The Half-Runners profile picture

The Half-Runners

Pick 'em, String 'em, Break 'em !

About Me

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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My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 12/12/2005
Band Website: myspace.com/thehalfrunners
Band Members: RAMBLING RYAN BERNARD-(Guitar, Fiddle, & Hollering!)GREG BUERGLER-(Fiddle, Guitar & Banjo.)TIMOTHY PHARIS-(the Dog-House & Fiddle.)WILD BILL WARD II-(Banjo, Jaw Harp, & Hollering.)
Influences: We should start with the beginning: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Brown, Stonewall Jackson, Jeb Stuart, Robert E. Lee, Alvin York, Fiddlin John Carson, Uncle Am Stuart, Uncle Dave Macon, Dr. Humphrey Bate, Sid Harkreader, Gid & Riley, Pop Stoneman, Charlie Bowman, Dyke's Magic City Trio, Tom Ashley, Skillet Lickers, Hill Billies, Grayson & Whitter, Eck Robertson, Bunt Stephens, Frank Blevins, Edden Hammons, Earl Johnson, Buell Kazee, Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Doc Watson, Doc Boggs, Walter Williams, Wade Ward, Kyle Creed, Tommy Jarrell, Fred Price, Fred Cockerham, Marcus Martin, Roscoe Holcomb, Gaither Carlton, Gus Cannon, Memphis Jug Band, Jesse Fuller, Ralph Blizzard, Clyde Davenport, Will Keys, Benton Flippen, Charlie Poole, The Freighthoppers, The Roan Mtn. Hilltoppers, Bob Carlin, Bruce Greene, Corklickers, Ballard's Branch Bogtrotters, Dirk & Bruce, Foghorn, Roy Andrade, Uncle Sam Gobble & Dr. Richard Blaustein. Anyone up at 3am on the last night of Mt. Airy!
Sounds Like: 3am @ Mt. Airy!
Record Label: Old Time Jihad, Inc./ 21st Century Possum
Type of Label: None