Melanie Bodenhamer

Acoustic Bass, Vocals

Gear: 1953 Kay M-1, Fishman Electronics, TKL Bags, Glasser Bows

Influences: Alison Krauss, Rhonda Vincent, Sonya Isaacs

Education: Associate's, Nursing, Surry Community College (1997)

Melanie's voice is what gives Stillwater Run its distinct sound. Her voice has that distinct and unmistakable Appalachian quality. Melanie first developed her interest in singing in high school. Although new to the upright bass, Melanie holds down the bottom end with timing and taste. She began playing the bass in 1999, when she met her future husband, Jason Bodenhamer. Melanie is from Toast, a small community in Mt. Airy, NC. She attended North Surry High School. She works as a registered nurse. She lives with her husband Jason in Pilot Mountain, NC.

  Jason Bodenhamer

Banjo, Vocals

Gear: 1998 Gibson Earl Scruggs, Vega & Gibson Banjo Strings, Shubb Capos, Golden Gate & Dunlop Picks.

Influences: Sammy Shelor, Terry Baucom, Craig Smith, Bela Fleck, Jim & Jesse, Mike Snyder

Education: BS, Earth Science, UNC-Charlotte (1996)

Jason provides the basic music theory for Stillwater Run's instrumentals and vocal arrangements. A versatile singer, Jason is capable of supplying multiple harmony parts, ranging from bass to tenor. He picked up his first instrument, the guitar, in 1995 and later moved over to the banjo. He also plays violin, Dobro, bass, and mandolin. Jason was born in 1974 and grew up in Pfafftown, a small community near Rural Hall, NC. He currently works for the Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department. In his spare time, Jason repairs acoustic instruments. He lives with his wife Melanie in Pilot Mountain, NC.

  Rick Gustaitis

Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

Gear: 1934 Martin D-18, 1992 Olson, Elixir & GHS Strings, Kyser Capos.

Influences: Tony Rice, Kenny Smith, Charles Sawtelle, John Cowan, Tim O'Brien, New Grass Revival, Hot Rize, Eddie From Ohio, Seldom Scene, Acoustic Syndicate, Phil Keaggy, Rolling Stones, Beatles, etc. Friends from OHIO!!!!

Education: BS, Physical Therapy, Cleveland State University (1995)

Rick has been a member of Stillwater Run since February 2000. Rick, a "newcomer" to bluegrass, was drawn to the music by the natural energy and drive of the music, as well as the complex vocal harmonies. Rick is an accomplished guitarist and vocalist.  His voice is distinct and powerful and is very reminiscent of an early Peter Rowan (not to mention that Rick kind of favors Tim O'Brien!). Rick also an extremely talented songwriter and has written a great deal of material for the band. Rick works as an orthopedic physical therapist out of High Point, NC. Originally from Ohio, he now lives in Winston-Salem, NC with his wife Paula, and their two children, Erika and Christian.

 

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