Teton Shadow Boys
The Teton Shadow Boys have been performing since the summer of 2007 when the band initially formed. They kicked off their first performances playing for an American Folk Dance Team in the Eastern Idaho Folk Dance Festival. Since that time they have been performing throughout South Eastern Idaho and Utah in music festivals, fairs, and celebrations of all sorts. Playing a mix of contemporary and traditional bluegrass with strong vocal harmonies and intricate instrumental breaks, they have played for events as formal as weddings to as laid back as a 4th of July Barbecue. Collectively they have over 50 years experience and none of them are over 30. This is one young and fun group who love to have play, sing, and make you smile.
Below are the members past and present.
Below are the members past and present.
Diane Koller, originally from El Derado Hills, California, now calls Idaho home. She started her bluegrass career first by being held by Bill Monroe as a toddler. As a young girl she even lent her mandolin pick to him (and then not fully understanding who he was, she was upset when he didn't give it back.) Diane grew up in a family where bluegrass is just part of life. She is amazing on the Mandolin, and Violin, and adds a beautiful, rich, female voice to the group. She is always making them look and sound awesome.
Nyk Vail, from Rexburg, Idaho began playing the Banjo around the age of 6 years old. Thanks to his Dad (who plays the banjo as well as many other instruments), Nyk can play almost anything with strings on it. For as long as he can remember, his dad has performed folk and western music through out south eastern Idaho. They now perform together when opportunities arise. Listen to the banjo roll and the melody pop as Nyk is pickin' and grinnin'.
Curtis Bensen, from Idaho Falls, Idaho has been playing bluegrass style guitar for around 10 years almost as long as he has been married to his wife.Constantly influenced by musical family and friends it is no wonder he so good. Watch and listen to him make his beautiful sounding and good looking guitar sing.
Alex Christensen, from Rexburg, Idaho has been playing bluegrass style guitar for just over 5 years and has become an accomplished guitar picker. He still loves to play his electric but has fine tuned his ear to the truly beautiful acoustic side of things. Over the past few years Alex has played off and on with the Teton Shadow Boys and as guitarist and bassist.
Lawrence Stone, from Parker, Idaho, is our upright Bass man. Like J.P. he started playing his instrument in Jr. High. He continued on to study Jazz Bass in College and has a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music. His profound bass skills keep the group together and on beat. If you listen close, you can hear some sweet upright bass breaks in some of their songs. "Look mom, no frets"! His amazing command of this big instrument ties everything together.
J. P. Manning, from Burley, Idaho has been playing since Jr. High and still loves it. His interest in music began through violin lessons and by participating in a show choirc while growing up. Perhaps some of it came from his mother playing classical music to him as an infant and toddler (back when the theory of classical music making kids smarter was quite popular.) He adds baritone and bass vocals, great rhythm, played on his Martin. .
Billy Beard, from Driggs, Idaho, attributes his love for music to his family. He began singing with his family as a young child. He is now an excellent pianist as well as accomplished musician on any other instrument that he picks up. He can not stop playing music and is found doodling on whatever is in his hands, most of the time it is his beautiful sounding Gibson mandolin.