The Moonshine Racers is a North Carolina based band which performs a self described style of alternative country-grass called "Prograssive-y'all-ternative". The band has existed since early 2001 and has played numerous festivals, clubs, and other private events including The Visulite Theatre (Charlotte, NC), The Neighborhood Theatre (Charlotte, NC), Ziggy’s (Winston Salem, NC), Harvest Fest (Georgia), Smile Fest (NC) and many more. Members have shared the stage with such musical greats as D...
The Moonshine Racers is a North Carolina based band which performs a self described style of alternative country-grass called "Prograssive-y'all-ternative". The band has existed since early 2001 and has played numerous festivals, clubs, and other private events including The Visulite Theatre (Charlotte, NC), The Neighborhood Theatre (Charlotte, NC), Ziggy’s (Winston Salem, NC), Harvest Fest (Georgia), Smile Fest (NC) and many more. Members have shared the stage with such musical greats as Doc Watson, Moe, Acoustic Syndicate, The Larry Keel Experience, Curtis Burch, Widespread Panic, Leftover Salmon, David Allen Coe, Goose Creek Symphony, Darrell Scott, Guy Clark, and the Seldom Scene among many others.
The band draws on a variety of influences including bluegrass, classic country, jazz, blues, old-time, gospel, rock and roll and American roots music:
• Lead guitarist and vocalist Cito Giulini, combines his Latin upbringing (born in Caracas, Venezuela) with his classical guitar training to create a unique and compelling guitar style which can range from soft and subtle to towering and powerful. He is alumnus of the popular “jam bands” Liquid Sound and Other People.
• Banjo player Tommy Rapé (pronounced rah-PAY) is a native of Georgia. He came to the Charlotte area and began playing at an early age in school bands. He started on stringed instruments with guitar but soon found his affinity for the banjo and started developing the "hot as a firecracker" style he still uses today.
• Bass player Rick Stapleton also received some of his earliest musical experiences in school bands. His many years of experience with several different bands (including The Woodies and Seconds Flat) have solidified his fluid yet forceful bass style. In addition, his strong vocals add that extra element to the band's sound.
• Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Fudd McKinney draws upon his Appalachian mountain heritage and love of bluegrass and roots music to write songs that reach back into the past but are also firmly planted in the present. McKinney's passion is educating himself and others about the many varied musical styles he loves.
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