Monroe Crossing

Monroe Crossing was formed in September of 2000, but their history goes back much further.

Biography

Monroe Crossing actually grew out of three different bands; The Pretty Good Bluegrass Band featuring Art and Mark, Big Skyota featuring Art and Matt and the Deadly Nightshade Family Singers which was home to Lisa and Mark. Each of those bands formed between 1995 and 1997 and performed into 2000. Also during 1995, a young banjo phenom named Benji Flaming recorded his first solo work at Mark's studio.

Between 1996 and the fall of 2000, these five folks had occasion to work together as subs for each other's bands but it was in August of 1999 that they had the good fortune of working together on the same show and found the combination to work well. Monroe Crossing was formed in September of 2000 with Brian Fesler on the banjo but by January 2001, Benji was on board.

Since then, Art, Lisa, Matt and Mark have constant members of Monroe Crossing. There have been six banjo players over the years. Brian Fesler was with the band from September through December of 2000. Benji joined in December of 2000 and stayed until October of 2001. Graham Sones was next on the five and played until October of 2004 when Jeff Whitson moved up from Arkansas to take his place. Jeff picked with Monroe Crossing until May of 2006. Jason Ericsson of Pennsylvania filled Jeff shoes and stayed until December of 2006. Jason's departure cleared the way for the return of Benji.

Beginning in October 2004, Monroe Crossing has been playing full-time, a feat few musicians in any genre can claim. With Benji back in the fold, the five original members of Monroe Crossing look forward to entertaining audiences of all sizes from coast to coast and from Canada to the Caribbean. It's hard to believe that these five individuals will celebrating their tenth anniversary with a year long tour beginning September of 2009.