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BlueBilly Grit Wins Telluride 2012 Band Competition
North Georgia band BlueBilly Grit took first place in the nationally renowned Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition located in southwestern Colorado this year. Competing against eight other bands in the preliminary round and then moving onto the final round, the band played on the main stage for several thousand festival attendees and emerged as the winner. Along with prize money, the band won a highly sought after spot in next year’s festival line up. Previous winners of this prestigious contest include Nickel Creek and the Dixie Chicks. “We have put years of hard work into this band. Winning Telluride and playing the main stage is a dream come true,” says banjoist Mark Garrison of Maysville, GA. Other members include guitarist Shawn Hart and vocalist Amber Starr Hollis from Commerce, GA., as well as mandolin player Roman Gaddis, fiddle player Patrick Chisolm, and upright bassist Adam Rambin, all from Dahlonega, GA.
Since forming in 2008, BlueBilly Grit has released two albums, Mill Grinder’s Blues, and Ready For A Change. The albums showcase the songwriting talents of Mark, Shawn, and Amber, featuring driving bluegrass with modern lyrics and seamless harmony. Both cds have received airplay in the United States as well as abroad.
This past year BlueBilly Grit has played festivals and venues in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina as well as hosting their own “Tony and Ann Ianuario” annual festival that honors a former band mate and wife who died in an auto accident in early 2009. They also recently appeared on the Sport South fishing show, “Nuts and Bolts of Fishing” with Captain Cefus McRae.
With the Telluride win the band is excited about what the upcoming year has in store. They hope to broaden their fan base and their touring schedule. For more information visit www.bluebillygrit.com or contact Mark Garrison at 706-215-1856.






City of Sky Valley
We were especially impressed with the beautiful blending of voices these performers brought to our stage. Their musicality was superb and their musicianship second to none. Our audience brought them requests and they performed them to the delight of one and all. We enjoyed the performers' interaction and involvement with the audience. The band played for two hours without a break, even though an intermission was planned. We all got caught up in their passion for performing, and the time just flew by. It was nonstop Bluegrass at its best. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and give them our highest recommendation. Pam Martindale, City of Sky Valley -- Pamela M, Sky Valley, GA, 5/28/2011

Jenny L Gordon says,
BlueBilly Grit was a joy to work with. They sound so wonderful...We found them on Gigmasters website. I couldn't believe how good they were. We went to see them and were blown away. We immediately booked them...they have a bluegrass/folk/rockabilly sound. When our music fell through at the last minute, we asked if they could fill in...they did and at no extra charge. They were the highlight of the night. ...I was so happy to have worked with them and would recommend them to anyone.

Ronnie from www.lonesonehighway.com says..
"I just downloaded your album from APD a few days ago and had planned to include a track or two on todays show on WWB . Have to say I was blown away by the sound...


Pickin' and Fiddlin' on WAPJ-FM
"...was impressed by the musicianship and tight vocal harmonizing"
Brian Lillie, Litchfield, CT

Country Harvest Radio Programs says...
"It’s a pleasure to add BlueBilly Grit to programs.
The group has a fresh sound approach to Bluegrass..."

Raymond Phillips
Country Harvest radio programs
Awards Music Director 2009-2013