Classic Country. Bluegrass Power. Country Grass.
Country Grass is the powerhouse ensemble born from one of bluegrass music’s most dynamic crossroads—the moment when the hard-driving acoustic tradition of Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road collided with the timeless catalog of classic country. What began in 2018 as the groundbreaking Pinecastle Records album Country Grass quickly grew into a full movement, reshaping how fans experience the songs they’ve loved for generations.
The original project paired the chart-topping bluegrass band with some of country music’s most iconic voices, including Crystal Gayle, Lee Greenwood, Jim Ed Brown, Lynn Anderson, The Kentucky Headhunters, T.G. Sheppard, Eddy Raven, John Anderson, John Conlee, Jesse Keith Whitley, Marty Raybon, and Ronnie Reno. Together, they reimagined #1 country hits such as “Ready for the Times to Get Better,” “Common Man,” “Dixie Road,” “Diggin’ Up Bones,” “Do You Want to Go to Heaven,” “I’ve Got Mexico,” “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” and “Rose Garden”—all reinterpreted with authentic bluegrass instrumentation and the unmistakable vocal blend of Bluegrass harmonies.
One standout track, “Boogie Grass Band,” originally released by Conway Twitty in 1978, became a signature moment on the album, arranged by Lorraine Jordan. Josh Goforth and Ronnie Reno and featuring an all-star lineup of legendary country guests. The project earned widespread acclaim, selling out live shows and pulling audiences into a nostalgic yet fresh musical experience that bridged generations.
By 2024, the demand for the Country Grass sound had grown so strong that it evolved into its own touring entity, distinct from Carolina Road and fully dedicated to delivering the bluegrass-meets-classic-country fusion fans embraced. Today, Country Grass is booked at major festivals and performing arts centers across the country, also appearing as the backing band for Larry Cordle on hits such as “Murder on Music Row” and “Highway 40 Blues.” On select shows, dobroist Duncan Stitt joins the ensemble as a special guest.
The group is currently preparing the release of Country Grass II in 2026, featuring guest appearances from T. Graham Brown, Eddy Raven, Michael Martin Murphey, T.G. Sheppard, and a special collaboration with North Carolina favorites The Malpass Brothers.
With banjos ringing, fiddles soaring, and rich vocal harmonies breathing new life into the country classics audiences know by heart, Country Grass delivers a must-see live experience. Their show captivates bluegrass purists, classic country loyalists, and new fans discovering the magic of the two genres brought together in perfect harmony.
Lorraine Jordan
Bass, Lead & Harmony Vocals, Founder
With 25 years of professional touring on the music circuit, Lorraine Jordan is the visionary force behind Country Grass. A Pinecastle Records recording artist and long-time bandleader of the award-winning Carolina Road, Lorraine has devoted her career to preserving traditional bluegrass while fearlessly creating new musical pathways—most notably through the Country Grass movement. Her arrangements, collaborations with legendary country singers, and deep musical intuition anchored the original “Country Grass” album and continue to shape the band’s signature sound. On stage, Lorraine brings musicianship, smooth vocals, and a charismatic emcee presence that ties the entire show together.
Born and raised in Eastern NC, just a short distance from the Atlantic Beach area in Vanceboro, Lorraine started playing bass at an early age. She has played bass in most genres of music.
Her “on top of the beat” push on the bass helps put the bluegrass in the tunes of the classic country songs. She sings low-range lead songs and is able to cover the distinct sounds of a classic country female vocalist. When you hear her version of Ann Murray’s song, “Snow Bird”, you will enjoy the classic sound.
Allen Dyer
Rhythm Guitar, Lead & Harmony Vocals
A soulful, expressive vocalist and seasoned guitarist, Allen Dyer delivers many of the emotional high points in the Country Grass repertoire. His smooth phrasing and authentic delivery honor the original spirit of the classic country songs the band reimagines, while his strong rhythm guitar provides reliable drive and balance to the ensemble. Allen’s versatility allows him to shift effortlessly between tender ballads, upbeat anthems, and tight harmony work. Allen has sung bluegrass with his dad since his childhood, growing up in Garner, NC. However, he gets lots of praise and compliments when he steps out on stage singing the country classics from George Jones to Buck Owens and many more. Just listen to him on George Strait’s song “Amarillo By Morning” and you will be a long-time fan.
Kent Dixon
Mandolin, Lead & Harmony Vocals
With a steady chop on the mandolin keeping the snare drum drive and a high resonant vocal tone, Kent Dixon adds both instrumental finesse and vocal depth to Country Grass. His high lead vocals bring a second sound while his harmony parts help define the group’s signature blend. Kent and Allen sing brotherly duets in songs from artist like Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakam and that is hard to find anywhere. Kent’s understanding of traditional bluegrass phrasing combined with his love for classic country creates a seamless stylistic bridge at the heart of the show. Kent grew up in the flat lands of Eastern NC in the small town of Clinton. Here he spent lots of time watching his dad host radio shows giving him an opportunity to learn the classics and gospel music. Kent is a highlight on gospel songs the band performs such as Beaula Land.
Garrett Newton
Banjo & Lead Vocals
One of bluegrass music’s most exciting young banjo stylists, Garrett Newton injects drive, energy, and edge into the Country Grass sound. A protégé of Lorraine Jordan, Garrett has quickly developed a national following for his crisp timing, inventive breaks, and traditional-leaning banjo tone. His lead vocals bring a youthful yet classic character to the repertoire, helping connect the roots of the music with the next generation of fans. Garrett has a likeness to Hank Williams Sr. looks and plays in a Hank Sr. tribute band. You might catch Garrett bringing a few of his “Lovesick Drifters” tunes in each set. Coming from rural Johnston County in NC gives Garrett the country roots he needs to play the classics. Garrett is a young heart with an old soul.
Matt Hooper
Fiddle
Known for his fiery bow work and expressive musicality, Matt Hooper provides the soaring fiddle lines that help distinguish the Country Grass live experience. Matt’s playing ranges from high-energy breakdowns to smooth, lyrical passages that elevate the emotional tone of the band’s country classics. His musicianship honors the heritage of both bluegrass and traditional country fiddle styles, creating memorable moments at every performance.
It’s been said that Matt is one of the most aggressive fiddle players in bluegrass and classic country. Matt has played fiddle on some of the finest recordings in bluegrass. Growing up in the oldest mountain area in NC, the Uwharrie Mountains, Matt lives the old-time way, which pushes his fiddle sound back to the roots.
Tim Tew
Dobro
Tim Tew was born in 1974 in Clinton, North Carolina, and grew up in nearby Ingold surrounded by the sound of bluegrass. As a kid, he watched his brother, David Tew, pick alongside musicians like Tom Langdon, Andy Johnson, Phillip Burke, and David Burke—early influences that helped shape Tim’s ear and love for the music. The first album that truly stopped him in his tracks was The Seldom Scene – Live at The Cellar Door, and it was there that Tim fell hard for the sound of the dobro.
Tim honed his musicianship playing in church with his family, building the steady foundation and heartfelt style that would become trademarks of his playing. In 2001, he helped form the band Constant Change, and the group quickly made its mark—earning 2nd place at the SPBGMA Band Competition in 2003.
After leaving Constant Change in 2004, Tim became a sought-after performer, sharing stages and contributing his signature dobro work with a range of respected artists and bands, including Donna Hughes, The Gena Britt Band, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, and Mark Newton & the Stringtones.
Offstage, Tim is a devoted family man. He is married to Gabriela Tew, and together they have four children: Jalyn, Dalsyn, Timothy, and Georgia.
Special Guests
Larry Cordle
Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals
Wayne Morris
Lead Guitar & Harmony Vocals
A standout multi-genre guitarist, Wayne Morris anchors the country side of Country Grass with tasteful electric-style leads adapted for acoustic performance. His fluid lines and dynamic range give the band its melodic shine, whether delivering signature licks from beloved country hits or creating fresh interpretations for the stage. Wayne’s harmony vocals enrich the ensemble’s blend and enhance the emotional storytelling that defines the Country Grass show. Even though Wayne came from the largest city in NC, Raleigh, he’s for sure a country boy at heart.
Duncan Stitt
Dobro
Appearing on select shows, Duncan Stitt brings a masterful dobro voice to the Country Grass stage. His tasteful slides, warm tone, and melodic instincts enhance the band’s arrangements and add a rich layer of resonance to the classic songs audiences love. Duncan’s contributions make every special appearance a unique treat for fans. Duncan’s back up work on dobro is some of the best. Eastern Tennessee seems to be home of some of the finest dobro players and Duncan is for sure one of them.
