R.L.S.Bio
“TIGHTEN UP!” -LB
This group of skilled pickers has been forming and shaping itself since 2013 into a traditional-like bluegrass ensemble featuring the musical stylings of Casen Baumgardner (Guitar), Daniel Bailey (Bass), Jonathan Bramel (Banjo/Resonator) and Chris Cupp (Mandolin). All coming from different backgrounds, but having the common denominator of KY roots, their unique combination of original jam grass, party tunes and country/rock/blues/contemporary cover songs has captured audiences all across the region and gained a reputation as a must see festival experience.
Casen
Guitar/Vocal
Growing up around popular 90’s Rap/Hip-Hop/R&B and becoming heavily influenced by Early 2000’s Jam/Rock in his teenage years, he listened and studied the music of Dave Matthews Band, Grateful Dead, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Pink Floyd, along with a vast range and appreciation of many other genres.
He first picked up a guitar when he was 17 years old. He quickly adapted to the guitar and learned a couple short riffs, later on learning chords and chord structures. The first song riff ever learned was “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd. As a self taught musician, he studied the guitar stylings of Dave Matthews and dove deeply into learning songs of the Grateful Dead and eventually learning scales on his own, building up a small repertoire to begin performing in bars and small venues. His first project (w/ Joe Schlaak on Bass) was Country Dip, which transformed into Scenic Rhythm Band with an addition of a new lead guitarist, 2011-2012. In late 2012/early 2013 he began writing his first tunes for a new project which would eventually become Restless Leg String Band.
The rest is history!
Favorite guitarist: Steve Kimock
Favorite food: Tacos!!!!
Johnny B.
Banjo/Resonator Guitar/Vocals
After developing type1 diabetes at age,12, he was forced to use his time in an extensive pursuit of learning the 6 string guitar, which then opened the door to his preferred forte, slide guitar and 5 string banjo.
Born and raised in a small town, Kentucky, Johnny aspires to grow and travel with, Restless Leg String Band, near and far, wherever the road takes them. "I love simplicity -- I do my best work in a sort of organized chaos." And always managing to make time for his best friends, his band mates.
Major influences: Matt Menefee, Jerry Douglas, John Hartford
Chris
Mandolin/Vocals
Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Chris Cupp is a multi-instrumentalist who specializes in mandolin and cello. Chris started playing cello in the fourth grade when he was nine years old. As time went on, Chris began taking private lessons and eventually playing in the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra. During his years In high school, he started learning more about fiddle music while playing in various groups in the local bluegrass music scene. Later in his music career, he went on to study Cello Performance at the University of Louisville School of Music.
His inspirations draw from a wide variety of genres-classical, jazz, and country artists such as John Prine, Chris Thile, and Yo-Yo Ma getting some of his favorites.
Chris enjoys playing video games, hiking, hanging with friends and camping in his free time.
Favorite past time: Believing in aliens
Favorite car: Trucks
Dan "Snazzy D"
Bass
Born in, Paducah, KY. And raised not far off in rural Benton, KY. Dan began exploring music when he picked up a guitar at 15, and then soon after, a bass.
He found himself playing punk and metal, forming bands with friends through high school. With his first band Helicopter Adventure Squad, they recorded and self-released an EP. Developing an interest in music production, Dan set off for college in Jackson, TN to begin studying just that. At that time, he began to also discover an appreciation for new styles of music from Folk to Hip-Hop to Pop. His true love for all sounds was becoming apparent. Post-college he formed a DIY psych rock band. It wasn't until he settled in Lexington though, in 2017, that he began really exploring Bluegrass. By 2021 he had acquired an upright bass, formed his first grass-roots band and, started playing around Lexington and joined Restless Leg String Band in 2022.
Hobbies/Interests: Comedy, sewing, and travelling
Favorite color: Yellow
