Porter Hall, TN forges the way in the evolution of alt-grass music by blending the homespun harmonies of old school country with honky-tonk and rock and roll. Relying heavily on influences from the folkier side of country like Loretta Lynn and Uncle Tupelo, their self-released five-song EP represents a major transition from Porter Hall’s former incarnation as a straight ahead rock and roll band from Frederick, Maryland.

Returning to his roots of touring with a gospel bluegrass band as a child, Gary Roadarmel joined former band mate, Molly Conley, in Middle Tennessee in the summer of 2000 to play acoustic music. Joined by Jason Sligh on the mandolin, Ruth Griffin on the bass guitar, Jason Wisener on the banjo, and Kenny Griffin on drums, Porter Hall, TN represents a rapidly growing movement in the Americana genre toward reviving classic country roots. Jamming at Melba Toast’s Alternative Country Hoe Down and hosting a bi-monthly alt-grass jamboree in Murfreesboro has given the band exposure to an audience hungry for more.

A station host from the “El Turko Coffee House” mp3.com station describes the band’s song, “Halfway There,” by saying, “Even if you’re not big into bluegrass, you will like this one. It’s firing on all cylinders.” The Nashville Rage describes the group as saying, “Modern alt-grass group that spikes its Appalachian cocktail with covers of AC/DC, like fellow Tennesseans Hayseed Dixie. Is this the start of a metal-grass movement?”

Porter Hall, TN is working hard to bring their version of timeless music to a modern audience without losing their sense of humor or rock and roll attitude. This dichotomy is illustrated by back-to-back tracks of AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long” and the classic gospel song, “I Saw the Light” on their “Porter Hall, TN EP.” Molly’s haunting vocals on “Crosses to Hang” are reminiscent of the great old ballads from Appalachia. Currently, the band is working on a new CD titled “Welcome To Porter Hall, TN” due out late fall 2001. Having embraced the enthusiastic feedback they’ve received, Porter Hall, TN has been performing regularly supporting such acts as The Drive-By Truckers and Truckadelic for growing fans in the southeast.