The hardest working, most outgoing, loving person I have ever known. In reference to Roberta, Grammy winner Shawn Colvin once told me, 'God, I wish I could sing like that.' She loves jamming with friends and is especially fond of animals and gardening.

Noah Gordon

He grew up immersed in real music. The sounds of fiddle and banjo were everyday things to him. He loved Porter Wagoner records as a pre-schooler and cried the day Elvis died. We didn't expect him to become a professional musician and songwriter, but were sure not surprised that he did!

Curtis Jay Hiner

Curtis hung out with us any time he could get away from home. He lived about a half mile down the dirt road. When he was a little kid he stood on a chair to reach the neck of the big stand-up bass. The most dedicated, fluent musician I've ever met.

David Johnson

An old friend, we began playing music together in '83. He's toured the world and done many television appearances with country star Randy Travis and others. A total professional, reserved and quiet. Like the rest of us, a fan of all good music and a fluent player in many idioms.

Bill Cross

Bill's fun to be around. The great sense of humor he possesses is only outshined by his banjo playing. Bill comes from a family that loves bluegrass music, and he plays many instruments well.

Mark Stoffel

Here's a guy that's funny, too. A remarkable talent who just really enjoys entertaining. He's from Munich, and is a well-known musician in Germany and Austria who we met while doing a television show in Southern Illinois. In the years since, we've become good friends. He's not afraid to try something different and that shows in his great mandolin playing.

Katsuyuki Miyazaki

Katz is another great mandolin player. We met in a hotel hallway jam session during a bluegrass festival. Well known in Japan, he's quickly getting accepted in the U.S. Very humble, and so conscientious about his playing. Katz is a native of Kyoto, Japan, but he loves the woodlands of Southern Illinois.

Gary Gordon

Began playing guitar and singing in childhood, although his parents would rather he'd have been out working in the fields! Loves music and considers it spiritual.