Kyle - plays fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bass,
and sings lead and harmony. Kyle got us started
in this old time music when he picked up the fiddle
about ten years ago where he learned from an old
bluegrasser, Paul Mansker. He went on to win the
Missouri Old Time Fiddle Champion in the junior
division in 2003 and placed second in the open
division 2005, third in 2006 and second again in
2007. He has won many other fiddle contests,
was nominated SPBGMA Midwest Fiddler of the
Year in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and was named
SPBGMA Midwest Fiddle Player of the Year for
2008 & 2009. Kyle has also become an accomplished
Texas Style fiddler, learning some bluegrass licks along
the way. His instrumental versatility has been a great help
to the family band. Ashley- Plays fiddle and bass and helps with
many things. Kyle and Ashley were married May 10, 2008.
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Rachel - plays mandolin, bass, guitar, sings lead and harmony. Rachel has studied bluegrass more than the rest of the family put together, learning the nuances of the sound of bluegrass and bringing to us a great work ethic, discipline, and a heart for the family. Rachel is the stage manager for our band and is improving our program continually.
Benjamin age 14, plays banjo, bass, guitar, mandolin and sings lead and harmony. Ben won the MABC junior division banjo contest in 2007 and again in 2009. He also won second place at Grove, OK in the open division. As one of the youngest ever, Ben was nominated Banjo performer of the year 2008 and 2010 SPBGMA Midwest. Ben started his stage career with us 7 years ago in a serious way. We are very excited that he has picked up the banjo so quickly, which allows us to have a more "bluegrassy" sound. His innate musical ability, bright smile, and willingness to "work and play" at such a young age has been a huge boost to the Link Family.
Aaron age 11, sings and plays the mandolin, fiddle and guitar. Aaron has a very powerful voice for his age and a good sense of timing. Aaron can now sing tenor with the group. He is our "upstream swimmer" with a can-do attitude that 'once it gets focused...watch out!'
John age 10, sings and is learning the mandolin and bass. John has not known much but music, school, travel and how to create his own little world of what boys require where ever we are. We are excited about the potential he is showing not only in music but by his uniquely intellectual and considerate approach to the issues of life.
Becky (Mom) sings lead and harmony and plays the rhythm guitar and bass. She was named Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year 2008 & 2009 for SPBGMA Midwest as well as being nominated also in 2007. Becky began teaching piano at age sixteen and has taught music to hundreds of kids and adults over the years. She has played the key boards for several Gospel groups, but is now developing her own family band in the bluegrass genre. She has homeschooled the Link kids for fourteen + years and only has nine more years to go!
When the kids started singing and playing instruments, Lance (Dad) wanted to join in. Having tried the spoons, harmonica, banjo, guitar, etc., he finally landed on the bass. Lance was nominated Bass performer of the year 2008 in SPBGMA Midwest. He is a retired investment representative (financial advisor), and the band manager. Lance also is a guest wood carver at Silver Dollar City. He follows his father's footsteps by keeping very busy and loving every minute of it.
Landen Keeler - Joins us as sound man etc. Rachel and Landen were married
1-1-2008
Ben plays a Grundy banjo from Australia. www.grundybanjos.com/ben_link.htm
Link Family Bio's
