Across the country, local bluegrass group "Shadow Ridge" has been busy making a name for itself.

The group has been playing festivals and special events throughout the country and locally for about four years, including winning several band competitions with their traditional bluegrass sound.

The band is made up of four members - two of which local boys - C.F. Bailey (rhythm guitar/tenor/lead vocals) and Roger Lephew (mandolin/lead vocals/baritone).

Bailey was born and raised in Ewing, Va., the seventh child of 11. He now makes his home in Tazewell and works in the real estate business.

"I started singing bluegrass and country music when I was around 20 at local events," he said. "Inspired by such greats as John Duffey, Doyle Lawson and Jimmy Martin as well as several locals that never sought fame, I joined my first band, The Lee County Ramblers and have been in several bands since. Music is a part of my life, and while work has often taken me away, I am never fulfilled without it. I am so proud and honored to be a part of Shadow Ridge and play with my dearest friends."

Born and raised in the hills of Claiborne County on the top of Ravens Ridge, Lephew learned to play and sing bluegrass music. He was greatly influenced by Doyle Lawson, Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, J.D. Crowe, and Larry Sparks. He has played in several bands all across the country and throughout East Tennessee.

"Playing Bluegrass Music is my favorite thing to do and I have enjoyed being a part of Shadow Ridge," Lephew said.

Bailey is known quite well throughout the Tri-State area for his work in the real estate industry and many other endeavors as well such as his love for bluegrass music.

"Lots of times I have people tell me they didn't even know I played and sang," he said.

Daniel Oxendine (banjo/lead vocals/tenor/baritone) is from Luttrell. Along with Bailey, Oxendine is one of the two founding members of the group. Born and raised in Grainger County, where he still resides, Oxendine was Inspired by such greats as Doyle Lawson, Larry Sparks, Jimmy Martin, Country Gentlemen, and Traditional Grass.

"I started playing and singing gospel music in churches at a very early age with my mother and father. I have been playing bass, guitar, and banjo since a very young age, and have also written several songs including our current recording, 'One Sunday Morning.' I play regularly in my church which is a very important part of my life," he said.

At 24 years old, he is the youngest member of the band.

"I greatly enjoy playing with three of my best friends in the world," Oxendine said.

Barry Hodges (bass/bass vocals) is from Knoxville. Born in Corbin, Ky., Hodges has made his home in Knoxville since 1962.

"I started playing music in 1968 with a country music band. I greatly enjoy classic country music, but my first love is traditional bluegrass. I hosted the Clinch River Breakdown on WDVX for over three years. My favorite bluegrass group is the Stanley Brothers. I also enjoy playing golf and fishing. I am playing music now with the three best friends I have in the world. These are the best times of my life. I wish it could last forever," he said.

For those that want to know when and where the group will be playing, they now have two websites that allows fans to log onto and find out that information.

Their latest recording called "Where Does The Good Times Go" has been a great success.

For information on how to order a CD or keep up with their show dates you can log onto www.shadowridgetn.com, call Bailey at (423) 626-0592, or visit geocitics.com/shadowridgetn.

"It takes all four of us to make it work, there are no big me's and little you's . We do what I call pleasing to the ear music. Our schedule is not completely full as of yet, if you need entrainment for your special event please call us, we provide quality and professional entrainment that is sure to please for any event or occasion," said Bailey.

Our focus has been to give the audience what they want which seems to be a combination of Traditional and Bluegrass Gospel music. Our strong and powerful vocal harmonies are second to none throughout the country

They wanted to express their gratitude to their fans for their support and encouragement as well as special thanks to Darrell Murray for his wonderful gospel songs; Betty and Joe Knight for taking such good care of them at festivals; Anthony and Jamie Wayman for their support and techno assistance; and Alex Leach, Scoby, and WDVX for promoting their music.