Traditional Bluegrass At Its Finest

Join us on November 7th at 7pm in the MAC Theater to experience the sounds of RiverBend Bluegrass Band.  RiverBend is a 5-piece Traditional Bluegrass band from the St Louis area. With soaring tenor harmonies, driving instrumentation, and the classic bluegrass sound, this group is dedicated to the performance and preservation of the "High-Lonesome Sound.” A mix of classic covers and originals that stay true to authentic instrumentation, RiverBend’s style is perfect for those seeking an experience that harkens back to the founders of the genre. RiverBend is represented by EMG Records and have released 2 albums, with a 3rd slated for Fall 2024. RiverBend is a showcase artist at the 2024 International Bluegrass Music Awards in Raleigh, NC. 

This event will feature students from MAFAA's Folk Music Program!

Meet the Band

Aaron Muskopf, GUITAR, VOCALS

Aaron Muskopf is originally from Fults, IL and is a multi-instrumentalist that started his music career in his early teens by playing and touring with different groups throughout the Midwest.  Before joining RiverBend as the guitar player and lead singer he was the bassist and vocalist for St. Louis based bluegrass band call Cumberland Gap. 

Andy Novara, MANDOLIN, VOCALS

Andy Novara is a multi-instrumentalist originally from Jamestown ND, currently residing in Pacific, MO. He began playing at an early age and has played venues as disparate as the New York City Jazz Festival and the Station Inn by way of Nashville Tennesse. Novara plays Monroe-style mandolin in this group. Novara has a graduate degree in Jazz Performance and Mandolin. When not gigging or touring, he can be found teaching at the Mineral Area Fine Arts Academy, leading many classes in the bluegrass/old-time tradition. http://www.andynovaramusic.com/

Blake Korte, DOBRO, VOCALS

Blake Korte is a multi-instrumentalist and was raised in Highland, Illinois. The Appalachian mountain dulcimer was the first instrument he learned thanks to his grandmother’s interest in old-time music. This interest was passed on and developed over time, although Blake spent his formative years and first two years of college playing in classical music ensembles and various musical projects with friends. All the while, he maintained an appreciation and knowledge-base of folk music and some of its global permutations. Blake is a graduate of the music program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He currently plays dobro for RiverBend, The Silver Creek Bluegrass Band, and The New Prairie Drifters.

Will Miskall, UPRIGHT BASS, VOCALS

Originally from St. Louis, MO, Will is multi-instrumentalist and veteran to the St. Louis bluegrass scene and is very excited to be playing with RiverBend. Playing in various St. Louis bluegrass groups, such as The Local Gents, Wayward Mountaineers, Gateway Ramblers, The Foggy Memory Boys, and The Grits, just to name a few. Will is a very gifted musician as well as a powerful singer. In addition to laying down rock solid bass lines, Will's high lonesome tenor make him an integral part of the sound of RiverBend.

Alex Riffle, BANJO

Alex started to play banjo at the age of twelve years old in Poplar Bluff, MO.  SPBGMA Midwest Banjo Performer of The Year award winner. He has worked with a number of groups, including Bull Harman & Bull’s Eye, Julian Davis & The Situation, and his own group, Alex Riffle & The Stiff Riffs, whose first record was released when Riffle was 20 years old.