CHRIS STUART
- From San Diego, California. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida.
- Twice has won the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest,
- His songs have been recorded by such artists as Suzanne Thomas, Claire Lynch, Sally Jones, Salamander Crossing, others.
- Plays banjo and guitar. A former member of the New York-based band Cornerstone.
- Has a degree in Medieval History.
- 1996, moved to San Diego to work as a computer consultant for a tech firm. Played in a local band called Highway 52.
- 2002, formed his own band called Backcountry and in 2003 went full-time with the band.
- 2003, released Saints and Strangers
album (Backcountry).
- 2004, released Mojave River
album (Backcountry).
- 2005, band includes banjo player Janet Beazley (formerly of Copperline) and Paul Lee (formerly of Open Road.)
- 2006, performed in Oman (middle east, south of Saudi Arabia).
- 2007, Eric Uglum joined the band (mandolin/guitar) along with stepsons Christian (fiddle) and Austin (bass) Ward.
- 2008, released Crooked Man
album (Backcountry).
- 2009, co-produced the IBMA awards show and won the award for Song of the Year (“Don’t Throw Mama’s Flowers Away” recorded by Danny Paisley).
- 2011, began working as a duo with Janet Beazley.
- 2011-2013, wrote a regular column for Bluegrass Today. He also is a frequent contributor to Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine.
- 2012, 2013, produced the IBMA Awards Show.