Silly Ridge Trio is a Highlands based troupe that brings fun, energy, and toe-tapping classic bluegrass to any event throughout the Highlands - Cashiers plateau. Although the band is built around the three core members, they often expand, drawing upon a broad circle of professional-level, good friends. Silly Ridge is a strong dose of musical fun
Knight Martorell's banjo playing provides the syncopated drive, weaving between traditional Scruggs style and melodic improvisations to navigate the banjo’s voice to suit whatever direction the band goes. Since the age of 13, he has performed as a multi-instrumentalist with multiple bands. Since he grew up playing bluegrass during the summer months at Helen's Barn in Highlands and rock and roll during the winters in Florida, he enjoys creatively blurring the boundaries between musical genres with the banjo, harmonica, and mandolin. Working with a diverse collection of talented, and like-minded, musician, Silly Ridge provides Knight the opportunity to create new and unexpected music within the format of Appalachian instruments.
Davis Crisp was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga but I’m an eighth generation Highlander by way of Barak Norton (the first white settler in white side cove). I’m a graduate of Samford University with a degree in jazz studies and I moved to Highlands full time in 2010 to pursue a career in horticulture. I’ve been the director of horticulture for Tate Landscaping Services since 2016 which balances my two passions for nature and music.
Mario Renes - Bass.
Rock-n-Roll Background, previously played bass for Madmen and Dreamers, ( theatrical, progressive rock). Bluegrass and Gospel ? Not a CLUE. Having a blast playing it !