Dick Gist
Dick started playing music in 2000 after seeing "Walk Down Henderson" (Joe Sanford & Alan Long) perform at a Bloomington, IN house party. He bought a cheap guitar and just tried to imitate what he had seen them do, an approach to learning music that would prove effective throughout his musical journey.
Dick’s development as a guitarist really kicked into gear when he married into a talented musical family, where he learned nearly everything he knows about music. His father-in-law, Hugh Davis, invited Dick to play with his worship group at their local church. Dick was able to watch and learn from a man who had picked with the best of them in his day, including Vassar Clements, Jimmy Martin, and renowned bluegrass picker, Steve Kaufman. Never taking any "formal" lessons but simply absorbing knowledge from his friends and mentors (Barry Elkins, Joe Sanford, Alan Long, & Hugh Davis), Dick eventually "picked" up his own style of guitar, a unique blend that is inspired in equal parts by traditional hard driving bluegrass and Dave Matthews.
Dick formed the Indiana Boys in 2004 after being asked to open up for a local band, Knundrum. The Indiana Boys had a rotating ensemble of approximately 25 musicians, but always involving Barry & Dick, until he invited Kenan Rainwater to be a guest vocalist. He saw potential in his ability to "fit in," a hunch that ended up paying off. When he finally found a solid group of permanent band members in Kenan & Joe the present day Indiana Boys were formed.
Dick’s development as a guitarist really kicked into gear when he married into a talented musical family, where he learned nearly everything he knows about music. His father-in-law, Hugh Davis, invited Dick to play with his worship group at their local church. Dick was able to watch and learn from a man who had picked with the best of them in his day, including Vassar Clements, Jimmy Martin, and renowned bluegrass picker, Steve Kaufman. Never taking any "formal" lessons but simply absorbing knowledge from his friends and mentors (Barry Elkins, Joe Sanford, Alan Long, & Hugh Davis), Dick eventually "picked" up his own style of guitar, a unique blend that is inspired in equal parts by traditional hard driving bluegrass and Dave Matthews.
Dick formed the Indiana Boys in 2004 after being asked to open up for a local band, Knundrum. The Indiana Boys had a rotating ensemble of approximately 25 musicians, but always involving Barry & Dick, until he invited Kenan Rainwater to be a guest vocalist. He saw potential in his ability to "fit in," a hunch that ended up paying off. When he finally found a solid group of permanent band members in Kenan & Joe the present day Indiana Boys were formed.
Joe Bolinger
Born and raised in Brown County, Indiana, Joe started playing banjo in 1992 at the age of 12. He began by learning Seeger-style up picking on a no-name open back that his dad had acquired from an old timer's farmhouse attic somewhere in southern Indiana. His style quickly expanded to include three-finger picking, which is his primary focus with the Indiana Boys, though he has been working on his claw hammer skills on the side. His main instrument with the Indiana Boys is a Bishline Midnight Moon resonator banjo. He is a strong believer that the banjo is a versatile instrument that can fit into a wide range of genres, styles, and moods.
Joe also contributes original songwriting for the Indiana Boys, including The Crows and Lama Mountain Blues. When he isn't playing music, he can probably be found banging his head against a wall in pursuit of a PhD. in Public Policy from Indiana University.
Joe also contributes original songwriting for the Indiana Boys, including The Crows and Lama Mountain Blues. When he isn't playing music, he can probably be found banging his head against a wall in pursuit of a PhD. in Public Policy from Indiana University.
Kenan Rainwater
"Ten years ago, music was little more than the healthiest of the many habits I had," says Kenan Rainwater, the vocalist, songwriter, harmonica player, and rhythm guitarist for the Indiana Boys. Now, 10 years later, he is writing songs, making albums, and playing shows, and he couldn't be happier.
His background in music began even before elementary school, with a Beach Boys cassette to listen to and a youth choir to sing in. Music accompanied him through the junior high years with an odd blend of U2, Snoop Dogg and puberty; and it followed him as soundtrack of 70's rock and John Prine while he careened through the madness of high school. Music has been, and now remains, a vital part of Kenan's happiness.
Kenan is quite thrilled with how music has taken center stage in his life. "I always thought someday, I will be sitting around, jamming with heavy-weight musicians, playing the music I love. And, lo and behold, that's what I do most of the time these days. I have arrived!"
His background in music began even before elementary school, with a Beach Boys cassette to listen to and a youth choir to sing in. Music accompanied him through the junior high years with an odd blend of U2, Snoop Dogg and puberty; and it followed him as soundtrack of 70's rock and John Prine while he careened through the madness of high school. Music has been, and now remains, a vital part of Kenan's happiness.
Kenan is quite thrilled with how music has taken center stage in his life. "I always thought someday, I will be sitting around, jamming with heavy-weight musicians, playing the music I love. And, lo and behold, that's what I do most of the time these days. I have arrived!"
Barry Todd
A founding member of the Indiana Boys, Barry developed his hard driving mandolin chop and his innovative melodic picking style in the hills and hollers of Brown County, Indiana. His musicianship and soul are crucial for the Indiana Boy's sound and success. You can hear Barry's fantastic singing voice when he performs with his other band, the White Lightning Boys. but he's glad to be able to take a break from the vocal spotlight when playing with the Indiana Boys. Every now and then, though, you might get treated to a little "Going Down this Road Feeln' Bad", "Little Maggie", or even his signature rendition of "Gin and Juice."
Barry doesn't play with the Boys too much anymore. With all his musical projects its hard for him to be in two places at once.
Barry doesn't play with the Boys too much anymore. With all his musical projects its hard for him to be in two places at once.