BILL BELLES www.billandthebelles.com With striking three-part harmonies and masterful instrumentation, Bill and the Belles skillfully breathe new life into the sounds of early country music. At the foothills of the Blue Ridge and the forefront of old-time music, Bill and the Belles (Johnson City, Tennessee) continue to further the music traditions of their region. From sentimental Southern ballads to the popular songs of Tin Pan Alley to regional fiddle breakdowns, a Bill and the Belles show is a celebration of the diversity country music once represented. With a rapidly growing reputation throughout the Southeast, Bill and the Belles have shared the stage with many national acts, including Hot Rize, the Gibson Brothers, and Larry Sparks. They continue to play alongside America’s top country and roots music artists as the resident band for the historic radio program Farm and Fun Time presented by Radio Bristol and the Birthplace of Country Music. In just a short time, Bill and the Belles have brought their show to the audiences of television and radio broadcasts, and several major festivals around the country. Lifelong musicians Kris Truelsen, Grace Van’t Hof, Kalia Yeagle, and Karl Zerfas bring to the stage an uplifting show unlike any other, full of humor, high spirits, and all-around revelry. It’s clear this group shares a rare musical connection and deep love for the music, and their excitement is contagious. Bill and the Belles are hitting the road with fervor, eager to share their music with new audiences.

KALIA YEAGLE’s (fiddle, guitar, KRIS TRUELSEN (guitar, tenor GRACE VAN’T HOF (banjo, banjo KARL ZERFAS (bass) of Manhattan, vocal) expressive and versatile guitar, vocal) was raised in the ukulele, vocal) from Western Kansas, grew up listening to his fiddling is quickly positioning her at mountains of Colorado and has Michigan, discovered the banjo in father sing Kansas cowboy and the forefront of a new generation been listening to, playing, and high school when she built a 5-string prairie songs of the early 20th of acoustic musicians. She takes paying dues to country and prototype that won 2nd place in a century. Now a sought after bassist inspiration from her upbringing in old-time music since his early statewide Science Olympiad. Grace across east Tennessee and western Alaska, where long winters and teens. As the first to earn his is inspired by artists ranging from North Carolina, Karl has proven strong, diverse communities have masters degree in Appalachian Charlie Poole to Puccini, and her himself to be one of the best produced a music scene unlike any Studies from East Tennessee banjo playing provides equal parts up-and-coming roots music bassists other. Her music is undeniably of State University, he continues to drive and subtlety to Bill and the in the country. Karl's early American the mountains, both the Chugach expand and share his knowledge Belles. A founding member of the music repertoire is vast, drawing and the Blue Ridge. As a scholar of of traditional American music. Grammy-nominated band Della Mae influence from classic country, early Appalachian Studies, she has the Kris is the producer of WBCM and longtime touring musician, jazz, and hillbilly music. His unique privilege of studying the rich Radio Bristol and host of Farm Grace’s career has taken her around perspective and solid groove shape musical heritage of the region with and Fun Time, allowing his music, the world and continues to do so. the rhythmic backbone of Bill and special interest in early country philosophy, and enthusiasm to the Belles. music’s pioneering female artists. touch audiences internationally.

“Bill and the Belles is...a delightful “...You [Kris Truelsen] have a great throwback sound created by voice! Play another one!” young musicians.” John Lawless 43rd President of the United States, BluegrassToday George W. Bush

Recorded live around Tennessee Ernie Ford’s own RCA 44 microphone, “Introducing: Bill and the Belles” is a well-crafted collection of music that celebrates long-forgotten sentimental song. This debut release spotlights the group’s unmistakable sound: three distinct voices, seamless harmony with an edge, and impeccable instrumentation, featuring fiddle, banjo, guitar, and upright bass. This 2015 debut release has been getting airplay across the nation.

RADIO SELECTIONS INCLUDE - Produced by Bill and the Belles Track 1 “I Told Them All About You”, Mixed and Mastered by Josh Littleton Track 2 “ Sally Let Your Bangs Hang Down” Artwork by Grace Van’t Hof Track 4 “Sit at Home”, Track 11 “Pal of Mine” contact: www.billandthebelles.com (303)709-5367