We started out as a family band from Nelson County, Va.  Two of my brothers, Michael and Kenneth, have been playing together since they were kids.  It all started when Michael got a guitar and Kenneth got a mandolin for Christmas.  Soon after, my brothers started playing with other family members and friends. 

In 2002, I got married and I asked them to play at my wedding.  My brother Wendell joined in, a friend of the family, Carroll Turner helped on bass and Tom Hogge (with the Courtney Hollow band) helped on banjo.  I joined them in a song to remember our dad who passed away in 1999.  Our father was not one for flowers or poems, but instead a man who loved God, Bluegrass music and family.  What better tribute than a family band preaching, praying and singing!

We practiced for months and once the wedding was over, we really didn’t want to stop!  We continued to get together and make Bluegrass music, occasionally doing some benefits.  When contacted to perform for a benefit, we realized we lacked a name.  At this point, we were just family and friends who loved to get together, cut up, eat some homemade food, and play some music.  However, thanks to a good friend of the family, and Michael’s very witty wife, the James River Cut-Ups were formed.

In the spring of 2010, we were so pleased to have Jered Gillispie join us.  You HAVE to come out and hear him pick that banjo Stanley style!!  He came into the band and it was the perfect fit.

We love to play the music and entertain.  We are available for private parties, benefits, festivals and any other event where you want the sound of good old fashioned family Bluegrass.

-Kimberly Ponton Rhodes