Kenneth Ponton (vocals, guitar)
Music has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. As Mike has stated, we grew up on bluegrass. We did a lot of camping when we were growing up and most of the time we camped at bluegrass festivals. I reside in Amherst County with my wife Cindy my son Scott and daughter Christie. My oldest daughter Mandi lives in Charlottesville.
Email Kenneth!
Music has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. As Mike has stated, we grew up on bluegrass. We did a lot of camping when we were growing up and most of the time we camped at bluegrass festivals. I reside in Amherst County with my wife Cindy my son Scott and daughter Christie. My oldest daughter Mandi lives in Charlottesville.
Email Kenneth!
Carroll Turner (bass)
I have been playing music for over 30 years now and have been in various bands. I enjoy performing with the group and cutting up. I reside in Shipman, Virginia with my wife Jennifer.
Email Carroll!
I have been playing music for over 30 years now and have been in various bands. I enjoy performing with the group and cutting up. I reside in Shipman, Virginia with my wife Jennifer.
Email Carroll!
Jered Gillispie (banjo)
HELLO THERE FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!!! This here is Jered Gillispie hailing from somewhere in the woods of Albemarle County. I’ve been pickin that ol' five string banjer for about 4 years now. I used to be influenced by Earl Scruggs picking style for just a short while when I first started picking.... Then I heard that lonesome sound of Ralph Stanley's banjo pickin. That is who I try to mimic my style of picking after now. Notice I said try. But any who, I really enjoy picking for the James River Cuts Ups. They’re a great bunch of folks. Whoever might be reading this. come on out to where we’re pickin and we'll do you a few numbers you might like! Until then HAVE A GOOD EVENING FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!
Email Jered!
HELLO THERE FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!!! This here is Jered Gillispie hailing from somewhere in the woods of Albemarle County. I’ve been pickin that ol' five string banjer for about 4 years now. I used to be influenced by Earl Scruggs picking style for just a short while when I first started picking.... Then I heard that lonesome sound of Ralph Stanley's banjo pickin. That is who I try to mimic my style of picking after now. Notice I said try. But any who, I really enjoy picking for the James River Cuts Ups. They’re a great bunch of folks. Whoever might be reading this. come on out to where we’re pickin and we'll do you a few numbers you might like! Until then HAVE A GOOD EVENING FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!
Email Jered!
Kimberly Ponton Rhodes (vocals, guitar)
Music has been a part of every stage of my life. I started singing in my church when I was very young. At home, my brothers, cousins and friends were constantly getting together to play music. Back then, I was just the nagging little sister who begged to sing with them. As an adult, I hope they think the begging was worth it.
Email Kim!
Music has been a part of every stage of my life. I started singing in my church when I was very young. At home, my brothers, cousins and friends were constantly getting together to play music. Back then, I was just the nagging little sister who begged to sing with them. As an adult, I hope they think the begging was worth it.
Email Kim!
James River CutUps
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Michael Ponton (vocals, mandolin)
I grew up in Roseland Virginia (Nelson County). Our family loves bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music. I would listen every chance I had to old bluegrass albums and eight track tapes. After begging for a long time, my dad got me a Martin guitar for Christmas when I was 15. Kenny, my younger brother, got a mandolin. We learned the basic chords and picked the rest up by ear. Every chance we got from working on the farm, we'd play our instruments and try to imitate that bluegrass sound and harmony. The only thing different today, is that Kenny now plays the guitar and I play mandolin. I thank God for my mom and dad (Lawrence & Addie Ponton) who encouraged us to play (Mom still encourages us today). Even though my dad is no longer with us in body, he is with us in spirit and his words of encouragement live on. I now make my home in Shipman Virginia (Nelson County) with my wife Julie and two stepsons John & Josh. When I am not practicing music, you can find me on the golf course.
I grew up in Roseland Virginia (Nelson County). Our family loves bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music. I would listen every chance I had to old bluegrass albums and eight track tapes. After begging for a long time, my dad got me a Martin guitar for Christmas when I was 15. Kenny, my younger brother, got a mandolin. We learned the basic chords and picked the rest up by ear. Every chance we got from working on the farm, we'd play our instruments and try to imitate that bluegrass sound and harmony. The only thing different today, is that Kenny now plays the guitar and I play mandolin. I thank God for my mom and dad (Lawrence & Addie Ponton) who encouraged us to play (Mom still encourages us today). Even though my dad is no longer with us in body, he is with us in spirit and his words of encouragement live on. I now make my home in Shipman Virginia (Nelson County) with my wife Julie and two stepsons John & Josh. When I am not practicing music, you can find me on the golf course.
