The HillBenders are taking the bluegrass world by storm. From the Ozark Mountains to the Rocky Mountains, The HillBenders continue to rise like the sea level, reaching for the sky. With original music, powerful vocals, rich harmonies, unwavering energy, and passionate performances, The HillBenders claimed the prestigious title and recognition as the 2009 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition Winners.

The winning moment was explosive for the band as all their anticipation, hopes, and dreams burst into reality on the main stage. “I was literally blinded by emotion,” Nolan Lawrence (mandolin/vocals) recalls. “A huge rush of excitement and adrenaline overwhelmed me as I uncontrollably jumped up and down, pumping my fists towards the sky, shouting ‘YES!’ at the top of my lungs.”

The Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition in Colorado is nationally recognized and has served as the proving grounds for such bands as Nickel Creek and The Dixie Chicks in years past. It is an immense honor to win the competition and to perform on a stage that has been graced by some of the greatest names in bluegrass, many of whom still make regular appearances. “Being recognized by a group as prestigious as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival is no small feat, and it firmly reassures us that we are following the right path,” Lawrence said.

Residing in Springfield, MO, The HillBenders are a dynamic string quintet of individually accomplished musicians; Nolan Lawrence on mandolin/vocals, Jim Rea on guitar/vocals, Gary Rea on bass/vocals, Mark Cassidy on banjo/vocals, and Chad “Gravy Boat” Graves on dobro/vocals. Brought together through their mutual desire to write and perform original music, they combine the traditions of bluegrass with their own diverse musical influences from Jimmy Martin to The Beatles to Guy Clark. This original approach to writing coupled with some of the best "unknown" voices in the business is putting The HillBenders on a fast track to success. They bring a toe-tapping, knee-slapping good time wherever they go by delivering catchy, original music filled with rich, four-part harmonies, intricate arrangements, and skilled instrumental parts. Expect an unpredictable, energetic, and radiant performance.

What's next for the HillBenders? They will keep their momentum going by returning to Colorado in July to compete in the equally prestigious Rockygrass Bluegrass Band Competition. They are also hard at work in the studio with producer Jeremy Chapman wrapping up their first full-length record, slated to release early in spring of 2010. The highly anticipated album will be a must-have for bluegrass fans near and wide and is expected to be a hot commodity upon release!