Karl Shiflett grew up in Texas with a love for  “Traditional Country Music”, learning to sing and play guitar at the age of nine. His musical influences include; Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, Bob Wills, Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, ……the list goes on.  He began his professional career in bluegrass music as a side man in the1980’s and organized “The Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show” in 1993.

 Highly respected by fans and peers a like “Karl Shiflett” is one of the most recognizable and identifiable names in Bluegrass music.  His passion to keep the “spirit of the past” alive in his music has gained him wide spread acclaim as a musician, singer and entertainer.

 Deeply rooted in “traditional bluegrass music” he blends elements of  “classic country, western swing and honky tonk” creating a sound uniquely his own.  He is perhaps best known for his highly entertaining “retro” stage show ( a nostalgic throwback to live performances of “string band” music groups of the 1940’s and 50’s).

A veteran entertainer and performer he possesses a wealth of “old school” knowledge. His time spent as a sideman with the “Legendary Sullivan Family” proved to be invaluable. Through the close relationship between his former employers and “Mr. Bill Monroe” Karl learned the ropes by watching and observing the masters at work.

Today, Karl continues to carry the torch for traditional Bluegrass music having found his own unique niche along the way. His unwavering devotion for the classic sounds of yesteryear along with his heart felt gratitude toward his many loyal fans makes him the ideal “Ambassador” for bluegrass music. It’s no wonder many consider him an “American Treasure”.

Kris Shiflett, Karl’s oldest son was born and raised in Texas. He joined the band as bass player in the spring of 1996 at the age of 16.
Kris’s unique bass playing style puts him in a class all his own providing the band with a rhythm section like no other in “Bluegrass” music.
He began playing music at the age of 12 in the school band playing tuba, followed by string bass a few years later. His musical taste covers a broad spectrum of music that includes just about everything from “Rock & Roll” to “Classic Country”.
He sites his dad and former band members Jake Jenkins and Macy Graham as influences for his bass playing style.
Kris is featured throughout the new “Pinecastle”  release but has a special bass solo on the closing tune called “Mama don’t allow”. Kris plays a 1950 model Kay bass. His daughter “Karina June”  aka; “June Bug has been featured with the band on many of their “RFD-TV’ appearances and even has a DVD named after her. Kris currently makes his home in Bloomington, IN.

C.J. Lewandowski originally from Grubville, MO joined the group on mandolin in June of 2010.
He learned to sing at an early age while attending church with his grandmother. He possesses a genuine love and natural feeling for playing and singing “Bluegrass” music.  His “Monroe” style mandolin playing and soulful singing makes him a perfect fit with “The KSBC show” .
C.J. toured with several well known acts prior to joining the group, including the legendary “David Davis & the Warrior River Boys” as well as his own group “Men of the Week”.
As well as being a good musician and singer he is also a great entertainer. His skills as a band leader have also proven to be extremely helpful as he contributes with taking care of  booking chores, helps manage everyday business affairs and runs the merchandise table.
C.J. is featured throughout  the new “Pinecastle” release on mandolin and harmony vocals but really makes a showing as a solo vocalist with an old “Hylo Brown” tune called “Brand new silent partner”.  He plays and endorses Glenn mandolins made by Allen Jones of Dixon, Missouri.  C. J. currently lives in Elizabethtown, KY.

Billy Hurt Jr. joined the group in August of 2011. Billy plays fiddle in an “Old -school” style that fit’s the band perfectly. Born and raised in Boone’s Mill, Virginia where he still makes his home he began playing fiddle in the late 1970’s. His father was good friends with fiddle legend “Clark Kessinger” who was a major influence on Billy’s style and approach to fiddling. Absorbing what he had heard from his fiddling hero, Billy grew up with a love and appreciation for “Old-time Fiddling”, “Classic Country” and “Bluegrass Music”. The type of music we all refer to as “Real Country Music”.
Billy has worked with many groups in the business including “The Bluegrass Brothers” and “David Parmely & Continental Divide”.
Billy is a welcome addition to “The KSBC show” and is an extraordinary showman. He is featured throughout our new “Pinecastle” release but really nails an old fiddle tune that “Clark Kessinger” use to call “Hot Foot”.  He makes his home in Boone’s mill Virginia with his wife Mary and son Carter.