Featuring Lynchburg’s own Daniel Hardin

EVENTS — You may already know about bluegrass powerhouse Becky Buller. She’s an eight time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) winner. In fact she made history in 2016 by becoming the first artist ever to win both instrumental and vocal categories. She’s the first female to win Fiddle Player of the Year. She’s also a bluegrass triple threat who’s taken home not one but two Grammys for her songwriting chops.

But what you may not have known is her bassist and tenor vocalist is Daniel Hardin from Lynchburg. Hardin works at Jack Daniel’s Distillery as a master machine operator and serves on the Jack Daniel Fire Brigade. He’s married to Cortney Hardin. The couple lives in Moore County with their three kids: Christian, Charlie, and Corleigh.

Behind Daniel’s quiet, unassuming exterior exists an accomplished musician, who’s toured throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the U.K.

“I’ve been playing music for 32 years,” Hardin says. “I started playing bass at six years old and today I play three instruments … bass, guitar, and piano.”

Besides Buller, Hardin is joined on stage by banjo player Ned Luberecki, guitarist Dan Boner, mandolin and twin fiddle player Nate Lee.

“Becky is super talented, and everyone else in the band are outstanding musicians and singers,” Hardin said.

When ask if he’s excited about playing in front of his hometown, Hardin beams with excitement. He also says it will be fun to guide his band mates around the square and tour the distillery together.

“I really want them to experience how nice everyone is here,” he says.

The Becky Buller Band will play at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 24 on the Jack Daniel’s Stage. General admission and VIP tickets are still available. Visit the event’s website for more information. •