostoria, OH with his wife, Lisa, has six grown kids, and one grandchild.
Mary Kettering - Fiddle, Vocals
Mary is a former member of the bluegrass band, Faces Made for Radio, and has also toured with the Celtic rock group, Ceili (Kay-lee) Rain. In addition to her bluegrass activities she is principal second violin with both the Ashland and Lima Symphonies. Mary has been playing bluegrass music off and on for almost ten years after finishing her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in classical violin. She now lives in Ashland, OH with her husband, Brian, and has one child.
Dave Riffle - Banjo
Dave has many years of experience on the banjo. Although he took some time off from playing, he has been in several bands. Fortunately, he came back to the banjo a couple years ago and hasn't put it down. Dave lives in Genoa, OH with his wife, Rachel, has two grown kids and one grandchild.