About the Band

In 2016, Tom Castello reached out to Wes for some piano lessons. They met on the 4th floor of the old Westwood Baptist/and then United Christian building where Wes had his studio.

Little did they know it would be the beginning of a life long friendship and the formation of a band they had always dreamed of being in. Wes explained his dream to Tom of being in a group that could do all the styles of music but on Bluegrass instruments and with tight vocal harmonies. They formed a small group but quickly disbanded when Wes went to night shifts at Amazon. The two then lost contact.

Several years later Tom was working security at the Village Office building and by chance ran into Wes at his new studio. They reunited and brought in Logan Cross, a young talented banjo player to be a part of a small trio. A name was decided on and it stuck. They began playing at the 411 Restaurant in Benton and slowly began adding new members.

The Appalachian Stringband has now played well over 70 shows, private events,  restaurants and festivals.
The group embodies everything Wes loves: live organic music with tight harmonies and an eclectic mix of styles and genres. Each member is an expert in their field and dabble in all things music.

The group spans the ages and experience of 4 decades from ages 25-60.Wes has always had a desire to bring people together in community centered around music and continues to do so with his music studio and venue at Cepins on Central.