The Dirt Farmers / Members
Ryan Totman
MandolinistRyan hails from down Utah way, where he guides river rafting trips in his alter ego. Filling in when Nate can't make it, he brings his great chops and energy to the band.
Silas Rea
ViolinistDon't be fooled by his youth - Silas is an accomplished fiddler who already has experience playing with a number of bluegrass groups. When Hans can't make the gig, Silas steps up in a big way.
Suzanne Ford
Bassist VocalistSuzanne was classically trained on the bass, but traded her soul to the devil at the crossroads at midnight...I think you know the rest of the story. Formerly of Jawbone Railroad, she brings her thumping bass rhythms, great vocals and super energy to the group.
Bill Devine
GuitaristBill switched from guitar to dobro and steel guitar after he was bucked off a horse and broke his neck. Not that he'd let a little thing like that get him down. Positive spirit and great musical sense and qualities you will notice about this old cowboy from Roundup, Montana.
Hans Swenson
ViolinistAlso classically trained, Hans (19) is already a principle violinist with the MSU Symphony Orchestra. But don't hold that against him - he can and will totally blow you away with his fiddle playing. Away from the Dirt Farmers, he also plays guitar and mandolin.
Chuck Swenson
Banjo Player Guitarist Mandolinist Programming VocalistChuck plays banjo and harmonica with the band, but he is an accomplished guitarist, plays mandolin, and even the bass. Chuck's hobbies are climbing, and beekeeping and everything in between. He "grew up" in Babb, Montana.
Nathan Fortier
Mandolinist Programming Songwriter VocalistDr. Nate (computer science PhD) writes songs, such as Silver Bullet, Wait for Me, Beartrap, and Havin’ a Good Time, for the band. His favorite bands are Trampled by Turtles and Green Sky Blue Grass. Nate went to high school in Whitehall, MT, but that accent is from his early days in Mississippi. He was just overheard telling someone they played really good banjo for a Yankee.
Kelly Hagerman
Guitarist VocalistKelly started playing with the Dirt Farmers when he was only 17. He writes many songs for the band, including Hopin’, Love Will Be My Guide, Brokenhearted Dreams, and Memories of You. Kelly gets called Dwight as a nickname because he is such a huge fan of country singer, Dwight Yoakam. He loves old cars and trucks. That barn Lincoln in the background of his picture is one he wants to start restoring soon.
