Bios

Craig Barnthouse

As the son of a professional Bluegrass musician, Craig was immersed in the ways of Bluegrass music from birth. Craig’s father, Kermit Barnthouse, was the long-time banjo player/baritone singer for the “Stone Mountain Boys” of the Wheeling Jamboree. It was through this upbringing that Craig was engrained with the instincts for Bluegrass vocals and intricate arrangements. At the age of 12 years old, Craig became committed to learning the guitar, primarily to provide rhythm for his dad’s banjo rehearsals.

Over time, he became increasingly noticed for his outstanding vocal ability and eventually traveled the US with several elite vocal ensembles. Even through his school years Craig remained loyal to the bluegrass influences that had shaped him from early on. In his senior year of high school, Craig had the opportunity to perform many shows with the ‘Stone Mountain Boys” and grow accustom to the world of on-stage performance.

Through the years, he has balanced a demanding business career with family and music. He has performed throughout the country with groups including Random Choice, One Way Track, Stone Mountain Boys and more. Besides being known for his driving/polished rhythm guitar and lead singing, he is also respected as a businessman and marketing professional.

Craig joined the popular emerging group Southern Lite in February of 2002 and served as the lead singer and guitarist with the group through its rise in regional popularity. In December of 2003, Craig joined fellow Southern Lite member Alan Dalton in forming “Barnthouse & Dalton”. This is truly one of the highlights of his musical career because it allows him to return to the traditional roots of Bluegrass music as well as perform the Gospel music that he holds near to his heart.

Craig and his wife Karen are deeply committed to God and family as they make their home in Jacksonville Beach FL. They spend most all of their free time with their three daughters and are proud that their son Austin serves his country in the US Air Force.

Alan Dalton

If ever there was a person who lives to pick and sing Bluegrass music, it is Alan Dalton. Of course if you follow Bluegrass music in the Southeast, you have probably already seen and heard Alan at one of many festivals.

Alan’s interest in the banjo came as a child when his family would travel to Knoxville, TN to visit other family. While there, he would get his Great Grandfathers’ open-back, claw hammer banjo and proceed to “plunkin”. Soon he graduated to the Harmony beginner banjo his “Pa-Paw” bought him for Christmas in 1976. By then, Alan was wide eyed and eager to learn the banjo so a year later, in 1977, Alan bought the banjo he still plays today; a 1937 Gibson TB3 Conversion.

While attending Samford University in Birmingham Alabama, Alan received formal training in Conducting and 2 years of Classical Guitar instruction. He has transitioned his formal training to the 5-string banjo and Scruggs style guitar playing.

Alan has shared the stage as a performer with such legendary performers as Vassar Clements, Peter Rowan, Tim O’Brien, Jake Landers, Larry Rice and Chubby Wise. He was also a regular at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge TN from 1999-2001. In 2002 Alan co-founded the popular emerging group “Southern Lite”. During this time he was able to display his incredible versatility in musical styles and hone his skills in singing the “high harmony” parts.

In December of 2003, Alan chose to team up with fellow Southern Lite member, Craig Barnthouse and form “Barnthouse & Dalton”. It was this move that allowed Alan to return to his beloved traditional bluegrass and gospel music while concentrating on preserving the traditions he holds dear.

When not picking or giving instructional lessons on one of many instruments, Alan is an avid fisherman and shrimper. Alan and his wife Debbie make their home in Orange Park, FL and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters and one granddaughter.