With hearts in traditional music and heads in the 21st century, Rockin’ Acoustic Circus points toward a fresh direction for acoustic music. Sharing their passion with impressive musical prowess and boundary pushing style, their unique vibe of original work, appeals to a wide audience of both traditional and progressive fans alike.

Original members - Sterling Abernathy and Eric Dysart, grew up taking lessons from the same music teacher.  Sterling at 18, and youngest group member – is   already considered an outstanding mandolinist.  He offers eye-raising leads, solid rhythm, and some of the most tasteful background fills the instrument is capable of producing. He’s accumulated several top contest placements and been recognized as an “Outstanding Oklahoma Young Musician.”  Eric Dysart, a crooner with vocal ability far beyond his years and equally adept on the fiddle – has played extensively in Branson, MO in various shows and productions.  Having studied both fiddle and classical violin, he plays with superior technical ability and has also gathered a large list of contest achievements.  Twin fiddles, you say? Certainly, and then some – Rachel Baiman, 5-string fiddler extraordinaire – contributes a dynamic low sound and additionally treats audiences to compelling vocals and sweet harmonies.  Growing up on old-time and bluegrass music, she made a heavy mark on the Midwest contest scene, winning the Illinois State Fiddle Championship at 16.  She’s played with several Nashville artists and has appeared on the Grand Old Opry.  She’ll soon graduate from Vanderbilt University with a degree in music and anthropology.  Adam Chaffins holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Morehead State University in KY.  With a bass background influenced by jazz, classical, and bluegrass – he’s an intense and respected player.  Along with being an accomplished writer, he also brings commanding vocals to RAC.  Adam has recorded and performs with a wide array of Nashville artists including Southern Ground recording artist, Levi Lowrey.  Recently, he released a collaborative project with well-noted Nashville guitarist, Josh Philpot entitled, “Adam Chaffins & Josh Philpott.”  Dillon Hodges, an outstanding instrumentalist on both guitar and claw hammer banjo, is a gifted writer with instantly recognizable vocals.  He’s won three national contests including the National Flat Pick Guitar Championship in Winfield, KS at the age of 17.  He’s previously toured with Missy Raines and released a solo project – “Seeds I’ve Sown” in 2011, co-produced with Tim May.  Dillon is currently a senior studying at the University of Northern Alabama.      

Fiddle legend Byron Berline maintains the thing that impresses him most about the group is they strive for originality - “they aren’t copycats; they step out and do music their own way.” Mary Burdette, of Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival said, “One of the things I love about RAC is they are very much a constellation of equally brilliant players with a fresh and gorgeous repertoire.” In 2011, the good ears at Elmore Magazine (NY) named them one of eleven “Artist to Watch in 2011” and the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) in Nashville selected them as an official showcase artist for the 2011 World of Bluegrass Conference.

This young powerhouse has merged into one impressive band playing festivals and musical events coast to coast.   As they add to an already impressive repertoire complete with unique sound, creative originals, dynamic arrangements, and tight harmonies – listening to their acoustical fused music influenced by the likes of old-time, folk, and chamber inspired bluegrass – makes them an incredible listening experience.