CONTACT

Calv'ry Booking & Management
Phone: 304.268.1785
Email: calvryteam@gmail.com
Website: www.CalvryBooking.com

Band typically provides sound equipment and microphones, unless provided by event or venue.  If providing, please call or email for stage plot and tech requirements.

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BIOGRAPHY

"Mainstream bluegrass at its best."  - Les McIntyre, Bluegrass Unlimited (February 2011)

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band features guitarist Ed Barney, banjo player Darrell Sanders, mandolin player Brett Smeltzer, and bassist Libby Files.

Ed Barney has toured internationally as lead guitarist for Up with People, and spent many years playing with Patent Pending. Darrell Sanders began his professional career with the late Charlie Moore, and spent ten years touring internationally and recording with Bill Harrell and the Virginians. Brett Smeltzer spent several years touring and recording with one of Maryland's premiere bluegrass acts, Jack Sanbower and the No Leeway Band. Stoney Creek was founded by bassist and vocalist Libby Files ("among the rising number of female vocalists who are making a huge impact on bluegrass music" - Berryville Bluegrass Series promoter Frank Jurney).

Stoney Creek has provided direct support for artists such as the Grascals, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Ronnie Reno, and Loretta Lynn.

In May 2010, Stoney Creek was chosen as "Artist of the Week" by Bluegrass Music Profiles magazine. Stoney Creek has appeared on WAMU's Bluegrass Country with host Tom "Cat" Reeder, including an in-studio live session in August 2010 and the world premiere of the band's "Live In Concert" project in July 2011.

The newest studio CD is "Hot Off the Press", which was released in 2010.  "Hot Off the Press" features liner notes from Larry Stephenson, Lee Michael Demsey of WAMU's Bluegrass Country, and Berryville Bluegrass promoter Frank Jurney.  The new album has been featured on bluegrass radio in over 200 markets across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.  This project and the band's increased visibility led to endorsement deals with Deering Banjos and Davis Mandolins.

In July 2011, Stoney Creek released "Live In Concert", a special project dedicated to the band's longtime fans. The project was recorded during a series of hometown shows at Thelma's Family Restaurant in Hedgesville, WV. Hank Janney of WGTY writes that "Live In Concert" is "just plain good!" Tracks from the live project are airing on bluegrass radio across the FM dial and online, including "Knee-Deep In Bluegrass", Southern Branch Bluegrass, New River Valley Bluegrass, World Wide Bluegrass, and the Bluegrass Mix.

BAND MEMBERS

Libby Files - the West Virginia Songbird - is from Hedgesville, WV. She learned to play the guitar at the age of 12 but did not play with other performers until many years later. In 1997, she joined Baxter Hollar as bass player. In 2000, Baxter Hollar dissolved and was reformed as Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band. In 2001, Libby became the manager and has held that title since. Libby sings lead and harmony on most of the arrangements. Libby has also served as the band's soundperson. She enjoys entertaining for her loyal fans. Libby’s career has been influenced by her father, Rhonda Vincent, Doyle Lawson, and the Osborne Brothers.

Darrell Sanders resides in Martinsburg, WV. Darrell taught himself to play the banjo at a very young age by watching other banjo pickers like the late Andy Boarman. Everyday he would take his banjo up on the railroad tracks near his home and practice playing. At the age of 17, he entered several banjo competitions and won first place. Darrell began playing professionally in 1977 with Charlie Moore and the Dixie Partners.  From the late 1970s through the late 1980s, Darrell performed with Bill Harrell & the Virginians and played on numerous studio albums and national tours. In addition to recording albums as a member of Bill Harrell & the Virginians, Darrell also recorded an instrumental solo album (West Virginia Style) in 1983 with members of the Virginians. In the mid 1990s, he was one of the founding members of the Scott Brannon Band. He also played on several recordings with Buzz Busby. Darrell joined Stoney Creek in 2003. In addition to his banjo talent, he also plays the dobro. Darrell sings harmony vocals on many of the band's arrangements. Darrell plays and endorses Deering Banjos.

Ed Barney is a native of Martinsburg, WV. His early exposure to music came from hearing his father's recordings of the Osborne Brothers and Reno and Smiley, as well as a variety of other musical styles including rhythm and blues, and jazz. His parent  purchased  an acoustic guitar before he was ten and he has stuck with it ever since. During high school, Ed performed with the school band and jazz ensemble. In the 1980s he toured internationally as lead guitarist for Up with People. Ed is a very talented musician; he can also play the banjo, mandolin and bass. Ed joined Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band as guitarist and lead and harmony vocalist in early 2008.  In 2010, Ed released a solo album (Acoustic Paradigm) which features acoustic renditions of bluegrass, blues, rock, and folk tunes.

Brett Smeltzer resides in Charles Town, WV. Like the rest of the band, he learned to play the mandolin at a very young age. In late October 2008, Brett became the full-time mandolin player with Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band. Brett also sings lead and harmony vocals. He is influenced vocally and musically by the Beatles, Jim and Jesse, Doyle Lawson, the Virginia Squires, Hot Rize, and many others. Brett has had the privilege to play music with Jack Sanbower & the No Leeway Band, Baxter Hollar, the Walker Brothers, and several gospel groups including the Born Again Singers and Reborn. Brett also can play the drums, electric bass and can play rhythm guitar.  Brett plays and endorses Davis Mandolins.

BAND HISTORY

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band was formed in the year 2000. In 2001, Stoney Creek was the opening act for Loretta Lynn at the Warren County Fair in Virginia. In 2003, Stoney Creek performed at the 2nd Annual Ronnie Reno Bluegrass Festival in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has performed with many renowned artists at Lucketts "Old School House" in Lucketts, Virginia.  Some of the groups include the Wildwood Valley Boys, the Bluegrass Brothers, and Leon Morris and the Associates.  Stoney Creek returned to Lucketts to perform at the 38th Annual Lucketts Fair in August 2010.  The band's stunning performance earned the praise of the crowd and staff who attended the show. 

In October 2010, Stoney Creek performed with Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper at the first annual Pickin' in the Park Festival in Clear Brook, Virginia.

In May 2010, Stoney Creek was chosen as "Artist of the Week" by Bluegrass Music Profiles magazine.  On August 24, 2010, Stoney Creek appeared on WAMU's Bluegrass Country with host Tom "Cat" Reeder.  The hour-long appearance featured live performances and interview questions.  On July 26, 2011, Stoney Creek returned to the Tom "Cat" Reeder Show to premiere tracks from their new project, "Live In Concert".

"Hot Off the Press" CD cover and formal photo by 3MI Photography

Live photos by Mike Ferrell and Kevin Smeltzer

Recording and live sound by Old World Media