The band got it's start by Austin playing on 106.3 WNVA’s Local Talent Live Show a few months back and he has been pickin’ his way around Southwest Virginia ever since. Austin is the lead singer for the band and has a remarkable voice. Cherise, with a personal interest in the band, had informally been part of the group since its earliest stages and began playing the stand up bass at the end of November 2005. Since her involvement, Cherise has proven to be a tremendous asset as her musical talents have extraordinarily grown.
In April 2006, the band reorganized and invited the exceptionally talented Abram Mullins to play the banjo. Abe grew up spending a lot of time acquiring his musical talent at the locally famed Dungannon Train Depot where good ole mountain music is played every Saturday night. Abe has been playing the banjo, mandolin, guitar and stand up bass since he was 12 years old. In May 2006, Marcus Johnson with his "Red Hot" guitar picking was also invited to play with The Midnight Ramblers. He grew up in Castlewood, Virginia and has been involved with gospel and bluegrass music for several years. Marcus comes from a musically talented family and has been playing the guitar since he was a young boy. The rest of the story is history. These young folks are blessed with a lot of God-given talent and are real anxious to come and play for you. In addition to their singing and playing ability, Austin is devoting some of his attention toward song writing. He has written several great songs within the past few months. Listen for these in the near future. They are awesome songs! To learn more about the individual members, check out their personal bio.
Austin Boggs, is an 18 year old 2007 graduate of J. J. Kelly High School in Wise, VA. He has been playing the mandolin for about three years now and is the lead singer for the band. Austin makes his home in Duncan Gap section of Wise County Virginia. He has been playing a guitar since he was eight years old and recently been trying his hand at playing the banjo. Austin also is devoting some of his attention to song writing and has written severals songs in the past few months. Austin also plays a mandolin that is hand crafted by Hill Mandolins. It is a Stanley Tone Buckwheat Honey finish.
Cherise Bates is a 17 year old J.J. Kelly High School student from Wise, Virginia. Cherise was born and raised in Wise and makes her home there today. She has been following the band since its inception, and has been playing the stand up bass for the group since November of 2005. She sings harmony and some lead vocals for the group. Cherise had only been pickin’ on the bass for about three weeks before joining the group. She has certainly demonstrated her amazing talent on her 100 + year old German Bass. "An old bass for some young talent".
Abram Mullins, 19 years old, plays the banjo for the group and also sings harmony and some lead vocals. He is a 2006 graduate of Twin Springs High School and makes his home in Dungannon, Virginia. Abe grew up spending a lot of time acquiring his musical talent at the locally famed Dungannon Train Depot where good ole’ mountain music is played every Saturday night. Abe has been playing the banjo, mandolin guitar and stand up bass since he was 12 years old.
Marcus Johnson is an 18 year old musician that has been around music all of his life. He is a 2007 graduate of Castlewood High School and resides in Castlewood, Virginia. He has been involved with gospel and bluegrass music for several years. Marcus comes from a musically talented family and has been playing the guitar since he was 7 years old. Marcus is currently enrolled at Southwest Virginia Community College in Richlands, Virginia.
