Formed in 1997
1999
First CD release “Cattin’ Around”
Aug/Sept 1999
Crossroads Magazine CD review for
“Cattin’ Around”
November 2000
Rhonda Vincent and Mark Newton land a # 10 song
on the Bluegrass Unlimited National
Survey Charts with “We Can’t Go
Wrong” written by The GRASS CATS.
August 2002
“Bluegrass Man” debuts on the Bluegrass
Unlimited National Survey
October 2002
“The Blues Are Back In Town” CD debuts
on the Bluegrass Unlimited Nation Survey
(Top 15 Albums)
January 2003
County Sales (The nation's premier Bluegrass
Music Distribution company) “Best of the
Year 2002” selects the The GRASS CATS'
“The Blues Are Back In Town”, as the #5
Best Bluegrass Recording (New Bluegrass,
Traditional Bluegrass)
* April 2003 *
“Bluegrass Man” enters the # 1 Slot on
the Bluegrass Unlimited National Survey
after a 9 month climb
* May 2003 *
“Bluegrass Man” remains in the #1 top
spot for a second month
May/June 2003
CMT (Country Music Today Magazine) Nashville,
TN's premier Country Music Magazine reviews
“The Blues Are Back in Town”
July 2003
Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine (The
Industry’s Premier Magazine) features The
GRASS CATS on the cover of the July 2003 issue
with a 3 page feature article
January 2004
Russell nominated for "Songwriter of the
Year" at the 29th Annual SPBGMA National
Awards in Nashville, TN
June 2004
“Desperate Times” CD debuts on the Bluegrass
Unlimited National Survey (Top 15
Bluegrass Albums)
July 2004
“Desperate Times” CD reaches #6 on the Bluegrass
Unlimited National Survey Charts (Top 15
Bluegrass Albums)
September 2004
“Your Only Friend” single debuts on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Survey
Charts at #29
October 2004
Appear in concert at the NC State Fair with
Rhonda Vincent and Ralph Stanley
Early 2005
“Your Only Friend” single makes it to
#7 on the Bluegrass Unlimited National
Survey
August 2005
Selected as Band of the Month by the Triangle's Independent
Weekly Magazine
December 2006
"Home To Carolina" (CD) gets 4 out of 4 stars from Raleigh News & Observer
January 2007
"Pill or Potion" enters Bluegrass Unlimited National Survey at #28
April 2007
Two songs ("Pill or Potion" and "Home To Carolina") in top 20 Bluegrass Unlimited National Survey singles. CD "Home To Carolina" top 5 albums.
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"The Grass Cats' performance was more than just great bluegrass; it was an evening of great entertainment. With the top quality musicianship and the banter between songs, the band was a real crowd pleaser. Excellent music, terrific value, great entertainment – we couldn't have asked for a better time."
- Kevin Franklin -
Town of Ramseur, NC
"The Grass Cats are without a doubt one of the finest bluegrass bands anywhere to be found. Their harmonies, musicianship and sense of humor won over our audience from the start. The Grass Cats make fans out of people who didn't even think they liked bluegrass."
- Robert Poole -
Louisburg College Auditorium
"The people in eastern North Carolina know, and LOVE, Bluegrass music. Our performance brought in the passionate fans, as well as our season ticket holders, many had never attended a bluegrass concert. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, left happy! The Grass Cats are extraordinary musicians! If that weren’t enough, they brought in great humor, variety, and a show that brought the audience to their feet. We will have them back !"
- Sheila Martin -
Dunn Center at NC Wesleyan College
“The Grass Cats are a fan favorite ranking high on guest feedback. A real crowd pleaser!”
- Kris Ziegler & Barb Krumm -
Ocean Lakes Premier Bluegrass Weekend
"For years, The Grass Cats were North Carolina's best kept secret. Well, after a #1 hit song and their latest CD, Home to Carolina, holding the #4 spot on the national bluegrass charts, the Cats are now out of the bag. In addition to sounding good in the studio, The Grass Cats consistently deliver top rate live performances to capacity crowds at PineCone sponsored events. They are a sure bet for a good time to be had by all."
- William Lewis -
PineCone
"The Grass Cats are consummate professionals. Our crowd thoroughly enjoyed the music and humor on stage. They made themselves available to the crowd both during intermission and after the concert. They also received the first standing ovation and curtain call of our summer concert series. We would love to have them back again in the future."
- Tara Gallagher -
Garner, NC Parks & Recreation
"We certainly enjoyed having "them good-lookin' Grass Cats" performing at the MelFest Bluegrass Festival at White Lake, NC in June. Yep!! They're coming back again next year (5/30 and 5/31). We can hardly wait!!"
- James & Becky Melvin -
MelFest Bluegrass Festival promoters
"The Grass Cats are at the top of the list when it comes to a quality performance. They are great to work with, entertaining and the music is off the charts."
- Leeanna London -
Belmont, NC Parks & Recreation
"The Grass Cats were a big hit at our event! I would definitely hire them again."
- Jane Thurman -
Withers & Ravenel Engineering
"I knew in advance your band's show would be starwart, and it was more than that! Your stage presence is poised and humorous, and you gave our audience an abundance of original, traditional, and cross-over tunes that had them saying to one another and me, "Now, who are these guys?...they're excellent....be sure you bring them back!"
- Davis Tracy -
Bluegrass On The Grass - Dickinson College
"An amazing live band and a lot of fun. They had everyone at our wedding dancing and helped to make it a very memoriable night. An all around great band!!"
- Pauline Shipley -
wedding reception
"The Grass Cats keep topping
their previous projects with every release.
"Home to Carolina" presents fresh,
upbeat songs and concepts, but rooted in a
traditional sound. Featuring a variety of
lead vocals, the Cats show their versatility. No
weak cuts here - you'll want to listen to this
one repeatedly. Definitely a winner!"
- Bob Webster -
bluegrasscountry.org
"From the old classics to their
own hits, the Grass Cats bring with them an
energy level and a show that is second to none.
When they play..... if you aren't moving, then
you aren't breathing!"
- Waverly Barnes-
AgriSupply - Garner, NC
"The GRASS CATS have set the
mark very high for other musicians in Eastern NC
with their polished presentation of bluegrass
both old and new. Each member has a thorough
knowledge of the roots of the music. They also
understand how these roots can break new ground
and lead to new beginnings. Their time on stage
will have you wondering how they could have
reached this journeyman level in so few years.
Their arrangement of the old standards is
flawless and although you know their original
music was indeed written by someone, it gives the
illusion of being dropped whole, like a perfect
snowflake from out of the ether. From Russell
Johnson’s high-lonesome voice to Tim
Woodall’s driving banjo breaks and all
points in between, this band is certainly one to
be reckoned with in the future of bluegrass music
in North Carolina. Just as roots push through
material as strong as concrete and maintain their
sustenance in their constant push towards the
sky, this group will push you to a new
appreciation of the bluegrass. They have
consistently been one of the most requested
groups on The Good-Tyme Bluegrass Show since we
first gave their music a spin a few years back.
If you like your bluegrass with drive, buckle up
your seat belt and hold on tight while the CATS
make your motor purr. "
- Bob Barden -
WFSS Radio DJ
"It is always a pleasure to
work with the Grass Cats. They are so
professional and always a big hit at our
events."
- Amy Hutchinson -
WakeMed
"The Grass Cats are hands down
the best bluegrass band you'll hear in Raleigh.
They're fun, funny, and super talented. We can't
wait to see them
again!"
- Andrea Taggart -
Scott's Mill Homeowners Assoc.
"The Grass Cats are one of the
best bluegrass bands in North Carolina. Their
smooth harmony and excellent picking make for
good entertainment. We are proud to have them
perform at the Kinston Winter Bluegrass Festival
every year. They are a crowd favorite."
- Carol and Anita Tyndall -
Kinston Winter Bluegrass
Festival
"Great guys and top quality
show. Thanks for helping keep the tradition
alive."
- Doug Jackson -
Lumber River Bluegrass Assoc.
"We'd all heard in Fountain how
good The GRASS CATS were, but they were better
than we'd imagined. Great talent & delivery
and a wonderful show for our family crowd."
- Alex Albright -
R.A. Fountain General Store
"Here in the mountains, we
really know bluegrass, and The GRASS CATS really
deliver."
- Rebecca Lamb -
UNC Asheville staff
"The GRASS CATS are consummate
professionals ... "
- Mike Parker -
Kinston Free Press
"Thank you GRASS CATS for
making our 31st Stokes Stomp Festival the best
ever. We will definitely have you back!!"
- Eddy McGee -
Stokes County Arts Council
"The GRASS CATS were a perfect
addition to our Bluegrass Fest. They brought
great energy to the stage, mastering the classics
and effortlessly proving the bluegrass genre is
limitless by surprising the audience over and
over again with fresh approaches to old
favorites. Their musical talent is unsurpassed
and their professionalism made them a delight to
work with. Great vocalists, master musicians, the
GRASS CATS are the full package. Everyone is
requesting them back next season!"
- Regan Jones -
Davie County Arts Council
"The GRASS CATS put the
"blue" back in grass. They carry on the
tradition and break new ground equally as
well!"
- Jack Rollins -
Fairview Greenhouse
& Garden Center
"Thank you all so very much for
your happy and well performed music. How can
people not feel good when they hear your music?
We hope to hear you again soon."
- Steve Williams -
Oriental Harbor and Marina
"The GRASS CATS put on a
fantastic show, the music and energy level was
amazing and our event would not have been as
successful without them! I would recommend them
for all occasions and venues. Thank you so much
GRASS CATS we had a wonderful time!"
- Clea Morwick -
Price Modern LLC |
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