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Vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Rick Byers, co-founded the country-Americana sound of The Rick Byers Band along with mandolin player Wade Green in June of 2006. “This group we’ve got together has really has clicked and blended well. Everybody has the same common purpose, it’s about the music,” says Rick. "We want to create our own style of music. We’re country, but you can almost sprinkle a little folk in there too.”

Rick and Wade are joined by Dana Baker on keys and backup vocals; Wade Sawgrass on mandolin, guitar, vocals and sax; Jenny D does vocals; Trip Murphy plays lead and rhythm guitar; Mark Baker on bass; Joe Hussey plays harmonica; and Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame member Washtub John plays bass on the washtub.

"A lot of our shows are done without drums. The only time we bring one in is when we know the crowd is gonna want more dance songs, but, other than that, we just kinda stick to what we do. My son played drums... he’ll come jam with us," Rick adds about his 15-year-old son, Seth. “He’s not as full time as he used to be. We pretty much now use him as a studio musician coz he doesn’t mind being in the studio. But hanging out with the old man or his buddies, well…you know, I can’t blame him, I was the same way when I was that age.”

Steadfast in keeping their music wholesome, they’ve formed a group, which Rick explains is centered on integrity. “That has been one of the fundamental aspects of our group because without it, you’re nothing.”

Rick tells us that even though festivals are their favorite to play, he still prefers the friendly, fireside feel of everyone together, "When I’m sitting around and everybody is up close and personal and intimate, those are a lot of fun because I think that really challenges you. You are really stripped down. You can’t hide. Sometimes in a bigger event, you feel a little bit more removed from the crowd. A lot of musicians say that scares them half to death. For me, that’s where I have the most fun."

Going from an audience of twenty people one day, to a crowd in the thousands another, has taken some adjustment he admits. "Those environments are a bit different... it was a little nerve racking at first, but we’re getting used to it."

"One of the biggest things is learning where to play, because not every venue is going to be right for you," he begins as he tells of a time when they went to play at a location more known for its loud, modern rock, but found an enthusiastic crowd. "It’s like you walk in and look around and I was like, this does not look like a country bar! It just goes to show you that sometimes when you think you’re in the wrong place, you can still be in the right place."