New Vintage

From Cary, North Carolina. Formed in 1989 by Russell Johnson (mandolin) and Earl Lewellyn (guitar). 1993, won first place at the Pizza Hut International Bluegrass Showdown national finals in Owensboro, Kentucky. 1993, won “best band” at the SPBGMA Award Show in Nashville. 1993, released first album “Timeless” (New Time). 1995, Julie Elkins (banjo) joined the band. 1995, released No Time for the Blues album (Pinecastle). 1996, released Sands of Time album (Doobie Shea). 1997, Jody King (banjo), James Doncsecz (bass) and Kim Gardner (Dobro™) join the band. 1999, released Changing Times album (Pinecastle). 2000 lineup: Johnson, Llewellyn, Gena Britt (banjo), Greg Martin (bass) and Kim Gardner (Dobro™). 2000, played last show at IBMA Fan Fest. Johnson (mandolin, lead vocals) writes much of the band’s original material. He has also recorded as a solo artist and performs with a band called The Grass Cats. Before forming New Vintage, Johnson performed professionally as a magician. 2007, the group was re-formed by Johnson (who is also in the Grass Cats). (www.bluegrassbios.com)