Name of the Band/Act: County Line Band
When did band form: 2012
Members: Joe Stimmell – Vocals/Rhythm Guitar; Ted Grindstaff – Rhythm Guitar; Gabe Franks – Lead Guitar; Ben Schnell – Bass Guitar and Josh Wireman – Drums.
About the band: County Line Band originally formed when Joe Stimmel and Ted Grindstaff picked up some acoustic guitars and would perform at parties and around bonfire’s with their friends. They quickly became popular at these backyard events which led them to getting hired to perform at local bars around Ashland. They then added lead guitarist, Gabe Franks, who had been performing in bands since he was 16 years old. They kept adding more dates to their schedule and eventually added Zach Magill as their first drummer. Magill passed away in July 2013 after an accident, so the band added Josh Wireman, another close friend to fill his place. Ben Schnell had known Stimmel and Grindstaff since elementary school, so when they needed a bass player, he was a perfect choice. With the current line up the group has been playing at bars, fairs and festivals all over Northeast and Central Ohio. Last year the group won the Thirsty Cowboy Battle for the Jam, which led to them playing at the WGAR Country Jam.
The members all work day jobs and fill their weekends with music. Their love of performing and friendship are part of the reason the group has been around as long as they have. They are some of the nicest guys around and when not on stage can be found helping out other bands and national acts with their unselfish support.
In addition to winning the Battle for the Jam, County Line has opened for Josh Thompson, Love & Theft, Lee Brice and many more.
Why you should see their show: The County Line Band performs a lot of 90’s Country Music, mixed in with some modern Country, Southern and Classic Rock. They definitely perform out of the love for the music and always put on a great show whether they are performing at a local bar, a fair or opening for a national touring act. Their energy on stage is contagious with their fans and friends and they are some of the nicest and most approachable guys off stage. They interact well with a crowd and put on a high energy show that often leads to Grindstaff or Stimmell leaving the stage to take the music right to the those who come to see them play.
Websites/Socials/Videos: You can follow County Line Band on their Facebook page Here, or on Twitter Here, or on Instagram Here. The band also has their own website where you can find out more about them Here. They also has a YouTube Channel Here, where you can watch more of their videos including “Raisin’ Hell” which you can watch below.
Upcoming Dates: Saturday, July 15 at March Against Heroin in Norwalk, Ohio; Saturday, August 19 at the Bratwurst Festival in Bucyrus, Ohio and Saturday, August 26 at Iron Pony Saloon in Lakeville, Ohio.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga2o2C-XsXI
