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Band Members |
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Michael Ponton—Mandolin, Lead Vocals Jack Morrison—Fiddle |
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Michael Ponton |
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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. |
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E-mail: contactus@jamesrivercutups.com |
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Kenneth Ponton |
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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. |
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E-mail: contactus@jamesrivercutups.com |
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Wendell Ponton |
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I was never as passionate about bluegrass music as my brothers Mike and Kenny. I sang in the church choir. I have grown to enjoy singing with the group and it is always great when people come up and tell you how much they enjoyed your show. I reside in Shipman, Virginia with my wife Diane. |
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E-mail: contactus@jamesrivercutups.com |
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Kimberly Ponton Rhodes |
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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.
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E-mail: contactus@jamesrivercutups.com |
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Carroll Turner |
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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. |
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E-mail: contactus@jamesrivercutups.com |
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Jack Morrison |
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E-mail: contactus@jamesrivercutups.com |
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Bill Overstreet
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My roots are deeply embedded in Bedford County, Virginia, stemming back before the Revolutionary War. I grew up on a farm in Wheat’s Valley during an era when people worked hard, were self-sufficient and created their own entertainment. Inspired by my grandfather who played the banjo and sang “Old Sippy Coon” to his young grandson, I developed an insatiable love of music. At the age of fourteen I received my first musical instrument, a guitar, in return for working on my cousin’s farm. With a lot of grit and determination I soon learned how to play it. In addition to the guitar, I have learned to play the banjo, fiddle, Dobro and mandolin. Currently, my challenge is the pedal steel. I play strictly by ear and am a self-taught musician, picking up pointers from other musicians whenever I can. Over the years I have had the privilege of playing and singing with various bands. A couple of the most recent are the Peaks of Otter Country and Bluegrass Band and the Happy Mountain Boys. I consider it an honor to be a part of the James River Cut-Ups, a band who features the harmony of siblings that can’t be beat. |
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E-mail: contactus@jamesrivercutups.com |
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During my childhood my father played the fiddle professionally. At this time I had no interest in learning how to play this instrument. He moved to California when I was 12 years old. I was only able to meet with my dad twice before his untimely death in 1990. When he passed away I had to go to California to make funeral arrangements for him. After going to his home and taking his instruments I decided to take up playing the fiddle. I was 41 years old when I started taking lessons from Robbie Wells. I started playing the fiddle not only for my Dad, but mainly my Grandfather. He was very pleased and impressed when I started taking lessons. The last time I was with my Grandfather I played him the Tennessee Waltz. All he could do was cry. That made all of my efforts worth it. I knew he was proud that I had taken the time to learn and take over where my Dad left off. I am now playing a five string fiddle that belonged to my Dad. I have played with several bands in the past, but not one as been as good as the James River Cutups. I enjoy their company and their friendship. They are a great group of people. I make my home in Monroe, Va. (Amherst County) with my wife Ginny and our dog Maddy, and two cats Casy and Smokey. |
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E-mail: contactus@jamesrivercutups.com |
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John Hamlett |
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I got out of college, with a biology degree, in the midst of a recession, so I was working part time here and there, and started learning to play the banjo. With time on my hands and the sharp mind of youth, I was learning pretty fast, and soon felt the need for a better banjo than I could afford. |
