John Bryan is one of the premier young voices in bluegrass music, best known as lead vocalist and guitarist for The Grascals. Since joining the award-winning group in 2015, Bryan has helped carry forward the band's signature blend of traditional bluegrass, gospel, and country music while bringing his own distinctive vocal style and stage presence to audiences across the United States and around the world.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Bryan developed a love for bluegrass music at an early age. His roots in the genre run deep through his family heritage. His great-grandfather, Willard Watson, was a first cousin of legendary guitarist and folk music icon Doc Watson. The Watson family tradition of music and storytelling helped shape Bryan's appreciation for authentic Appalachian music and inspired him to pursue a career in bluegrass.

Before joining The Grascals, Bryan built a solid reputation performing with Larry Efaw and The Bluegrass Mountaineers, where he gained valuable touring and recording experience. His strong lead vocals, guitar work, and natural connection with audiences quickly made him one of the most promising young performers in bluegrass music. In April 2015, The Grascals selected Bryan to join the band as lead vocalist and guitarist, marking a significant chapter in both his career and the history of the group.

Since becoming a member of The Grascals, Bryan has performed on some of the most prestigious stages in American music, including the Grand Ole Opry. He has toured extensively throughout North America and contributed to numerous recordings that showcase the band's award-winning harmonies and musicianship. His vocal performances have become a key part of The Grascals' sound, earning praise from fans and critics alike for their sincerity, warmth, and emotional depth.

One of Bryan's most notable vocal performances came on the song "Haggard," a moving ballad that highlighted his ability to deliver heartfelt storytelling through song. His expressive voice and genuine approach to traditional music have made him a favorite among bluegrass audiences and an important contributor to The Grascals' continued success.

Today, John Bryan remains an integral part of The Grascals, helping the band maintain its position as one of the most respected and beloved acts in bluegrass music. Combining deep Appalachian roots, strong family traditions, and a passion for preserving the music he loves, Bryan continues to honor the legacy of bluegrass while introducing it to new generations of listeners.

Thomas Claxton is an award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitarist, concert producer, and entertainer based in Savannah, Georgia. Known for his powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and unwavering dedication to live music, Claxton has built a reputation as one of the Southeast’s most versatile and respected independent musicians. Over the course of his career, he has performed hundreds of shows annually, sharing his music with audiences throughout the United States while continuing to expand his influence as both a performer and music industry advocate.

A classically trained first tenor, Claxton developed his vocal abilities through years of study and mentorship. His musical foundation blends classical technique with the passion and energy of rock music, creating a distinctive sound that has become his trademark. Long before earning regional and national recognition, he honed his craft performing in clubs, bars, festivals, and concert venues throughout the Savannah area, steadily building a loyal following through hard work, consistency, and a deep connection with audiences.

As a songwriter, Claxton is known for creating music that combines thoughtful lyrics, memorable melodies, and emotional authenticity. His original recordings have earned praise from critics and listeners alike, while his live performances showcase an ability to seamlessly move between rock, pop, soul, and acoustic styles. Whether performing solo or fronting his bands, he delivers every song with conviction and professionalism. His projects have included the acclaimed groups The Myth and Sonic Temple, both of which have helped establish his reputation as a leading figure in Savannah’s music community.

Throughout his career, Claxton has received numerous honors for his work as a vocalist and songwriter. A multiple-time Indie Music Channel and RMA award winner, he has been recognized for his achievements as a recording artist and performer. He has also been named Best Male Vocalist multiple times by industry publications and has earned recognition from organizations dedicated to promoting excellence in music performance and education.

Beyond performing, Claxton has become known for his work as a concert producer and promoter. His innovative “Me, Myself & Us” Concert Series has brought world-renowned musicians, legendary session players, and celebrated recording artists to Savannah for unique performances and audience discussions. Through these events, he has created opportunities for music fans to experience intimate encounters with artists whose work has shaped generations of popular music. The series has featured musicians associated with artists such as James Taylor, David Bowie, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Tom Petty, and many others.

Claxton’s commitment to music extends beyond the stage. He has worked as a vocal coach, mentor, and advocate for music education, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring performers. His contributions to the music industry have been recognized by organizations such as the NAMM Foundation, which has highlighted his journey as an example of dedication and perseverance in the arts.

Today, Thomas Claxton continues to perform, write, record, and produce events while proudly representing Savannah, Georgia, on stages across the country. His career stands as a testament to the power of persistence, artistic integrity, and a lifelong passion for music. Whether captivating audiences with an acoustic guitar, leading a full band, or bringing musical legends together through his concert series, Claxton remains committed to creating meaningful musical experiences and inspiring others through the universal language of song.

Kristin Scott Benson is the seven-time International Bluegrass Music Association’s Banjo Player of the Year, recipient of the 2018 Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, and 2024 inductee into the American Banjo Hall of Fame.

Since 2008, she has been a member of Grammy-nominated and two-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year, The Grascals. Kristin is one of the nation's top bluegrass banjo players, exhibiting impeccable taste, timing, and tone. With an attentive ear to back-up, she is known and respected as a true team player among her peers.

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Many consider her to be one of the first females to successfully be a side-musician in a top-tiered bluegrass band:

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“There was one grass ceiling no woman could cut through—until Kristin Scott Benson came along, that is. Almost two years ago, she joined The Grascals. Not to front the band, not to sing, not to be eye candy, but instead to drive the group with her five string banjo. Until then, no woman had ever been hired to play one of the most defining of the bluegrass instruments in an Alist, festival-headlining, all-male band….It’s a high profile gig, as Kristin takes the banjo where no woman has taken it before.”

Larry Nager – “Kristin Scott Benson – Cutting the Grass Ceiling” Bluegrass Unlimited: Oct, 2010.

In 2022, Kristin became the newest endorser for Deering Banjos. Benson now plays a Custom Deering Golden Wreath model with a curly maple neck and speed finish. This banjo came about after trying a number of different Deering banjos and is an amalgamation of all the different models in Deering's Golden Series - the Golden Wreath, Golden Era, and Rustic Wreath. ​

Kristin's newest release is a unique project. Under the artist's name Benson, the 2023 album Pick Your Poison was released by Mountain Home Records and is a collaborative effort between two of bluegrass music's most treasured instrumentalists: Kristin and her husband, mandolinist Wayne Benson. With decades of experience in top-tier bands, both have established themselves as stalwarts in the community. After years of paving separate musical paths, the two finally decided it was time to integrate their identities and create something new together. Benson is their first combined effort, despite having been married for over 20 years.​

Kristin has been featured on The Grascals’ albums since 2008. As part of the Grascals, Kristin’s media performances include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Fox & Friends, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and CBS’ The Talk, among others. The band has also performed for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, as well as accumulating over 200 performances on The Grand Ole Opry.