Band of Ruhks

A bluegrass supergroup whose core members all stem from the Lonesome River Band, Band of Ruhks emerged in the mid-2010s with a rich harmonic blend and deep-rooted musical chemistry. After debuting on the Rounder label as the Rambling Rooks, Ronnie Bowman (bass), Don Rigsby (mandolin), and Kenny Smith (guitar) adopted their current name and delivered their eponymous second album in 2015. Banjo player Brian Fesler joined the group prior to 2019's Authentic. Bowman, Rigsby, and Smith all began playing together as members of the Lonesome River Band's acclaimed '90s lineup. After parting ways in 2001, each went on to enjoy a successful solo career in different aspects of bluegrass and country music. Nearly a decade later, the three friends took part in a Lonesome River Band reunion show which rekindled their desire to play together. It took a few years, but by 2013, they'd named themselves the Rambling Rooks and recorded a self-titled album for Rounder Records. Although they continued to maintain their solo endeavors, the trio had gelled into a tight bluegrass unit and returned for a second album, this time as Band of Ruhks. Released in 2015 by 101 Ranch Records, Band of Ruhks featured a number of new Bowman originals as well as a cameo from Ralph Stanley. After adding banjo player Brian Fesler to the lineup, they signed with Rebel Records and released their first album as a quartet with 2019's Authentic.
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