Band: Hardly Ever
Location: Elkins, West Virginia
Hardly Ever is a dynamic bluegrass band that formed early in 2006. The band is based in Elkins, West Virginia where all four members have spent most of their lives.
Hardly Ever is a family band in the truest sense of the word. Tied together by far more than just friendship, Jeremy and Jesse are husband and wife. Joe and Kathy are husband and wife. Plus, Kathy and Jeremy are mother and son. It truly is a family affair!
Its members are veteran performers with decades of performance experience. Each member brings their own unique sound to the group stemming from a wide variety of musical influences. Joe and Jeremy keep the band grounded with traditional Monroe and Scruggs approaches to their instruments while Kathy and Jesse have extensive influences in all types of music including rock, blues, and country. Add it all up, and you get a blend that is just right!
Even though a young band, they hit the ground running with the first few practices yielding several brand new songs and a natural flow that’s just right. Their love for God, each other, and for the music is what is most evident when watching them perform. They have quickly established their own fan base with live performances and their first release “Leave It All Behind” which features three of their original tunes. Hardly Ever is based firmly on the traditional aspects of bluegrass music but with new flavor and creativity. Their lineup consists of some of their area’s most well known Bluegrass musicians.
Joe Gainer has been playing banjo since he was a pup. His banjo style can be described as “traditionally progressive”. He is an extremely talented player, singer, writer, performer as well as an all around blast to be around.
Kathy Gainer is an incredibly gifted performer. She has been singing, playing, and performing all of her life. She is grateful to God for the opportunity to play music with her husband Joe, and son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy and Jesse.
Jesse Leigh Wanless is a true performance veteran. She has performed on the stages of Branson, Missouri, as well as in countless bands. She is the mother of three beautiful boys and is without a doubt one of the most talented vocalists on the music scene today.
Jeremy Wanless grew up in a musical family and began to play the mandolin at around 10 years old, after seeing Bill Monroe on TV. He is thrilled to be playing music with his family especially his wife, Jesse.
Websites: www.hardlyever.net and http://hardlyeverband.googlepages.com
Email: hardlyever@cebridge.net