Bio

Open Rail is a fresh, new bluegrass band based in Gallipolis Ohio. In 2010 the band was selected to be the Historical Ariel Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Center's home band. The band hosted shows at the theater for 2 seasons, and now are performing all over the country sharing their brand of Bluegrass. In 2022 the band made a choice to focus on a Music Ministry. This effort allows us to be comfortable with our music in any setting and give a message of hope to those that need it. Don Titus plays Banjo, Mark Kinney on Vocals and Guitar, John Cardwell Vocals and Mandolin, Brian Ison Vocals and Bass, Jeff Fields on Guitar. Open Rail proudly endorses  Eddie Grey Guitars and Nichols Road Mandolins . Open Rail is always booking concerts and church events for all times and seasons. Contact them today to have a great time with the band.

Band Achievements
2016 Blazin' Bluegrass Band Competition WInner
2016 IMEA Bluegrass Band Of The Year.

John Cardwell, Mandolin and Vocals
In his youth, the groups that had the most impact on John’s musical life were the
Happy Goodman Family and the Singing Hinsons fostering his love of gospel
music. At the age of 12, John started playing the bass guitar for his father’s singing
group, the Cardwell Quartet. When his father passed away, he became part of the
Singing Shafers and he and his wife, Debi, began performing duets at local churches.
They added a third member, Greg Bowman, and formed Guyan Valley Trio. John now
splits his time between the two groups and is “enjoying every minute of it.” John Cardwell
proudly endorses Nichols Road Mandolins. "The tone and quality of the workmanship is
as good as it looks."

Don Titus, Banjo
Don has been playing and teaching banjo for over 30 years. Don has played in several
groups with Johnny Staats including The Bluegrass Heritage, Southern Wind,
Crossroads, Just For Now, and Sarah Conant & New Image. He’s opened for many
professional acts in the bluegrass field, such as Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Blue
Highway, & Lynn Morris Band, to name a few He has fifteen recording projects under
his belt and has worked with Amanda (Collins) Smith on a project with Johnny
Staats. He has won numerous contests including 1st in the Country Showdown contest
in WV with Southern Wind and placing many times at the SPBGMA in Nashville. Don
proudly play Fitch Banjos

Brian "Bubba" Ison, Bass and Vocals
Brian is  a Pike County Ohio native, coming from a musical family
learning to sing with his mom and grandparents in church. At 12 he began
to take an interest in instrumental music and the guitar was a natural fit. Later
as bluegrass became the musical choice the upright became the instrument of choice.
Through the years Brian has been influenced by many artists including his
grandfather and Doyle Lawson. Other influences were Russell Moore, The Kingsmen
Quartet, and the Lonesome River Band. He played in a number of bands around the
area, but in 1995 he heard live bluegrass music for the first time and was hooked. Brian
began playing with the Bluegrass Disciples, later with Scott Tackett and Kentucky
Sunrise, before starting his own band Out of the Blue. He was soon asked to join The
Anita Fisher Band featuring Ray Deaton. When not picking music Brian enjoys
watching football and college basketball.

 

Mark Kinney Guitar and Vocals

Mark comes from Vinton Ohio. He spent many years singing with the gospel quartet

Forgiven Four. His roots are in Bluegrass and old country and you can hear it when he

Takes the stage to sing. His humor is enjoyed by many as helps keep the show rolling.

He also has long been a fan of Gospel music and you certainly hear that when the boys

Gather around the mic to sing a sacred number. Mark is a Fighting Irish football fan, and

Loves to spend time with his family.

 

Jeff Fields Guitar

Jeff Fields comes from the great state of West Virginia and more accurately

Ripley Wva. Jeff’s musical history lays in traditional bluegrass music, as well as

The golden era of Country music. When not on the road with the band, Jeff

Spends his time making Fields Guitars, Mandolins, and Electric Acoustic Basses.

He is a multi-Talented man that has a solid heart to see souls saved. You will

Enjoy Jeff’s quiet humor when you come to a Rail show!