About Us
The musicians
Aaron Soots - guitar/vocals. If Aaron is not playing guitar, he is practicing guitar. A gifted musician, and an integral part of The Local Boys. Experience - 20 yrs.
Steve Holman - lead/rhythm guitar/cello/vocals. Born and still residing in Wilkesboro, NC. His knowledge of music and music theory brings a technical and necessary approach to the band's selections. Experience - 21 yrs.
Eric Childers - dobro/vocals. Eric has a rare talent. While he can play any form of music, his approach is strongly traditional. From Monroe to Monk, his style and versatility blend beautifully with his bandmates. Experience - 35 yrs.
Tommy Rapè - banjo/vocals. Born in Georgia, raised in North Carolina. Traditionally rooted and technically accomplished, his fit with this ensemble is unrivaled. Experience - 37 yrs.
Todd McCloud - bass/vocals. With incredible lead and harmony vocals, Todd adds a warm and inviting style that matches perfectly with this ensemble. Experience - 18 yrs.
The Local Boys band members have a combined stage experience of over 130 years!
Our sound
The Local Boys are a band that has been waiting for the appellation "Americana", as "Bluegrass" just doesn't cover the material they do. With all members of The Local Boys having deep roots in traditional music, they have a love for the musical styles that influenced and evolved from old time, country, and bluegrass.
The Local Boys are fairly standard in their acoustic instrumental arrangement. Lead Guitar, Banjo, Dobro, Rhythm Guitar, and Bass. Additional instruments may be available upon request including mandolin, fiddle, classical violin, cello, and percussion. They can accommodate as a duo, all the way to a large production band! All members of the band are superb lead and harmony vocalists. This gives them the ability to find the perfect combination of voices to render any song.
The Local Boys have performed at Merlefest the last 20 years running. In addition, they've hosted the Plaza Stage with the late, Grammy award winning, Tut Taylor. They actively participate in the outreach program, sponsored by Merlefest, bringing music to surrounding area schools. Look for them at the festival this year!
Upcoming events
Wednesday, 12/26/18 - Foothills Brewpub - Winston Salem, NC
Saturday, 2/23/19 - Fletcher Feed & Seed - Fletcher, NC
Thursday-Sunday, 4/25/19-4/28/19 - Merlefest - Wilkesboro, NC
Let us be your band!
The Local Boys are available for festivals, weddings, corporate events, private parties, and more!
Check out these reviews from recent shows!
Rhonda J. from Charlotte, NC - Corporate Event - 7/25/18
The Local Boys were so great to work with! They were prompt and overall a great band! The music was great! Just what we were looking for in a band for our event. Thank you!
Margaret W. from Linville, NC - Engagement Party - 7/21/18
The Local Boys were professional, fun, and a great addition to our party!
Michael H from Hendersonville, NC - Community Event - 7/14/18
The Local Boys were fantastic! I can't say enough good things about them! Their live sound is phenomenal! They preformed in the heat of a July day without complaint and they did so in such a manner that uplifted my guests spirits. I will recommend this group to anyone and everyone.
Laura P. from Chapel Hill, NC - Wedding Reception - 9/23/17
We had a wonderful time at our wedding reception in September in Chapel Hill with the help of this band! The Local Boys are courteous and professional and very skilled musicians. We appreciated their flexibility to play a set outside early in the evening and end the night inside the barn. They played our first dance song, Harvest Moon, perfectly! Our guests came from all over the country and had a variety of musical tastes; everyone had great time. Our guests from Wisconsin loved the Violent Femmes covers. Our guitar building, banjo playing relatives from WV were in heaven with the serious bluegrass songs. Thanks for a great party. Be well y'all!
Lora H. from Wilmington, NC - Corporate Event - 7/21/2017
Truly the nicest guys, they were extremely easy to work with and accommodating for our outdoor corporate event. With everything else I had to worry about (450+ attendees in 90 degree heat), it was so refreshing to have such a self sufficient and professional group of gentleman to work with. I would recommend them in a heartbeat and will most definitely be hiring them again for future events.