Andy Ball

As the mandolin player and vocalist with The Lonesome River Band, Andy Ball brings much appreciation and passion for classic bluegrass and country music. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Andy is a third generation southern transplant whose roots are in southeastern Kentucky.Andy grew up working with various bluegrass and country bands in the Detroit area, primarily with his family band "The Richard Ball Family." He also grew up working with Pete Goble, one of the premiere songwriters in Bluegrass music and attributes a lot of his musical knowledge to the 'Pete Goble School of Bluegrass.' Andy has also worked in the past with several bands including the Mike O'Reilly/Dick Smith Band, Paul Williams and the Victory Trio, Stanley Brothers legend Bill Napier, and has performed with J.D. Crowe. Andy has also worked as the bassist in the staff band for the monthly 'Ohio Valley Opry' in McConnellsville, Ohio. Andy recently came to LRB from The Mark Newton Band having participated in the critically acclaimed album for Rebel Records, "Hillbilly Hemingway."Andy completed his undergraduate degree in philosophy from the University of Detroit Mercy ('06) and hopes to someday complete a degree in law as well as a PhD in political philosophy.