By Nila Harris
FALMOUTH — Jonny Estep has been in the Bluegrass music world since he was 8 years old.
Estep, who currently resides in Ludlow, has played music all over the country with his dad but mostly in the Cincinnati area where he grew up. He took time off in his 20s to get married and raise five kids, but “I think everyone was getting tired of hearing songs at home.
“My mom and mother-in-law encouraged me to start a band, so I got on the phone,” Estep said.
Over the years, there have been different formations of the band, leading up to its current members who have been playing together for the past six months.
“But collectively, we’ve probably all been playing 100 years,” Estep said with a laugh.
Estep plays guitar and sings lead vocals along with Phil Lawrence on the mandolin and harmony.
“Bluegrass legend” Gil Benson plays fiddle and sings vocals. Benson will be playing with four different bands at this year’s Kentucky Wool Festival.
“I call fiddle the icing on the cake in Bluegrass,” Estep said.
Playing the upright bass and singing vocals is the youngest member of the band, Adam Hicks. Hicks comes from a Bluegrass family with his dad and brother also involved in the genre.
Lastly, there is Ahmad Maghathe who plays a “fantastic banjo,” Estep said.
“They bring a drive and passion to the music they play. I’m looking forward to seeing where we’re going after this.”
When asked what Estep thought about playing at the Wool Festival, he stated, “I am pumped.
“I’ve never personally been to the Wool Fest, because I’m always (at a gig) playing music. I’m over the moon.”
Jonny Estep and the Lonesome Blend at noon Friday on the Main Stage and at 3 p.m. Friday on the Log Cabin Stage.