Born out of East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-time, and Country Music program and the hills surrounding this college campus, these four musicians forged a musical bond that fostered their interests in old-time music and cemented their desires to play straightforward, good-hearted fiddle music. The Half-Runners found themselves at regional fiddlers’ competitions in the summer months and routinely, played for the public on street corners like musicians of the past. These public arenas fortified the band's ambitions and only strengthened their entertaining prowess . The band consists of Greg Buegler (fiddle) from Chevy Chase, MD. Greg "cut his teeth" as a youngster at fiddlers’ conventions, workshops, and gatherings throughout Appalachia and the DC area. The band also boasts two resident East Tennesseans, Bill Ward (banjo) from Mountain City, TN. and Ryan Bernard (guitar) from Kingsport, TN. Bill and Ryan have played and loved traditional music for many years. Finishing up the lineup is Tim Pharis (bass) from Cairo, GA. Tim has been surrounded by music all of his life in his musical family. Whether they are simply playing a street corner, local venue, or a contest in the hills, The Half-Runners deliver heartfelt, energetic old-time music that people can dance to and enjoy. The Half-Runners combine the pioneering spirit of yesteryear with an energetic passion for old-time music. Bringing forth ancient tones and foot-stomping dance tunes, this young ensemble favors a strict diet of tradition and “down-home†familiarity. Merging traditional fiddle music with an energetic “all-or-nothing†ethos, this string-band provides an entertaining glimpse of folk music in the modern age.
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