The Bluegrass audience is one demanding excellence in every respect. Not only are their tastes for instrumental and vocal precision refined, Bluegrass fans require that their bands play with an unending reverence to tradition and at the same time offer music of originality and definition. It is only the band that walks the line between tradition and originality that will ultimately succeed. One such group based in Cashiers, North Carolina is The Wild Hog Band.

The Wild Hog Band has been entertaining audiences throughout the southeast for over ten years. A Bluegrass band with a contemporary sound, they play and sing a variety of music, remembering traditional roots while exploring new horizons. In the past The Wild Hog Band has opened for musicians such as Mark O'connor, Norman Blake, John Hartford, and Doc Watson. Recent venues include playing at the Biltmore Estate, Brevard Music Center, Mountain Heritage Days at Western Carolina University, The Brooks Center at Clemson University, as well as opening for a rare performance by Tony Rice and John Carlini.

The Wild Hog Band was formed during the mid eighties when Benny Queen, Kelly Smith, and Rick Myers started playing gigs in Clemson, South Carolina and the surrounding areas. Other early members of the band included Dr. Pat Welsch and Ken Hamilton on banjo. Current members include Benny Queen, Kelly Smith, Charles Wood, and Josh Carnes.

The Wild Hog Band has three self-produced recordings, the latest a new CD. The wild Hog Band captivates audiences and has achieved what few Bluegrass bands today do- a purely unique, versatile, professional sound. The Wild Hog Band is a band with the personality and vitality necessary to capture the attention and praise of even the most elite audience. With every performance, the band seizes the devotion of new fans and rises above the expectations of its old ones. It is a band whose music will endure.

Benny Queen plays mandolin, guitar, and bass. He also sings lead and harmony vocals. Benny learned his craft in Mountain Rest, South Carolina and played professionally for several years in the Bozeman, Montana area before returning to the South. He currently lives in Cashiers, North Carolina.

BENNY (LEFT) AND JOSH (RIGHT) WARMING UP FOR THE GUITAR CONTEST AT MERLEFEST 2001.

Josh Carnes is the newest member of the band. He is equally adept on guitar and mandolin. His fine lead vocals and harmonies enrich the band's sound. Josh recently earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Piedmont College and lives in Baldwin, Georgia.

CHARLES WOOD

Charles Wood injects the drive with his excellent banjo playing. A master picker with many students he performs with several bands. Charles' accomplishments include winning the 1999 Walnut Valley National Banjo Championship in Winfield, Kansas as well as the 1998 Merlefest Banjo Championship in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, 2005 Rockygrass banjo contest, and the 2004 Renofest banjo contest. Charles recently performed at the 2205 New Yorker Festival and The Late Show With David Letterman along with Earl Scruggs and Steve Martin. He has several banjo instrumental cds. Check out Charles' website at www.charleswoodbanjo.com

KELLY SMITH

Kelly Smith is a veteran fiddler who also plays bass in the band. He adds impeccable timing and an old-time influence to the mix. Kelly lives in Salem, South Carolina.