Banjo virtuoso Jessie Baker joins Sierra Hull & Highway 111

Bluegrass band Sierra Hull & Highway 111 has added banjo player Jessie Baker to the group. Jessie, formerly with Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, is looking forward to working with Sierra Hull. "I'm really excited to be playing with such a talented group of musicians and singers. I've been a fan of Sierra's since I saw her onstage with Ricky Skaggs playing 'Boston Boy' at my first IBMA FanFest in Louisville, KY. I'm looking forward to being a part of Highway 111," he said.

A native of Martinsville, Indiana, Jessie started playing music at the age of eleven. Still a teenager at the age of 19, Jessie has already had what can be described as a stellar career. He has performed with several bands, including Wildfire; The Wildwood Valley Boys; The Karl Shiflett and Big Country Show; and with his own family band, The Baker Boys. He has appeared with Marty Raybon and Full Circle; David Peterson & 1946; Avery County; Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain; and Ronnie Stoneman.

Sierra Hull & Highway 111 have been working together since December 2008. The band consists of Sierra Hull, mandolin; Jacob Eller, upright bass; Clay Hess, guitar; and Christian Ward on fiddle. According to Sierra, "This is the first time that we've hired a new band member. Since the departure of our good friend Cory Walker late last summer, Ron Block has been kind enough to fill in for us. This has given us the opportunity to take our time looking for the right banjo player. It was important to find the right fit, both musically and personally. We held auditions in Nashville and were really excited when Jessie expressed interest in joining. We've all been big fans of his playing and singing for a long time with one of our favorite bands, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. We know that Jessie is capable of so much and will bring a lot to the band." With the March 8 release of Sierra's Rounder Records recording, Daybreak, and the fact that she is graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston this spring,the band has a busy touring schedule for 2011. Sierra added, "The guys and I are thrilled to have Jessie with us and look forward to getting on the road!"

For more information about Sierra Hull & Highway 111, visit Sierra's web site at www.sierrahull.com. For booking information, contact Keith Case & Associates at 615.327.4646.