Mark Rigney began playing banjo as a teenager. He gave up his beloved Gibson to buy Melissa's engagement ring in college. He didn't play again for 17 years. Then she surprised him one Christmas with a banjo under the tree and that is the beginning of their story. Mark also sings lead and harmony vocals for the band.
Melissa Rigney had never played a stringed instrument. But she got tired of watching the fun and decided to learn the bass. Now she is the bands solid beat.
Andrew Rigney (age 18) has been playing since age 10. He started on the guitar and also plays the mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, tenor banjo and bass. His hard-drivin' smooth sound gives the band its tight drive. Andrew sings lead vocals and harmony and contributes much to the band with his original songs and arrangements. He added to his many accomplishments by placing 1st in flatpick guitar for the second consecutive year at the Tennessee State Fiddle Championships, and he placed 2nd at the Doc Watson Guitar Compeition at Merlefest in 2010 and 2011. He is endorsed by Silverangel Mandolins.
Grant Rigney (age 15) has been playing since age 7. He started on the mandolin and also plays the fiddle, and tenor guitar. His accomplishments include National Championship Youth Instrumental Entertainer of the Year at the Smithville Fiddler's Jamboree in 2007, 2008 & 2009, 2009 Alabama State Jr. Fiddle Champion, and numerous other awards across his instruments from many festivals and contests. Grant also sings harmony vocals for the band.
Melissa Rigney had never played a stringed instrument. But she got tired of watching the fun and decided to learn the bass. Now she is the bands solid beat.
Andrew Rigney (age 18) has been playing since age 10. He started on the guitar and also plays the mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, tenor banjo and bass. His hard-drivin' smooth sound gives the band its tight drive. Andrew sings lead vocals and harmony and contributes much to the band with his original songs and arrangements. He added to his many accomplishments by placing 1st in flatpick guitar for the second consecutive year at the Tennessee State Fiddle Championships, and he placed 2nd at the Doc Watson Guitar Compeition at Merlefest in 2010 and 2011. He is endorsed by Silverangel Mandolins.
Grant Rigney (age 15) has been playing since age 7. He started on the mandolin and also plays the fiddle, and tenor guitar. His accomplishments include National Championship Youth Instrumental Entertainer of the Year at the Smithville Fiddler's Jamboree in 2007, 2008 & 2009, 2009 Alabama State Jr. Fiddle Champion, and numerous other awards across his instruments from many festivals and contests. Grant also sings harmony vocals for the band.
Meet the Band
The Rigney Family is a high energy bluegrass band that offers an appealing blend of tight family vocal harmonies and innovative bluegrass instrumentation. The Rigney's have a great sense of balancing the traditional with fresh new sounds that exhilarates your soul with energy, laughter, and emotion.
Based near Nashville, TN, this established band plays over 70 shows annually entertaining fans all over the southeast. Catch them soon at a venue near you.
Based near Nashville, TN, this established band plays over 70 shows annually entertaining fans all over the southeast. Catch them soon at a venue near you.
Check out our Videos!
