Each member of Rumpke Mountain Boys has a powerful musical story which led them to each other, and then to YOU. Here’s a bit about the musical lives of each member.

WOLF
WOLF
Jason Wolf is a Cincinnati, Ohio native who plays a variety of instruments including the banjo, guitar, and harmonica. He has a wide range of musical influences and has played in various bands throughout his career. Wolf currently plays a customized Bishline Midnight Moon Banjo and other instruments equipped with Fishman pickups and amps.
ADAM
ADAM
Adam Copeland is a singer-songwriter and musician from Ohio who has been influenced by a range of musical styles, including grunge rock, classic rock, and bluegrass. He started playing guitar at the age of 12 and formed a band called Amber and the Dirty Bathwater Boys in 2002, which disbanded in 2005. He then joined the Rumpke Mountain Boys and has been playing with them since.
BEN
BEN
Ben Gourley, of Champaigne,IL, plays the mandolin and has been a member of the Rumpke Mountain Boys since 2001. He was influenced by a variety of musicians, including the Beatles, Dylan, and the Grateful Dead, and learned to play music primarily on his own. Since joining the band, he has written over 50 original songs and cites Jerry Garcia, Bob Dylan, and Tom Waits among his creative influences.
JD
JD
J.D. Westmoreland is a composer, performer, and multi-instrumentalist from CA who has a degree in Theory and Composition from the Univ. of Memphis. He has composed for numerous artists, worked as a session musician, and played with some heavy hitting bands and players. JD’s extensive touring has lead him to the Rumpke Mountain Boys, which he’s called home since since 2011.

The RMB Story

THE RUMPKE MOUNTAIN BOYS offer an unparalleled musical journey filled with emotional vocals, impressive command of various string instruments, and captivating special effects. This energetic quartet takes a unique approach to their performance, relying on the energy of the crowd and intuitive improvisational flow to guide their music in real time.

David Gans, host of the Grateful Dead Hour, praises the honesty and authenticity of the Rumpke Mountain Boys, who, much like Donna the Buffalo and the Grateful Dead, don’t rely on setlists or rehearsals. The four members write their own songs, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources. In this way, they constantly expand their musical abilities.

This talented band has made a name for themselves with electrifying performances at festivals across the country, such as the Northwest String Summit and the John Hartford Memorial Festival. They have collaborated with various renowned artists, including Leftover Salmon, Del McCoury, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Ralph Stanley. With an ever-growing fan base, the Rumpke Mountain Boys show no signs of slowing down.

To stay up to date on the latest news, tour dates, merchandise, and more, keep checking our website at www.rumpkemountainboys.com, and sign up for the newsletter. Don’t miss your chance to catch this powerful creative force in a city near you.

“I think we’ve only written a set list one time.  We really like to feed on the crowd response and the vibe, and maybe what kind of show we’re at, whether it’s a traditional bluegrass festival or a jam band festival, just to kind of keep it fresh for everybody. It’s really about reading the crowd and matching the energy that is given to us”

What do the critics think?