Long Meadow Mining Co.
Originally formed by Hagerstown native, Paul Beard, the Long Meadow Mining Company has been making contemporary and traditional bluegrass music together since 1982. Just three years later, building guitars in his basement, Beard founded the business of his namesake, Beard Guitars, and continues to handcraft instruments today for artists such as Vince Gill, Mark Knopfler, Jerry Douglas, Billy Strings, Oliver Anthony, Derek Trucks, Shine Delphi, Larkin Poe, and many more!
He is joined by an ensemble of old friends who happen to be all-star musicians:
Ned Luberecki
Banjoist for the Becky Buller Band and host of More Banjo Sunday and Derailed on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Bluegrass Junction, Ned Luberecki was named Banjo Player of the Year for 2018 and Broadcaster of the Year for 2023 by the IBMA, and inducted into the Banjo Hall of Fame in 2024. Ned is the author of the Complete Banjo Method series for Alfred Music and has numerous lesson videos available at TrueFire.com. Living in Nashville, TN, he is an in-demand performer and session musician having appeared on stage and recordings with Becky Buller, Chris Jones, Jim Lauderdale, Ray Stevens, Nedski & Mojo and many others. Ned is a popular instructor at music camps and workshops across the US, Canada and Europe including Camp Bluegrass, RockyGrass Academy, Kaufman Acoustic Kamp, Sore Fingers (UK) and Bluegrass Camp Germany. His website is nedski.com
Jeff Taulton (formerly of SPIKE, Brandy Stills Band, Dawn Rix band and Sleepy Creek) has been making music since 1977 and continues to delight audiences with his solo-acoustic shows throughout the four-state region. He is the lead vocalist, and rhythm section (bassist) behind Long Meadow Mining Co (LMMC).
Matt Hickman is a self-taught banjo player, receiving his first instrument at age 11. An accomplished instrumental songwriter, and one of the earliest members of LMMC, Matt has since performed with bands such as Circa Blue, Red Moon, Southern Sage, and Hickory Ridge.
Another musician since youth, Ron Webb, has played mandolin since age 12, and is the 2008 MD State Mandolin Champion. He is a former member of Circa Blue and plays with the Shade Tree Collective. Ron likes short walks, but preferably not on the beach.
Childhood friend John Seburn offered to teach Paul Beard the guitar in 1979 so he’d have some accompaniment for his fiddle playing. John played the Grand Ole Opry in 1985 and toured with the band Keystone until 1989. Other professional music credits include Silver Dollar City, and regular appearances on the Appalachian Jubilee.
Eric Avey is a multi-instrumentalist that resides in the town of Waynesboro PA where he was born and raised. Starting on the Guitar, he branched out to the mandolin, upright bass, and most recently, he’s taken up the fiddle. He’s toured, recorded, and most prolifically, Eric is a songwriter. Currently, you’ll find him playing around town with local bands and taking part in jams.