Success for IIIrd Tyme Out was nearly an overnight occurrence for this group after its forming in 1991. Founding member Russell Moore (guitar), along with everyone else in the group, created a new tradition in modern bluegrass music. Rounding out IIIrd Tyme Out are Steve Dilling (banjo), Wayne Benson (mandolin), Justen Haynes (fiddle), Edgar Loudermilk (bass) and their excellent sound technician, Donnie Carver.
As the saying goes, “The proof is in the puddingâ€, and what more proof of the band’s niche as a top bluegrass group in the world than its seven consecutive IBMA awards as its Vocal Group of the Year - 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997,1998,1999 and most recently 2000. Acapella renditions of many songs can rarely be matched. Its superb instrumentation provides even more quality sound to the rich vocal blends.
IIIrd Tyme Out - Where did such a name have its origin? This was the third time out for founding members Deaton, and Moore and consequently the third professional bluegrass band association for each. No doubt, the third time proved to be a charm for these talented artists.
RUSSELL MOORE
As a founding member of IIIRD TYME OUT, Russell has seen the group expand, and evolve, from where it started to where it has risen today. Originally from Pasadena, Texas (true home state of the ‘Whataburger’!!), he now lives near the foothills of the north Georgia mountains in Cumming. Russell, born December 21, 1963, began playing music around the age of eleven after being inspired by bluegrass greats ‘The Osborne Brothers’, and joined a regional band at the age of fifteen, playing concerts and festivals in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. Around 1982, he moved to Arlington, Texas, and helped form the bluegrass band ‘Southern Connection’. After almost two years of living in Arlington, the ‘band’ moved east and settled in Asheville, North Carolina. In 1985, Russell went to work for the bluegrass band Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. After six years, and seven recordings, with Quicksilver, Russell left to help form IIIRD TYME OUT in 1991. Russell has been awarded several ‘Male Vocalist’ awards to date, two of the most prestigious being the coveted ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). He lives in Cumming, GA. with his wife, Carol (married November 16, 1985) and two sons, Taylor and Spencer. When he’s not touring, Russell spends his time working in the offices of Chateau Music Group (which he co-owns), maintaining their tour bus, and spending as much time as possible with his family.
STEVE DILLING
Steve Dilling was born August 5, 1965, at Ramey Air Force Base, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, while his father was stationed there. About a month later, the family returned home to North Carolina, fertile grounds to bluegrass banjo players. Steve fell in love with the banjo at the age of 10, after hearing a recording of Earl Scruggs playing the Foggy Mountain Breakdown. He finally got his first banjo on his 12th birthday, and he hasn’t been quite the same since. After a few years of playing, he became friends with two other musicians in North Carolina by the name of Greg Luck and Wayne Benson, and the three jammed around together for several years at local festivals and bluegrass shows. In March of 1985, Steve joined regional favorites, The Bass Mountain Boys, and stayed there until a job with The Lonesome River Band opened in 1992. Then, in July of 1993, Steve, also known as ‘Big Man’, brought his banjo playing skills and emcee talents to IIIrd Tyme Out, being regarded as one of the best in the business. His musical influences are varied, and include well known artists Flatt & Scruggs, J. D. Crowe, Terry Baucom and Tony Rice. When off of the road, steve enjoys spending time at home with his family and watching sports. Steve and his wife, Macie, were married on December 14, 1985, and have two children, Stephanie and Matt.
WAYNE BENSON
Wayne Benson is one of bluegrass music’s leading mandolinists and has established himself as a unique and gifted stylist. From Concord, NC, an area rich in bluegrass heritage, Benson first arrived on the scene as a teenager when Scott Vestal invited him to join Livewire. After three years and one album on Rounder Records, Wayne joined the well-known and critically acclaimed Third Tyme Out in December of 1992. After more than a decade with the Atlanta-based band, Wayne had solidified his niche among the most respected bluegrass mandolin players, being featured on the cover of Bluegrass Now, Mandolin Quarterly, and Bluegrass Unlimited, while also enjoying numerous IBMA awards and the SPBGMA Mandolin Player of the Year award, five consecutive years.
In 2004, Wayne joined the John Cowan Band. He spent three years with the group, recording two albums and showcasing his instrumental prowess in the progressive genre, most widely called, New Grass. After a three-year stint with Cowan, Wayne reclaimed his long-time home with Third Tyme Out in May of 2007. After living in Nashville for 16 years, Wayne recently returned to the Carolinas, where he lives with his wife, Kristin, and son, Hogan.
JUSTEN HAYNES
Justen Haynes was born on August 27, 1982 in Fredericksburg, VA. Justen grew up in a house where his mother and father toured with the gospel bluegrass band Sonrise. At age 4, he began to follow in their footsteps by developing a passion for bluegrass music and learned how to play all the instruments. He received the opportunity to start his first tour gig at age 9 playing the bass with Sonrise. He played the bass on stage but on the bus, enjoyed playing the banjo and fiddle. Throughout high school, Justen gained experience while participating in the Virginia State Orchestra. He graduated and attended Shenandoah Musical Conservatory. Justen studied to be a performance major, and sat first chair. During college, he started playing and singing for Michelle Nixon and Drive. He got a real perspective of life on the road, responsibilities of a band member, and what it takes to pursue a passion in bluegrass. During his time with Michelle, he also recorded for many successful bands completing some free lance studio work. He played with Michelle for three years before God opened up the window of opportunity to play with IIIrd Tyme Out. Justen and Melanie just got married in January 2005, and they are also the parents of a son, Tage and a daughter,Natalie. Justen recalls growing up and listening to Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the Lonesome River Band and IIIrd Tyme Out. He considers it a blessing to now be a part of the 3TO family! Justen enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing with his two pit bulls - Bullock and Lady.
EDGAR LOUDERMILK
Edgar has music running through his blood. A relative of the famous Louvin Brothers, Edgar started playing guitar and mandolin in his family's band at the age of 9. It did not take long before he was getting offers from several folks to work for them. Edgar has played in bands such as, Carolina Crossfire, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, and most recently, Marty Raybon & Full Circle. In July of 2007, Edgar became the bass player for IIIrd Tyme Out. He and his wife, Sonya, had their first child November 30, 2006. They reside in Eastanollee, GA.
