NEW VINTAGE
- From Cary, North Carolina.
- Formed in 1989 by Russell Johnson (mandolin) and Earl Lewellyn (guitar).
- 1993, won first place at the Pizza Hut International Bluegrass Showdown national finals in Owensboro, Kentucky.
- 1993, won “best band” at the SPBGMA Award Show in Nashville.
- 1993, released first album “Timeless” (New Time).
- 1995, Julie Elkins (banjo) joined the band.
- 1995, released No Time for the Blues
album (Pinecastle).
- 1996, released Sands of Time
album (Doobie Shea).
- 1997, Jody King (banjo), James Doncsecz (bass) and Kim Gardner (Dobro™) join the band.
- 1999, released Changing Times
album (Pinecastle).
- 2000 lineup: Johnson, Llewellyn, Gena Britt (banjo), Greg Martin (bass) and Kim Gardner (Dobro™).
- 2000, played last show at IBMA Fan Fest.
- Johnson (mandolin, lead vocals) writes much of the band’s original material. He has also recorded as a solo artist and performs with a band called The Grass Cats.
- Before forming New Vintage, Johnson performed professionally as a magician.
- 2007, the group was re-formed by Johnson (who is also in the Grass Cats).