Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band is an American roots band formed in West Virginia, with an authentic mountain sound that has earned them a reputation as "mainstream bluegrass at its best" (Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine).
Led by vocalist and bassist Libby Files, Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band pays homage to a simpler time when front porch picking and gospel-tinged harmonies were the heart of rural community gatherings. Their repertoire includes both original compositions and classic bluegrass favorites, delivering a diverse range of songs that evoke the spirit of the Appalachian Mountains.
After reaching No. 1 in 2020 with "A Miner's Life," Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band has continued to score hits on roots music and bluegrass charts with heartfelt songs and blue-collar appeal. Their latest single, a cover of Dillards’ "There is a Time," spent more than a year at No. 1 and was the top RMR bluegrass song of 2023. The song also spent two weeks in Cashbox Magazine’s top ten. Fueled by the success of its singles, the album A Miner’s Life spent a remarkable four weeks at No. 1 on RMR’s album charts. Several earlier releases, penned by guitarist Kenton "Red" Catlett, reached No. 1 on the RMR charts thanks to a resurgence in radio airplay.
Known for their down-home sound and instrumental prowess honed through two decades of entertaining audiences, Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band is firmly planting its roots in the rich soil of traditional mountain bluegrass.
BAND MEMBERS
Libby Files (bass and vocals) - Libby is the founder of Stoney Creek. "Libby is among the rising number of female vocalists who are making a big impact on bluegrass music," said Frank Jurney, founder of Virginia's Berryville Bluegrass Series. Libby is based in West Virginia.
Brett Smeltzer (mandolin and vocals) - Brett's mandolin and vocal skills have been a major part of Stoney Creek's neotraditional sound. Brett previously played with "Maryland's Five String King" Jack Sanbower and the No Leeway Band. Brett is also a broadcaster on the award-winning radio station The Bluegrass Jamboree. Brett is based in West Virginia.
Kenton "Red" Catlett (guitar and vocals) - Kenton's songwriting, vocal, and guitar skills have propelled his original songs, including "Fast Train," "Thirty Years" and "The Traveling Song," to the top spots on bluegrass radio charts. Catlett performed and recorded with Libby's sister, the late Deanna Stottlemyer, arranging many of the songs that would later appear on Stoney Creek's Memories & Tears album. Kenton is based in West Virginia.
Rylan Rissler (banjo and vocals) - Rylan joined Stoney Creek in 2024, at the age of 17. Rylan has been playing the banjo since 2020. Bluegrass Today wrote that Stoney Creek is Rylan's "first professional engagement with a band." Rylan is based in Pennsylvania.
In memory of Troy Stangle.