Beaconwood

Formed in the summer of 2003, Beaconwood consists of three friends who share a love for acoustic music. The Greensboro trio is composed of Eric Robertson on mandolin and lead vocals, Bennett Sullivan on banjo and harmony vocals, and Ryan Stanford on guitar, upright bass, and harmony vocals. With their roots planted firmly in bluegrass, they constantly explore other genres of music, including jazz, rock, and blues.

Beaconwood released their first self-titled CD in March of 2006. Long-awaited by their loyal fans, newcomers will understand why when their toes start tapping and cheeks start grinning with the first taste of this talented acoustic trio. For three years, Eric, Bennett, and Ryan have been delighting audiences all over North Carolina with their jazz-tinged rockin’ string instrumentation and their sometimes witty, sometimes poignant vocal styling. From their first live gig at the Lindley Park Coffee Shop in 2003, appreciative crowds have enjoyed their youthful energy. The group has twice been invited to play at Merlefest- the largest Americana music festival in the world. They have also played at the Carolina in the Fall festival and the High Lonesome Strings Pickin’ in the Park festival in both 2004 and 2006, along with numerous other public and private events.

Eric, Bennett, and Ryan have had the opportunity to play and study with many of the best musicians from this region, which include some of the best in the world. The Kruger Brothers have been one of their greatest inspirations and advisers. Eric has studied with Arnie Solomon and Tony Williamson, learned Klezmer-style mandolin from Gary Silverstein, and appeared on stage several times with the inventor of Dawg music, David Grisman. Bennett has learned from two world-class banjo players, Craig Smith and Jens Kruger, and has toured internationally with the Jeanette Williams Band. Ryan has studied jazz theory under bassist Wolfgang Planz and is pursuing a minor in music performance at North Carolina State University.