Blue Shades at Coleman Station Bluegrass Festival

Continuing with our series of paots on the upcoming Coleman Station Bluegrass Featival.

Freidens Pa, July 24 & 25.

Blue Shdes will appeaar both days. A short history of Blue Shades and band bios follows.


Blue Shades is a south-central Pennsylvania bluegrass music band, formed in the summer of 2001. This four-piece group performs a wide variety of bluegrass music ranging from the high lonesome sound of traditional music, to the most modern songs of todays more progressive bluegrass sound, as well as prominently featuring the ever popular Bluegrass Gospel music. Whatever the style, they play it bluegrass. Comprised of four veteran bluegrass performers, with nearly 100 years of combined music experience, this band can play any venue. From a Sunday morning Gospel show to a Saturday night festival performance-whatever your favorite style, they have something you'll like. That is, if you like bluegrass.

Brad Foust. Lead and harmony vocals / rhythm guitar and mandolin.Brad Foust. Lead and harmony vocals / rhythm guitar and mandolin.Brad began playing guitar and mandolin in the early seventies. He performed with “True Bluegrass” band on mandolin, and was known for his high tenor work with lead singer Bob Thompson and baritone / banjo-ist great Vince Bartlebaugh, as well as his strong lead vocals. In the early eighties, Brad performed with the legendary Mac Martin and the Dixie Travelers, on mandolin, tenor and lead vocals. He has also played with many talented local bands, including the late great “Kenny Custer” and his Son’s of Bluegrass, featuring the standout banjo player Tim Custer. Brad is well known among bluegrass fans for his strong lead and harmony vocals, as well as his hard driving rhythm guitar and strong mandolin breaks. He brings to the band a very diverse repertoire. His influences, and favorite musicians are Charlie Waller, Cliff Waldron, Bill Monroe, Del McCoury, and Larry Sparks. email: Brad Foust

Vince Bartlebaugh. Banjo and harmony vocals.Vince, the newest member to Blue Shades, began playing with the group in 2003. A seasoned bluegrass musician, hehas been playing guitar since the early age of nine, and moved on to the five string in 1961. Since then he has became a virtual master of the Mastertone. Vince is a true “Banjo-ist” and over-all great musician. He conducts college work-shops, and has been giving private lessons for over twenty years. Vince was a founding member of “True Bluegrass” a band that played extensively in southwest Pennsylvania in the 60’s and 70’s, as well as playing in several West Virginia-based bluegrass bands in the 80’s and 90’s. Vince adds tremendous drive during leads and tasteful back-up, showcasing his vast knowledge of the music he loves. His addition to Blue Shades reunites him with guitarist Brad Foust, whom he mentored during their True Bluegrass band days. Vince has been an influence on many of the other fine banjo pickers in the tri-state area. email: Vince Bartlebaugh

Don Fronk. Mandolin and guitar / harmony and lead vocals.Don Fronk. Mandolin and guitar / harmony and lead vocals.This powerful mandolinist / guitar player first picked up the guitar at the age of eight, and mandolin at thirteen. Learning from his father, with whom he still performs. He joined his first group “ Sassafras” a bluegrass Gospel band, at thirteen. At nineteen he began playing with the group “Trade Secret” and in 1997 signed on with the band “Ground Speed”, featuring Troy Wigfield, of today’s BLUE SHADES band. Don is known for his tremendously powerful instrumental work on both guitar and mandolin, as well as his fine baritone vocal work. His biggest influences and favorite musicians are Lou Reed, Doyle Lawson and Jimmy Gaudreau. email: Don Fronk

Troy Wigfield. Harmony and lead vocals / bass.A second-generation bluegrass musician, Troy has been playing music over twenty years. He has been in several bands ranging from country and country rock, to bluegrass. Among those being “Ground Speed” where he first teamed-up with Don Fronk, of today’s BLUE SHADES. Troy also plays guitar, pedal steel and dobro. A strong vocalist, he has a wide range and the rare ability to sing bass, lead and tenor. His versatile vocal work and impeccable timing on bass really help to round out the sound of the band. His favorite musicians and influences are Doyle Lawson and the “Old and In The Way” album. email: Troy Wigfield