Formed in 2013, Rock Hearts brings together five veteran musicians from Southern New England who love to sing and pick bluegrass, old country tunes, and seek out newer tunes from other genres to “bluegrass-ify.”
Joe Deetz’s career on banjo spans over 40 years. A New England Bluegrass Boy with Joe Val, Joey has also worked with Frank Wakefield, John Herald, Back Eddy and many others. He has recorded with John Herald, Will Scarlet, the Beach Boys and Carol King. His passion for bluegrass is evident in his tasteful, yet driving banjo and harmony singing.
Alex MacLeod grew up in bluegrass. With a classic leading voice and rock-solid rhythm guitar, Alex has served as front man for several bands in the region including Northern Lights, Southern Rhode, Back Eddy, and the Iron Skillet Band.
Billy “BT” Thibodeau boasts an undeniable bluegrass pedigree and he brings his high tenor and lead vocals, along with his fastidious mandolin playing and splendiferous guitar playing to Rock Hearts. A multi-instrumentalist, Billy has been picking and singing bluegrass for several decades. Cutting his teeth with his Dad, Sam Tidwell and Uncle Bob in the Kennebec Valley Boys, he would later lead his own band, The Bill Thibodeau Band. He has also played with the Bluegrass Supply Company, the Descendants of Bluegrass, and the Union River Band, just to name a few. Billy currently teaches music and works at Rick’s Music in Cumberland, RI.
Danny Musher is rock solid on fiddle and brings his high-intensity chops, lead singing and sharp ear to the group. Making a name for himself with Chasing Blue, he is an often sought-after fiddler in the New England area. Danny is also picking a mean mandolin and guitar, while continuing to learn bass and banjo.
Pete Kelly fills out the low end on the upright bass, singing baritone and lending his years of touring and recording experience to shape the arrangements and sound of the group. An alumnus of the Dale Ann Bradley Band as well as Flamekeeper with Michael Cleveland, where he served as the banjo player for both bands, he now plays bass with Rock Hearts.
Band Website
Band Facebook page
