BLUE RAIL is an eclectic group of musicians from multiple musical genres featuring songwriter/guitarist Joe Levy, songwriter/fiddler Brad Oviatt, bassist Steve Herbst and drummer Greg Stadler. Each member brings to the band a wonderful mix of musical backgrounds and skills with authenticity and passion. Joe and Brad both offer their own exceptional original song writing abilities to the group and many of their songs inject a blues style within their music, making their sound come alive. Steve and Greg and their musical talents add a superb mix to the group where each offers a strong musical background and origin. Blue Rail is based in the Mount Vernon, Ohio area and each member offers their own enthusiastic love of performance and making great music for anyone who listens.

Fiddler BRAD OVIATT is a classically trained musician that began very early in his youth. He is a multiple-state fiddle champion. Originally from Ohio, Brad won the Pennsylvania State Old-Time, Great Lakes Regional Bluegrass and the West Virginia State Bluegrass Fiddle Championship twice. He has recorded and performed internationally, in all the Canadian provinces and in 48 states with Flatland Grass, Patent Pending, South Central Bluegrass, Beaver Creek, Maple Creek, and WheelHoss. His talent and love of all types of music put him in the studio, and on many stages with his own bands as well as many Bluegrass, Blues and Country greats. His true passion remains teaching fiddle, violin and vocal harmony. Brad is currently retired and freelances with a number of bands and musicians in all genres including musical theatre. His musical passion is second to none.

Guitarist JOE LEVY began performing at a very early age. Throughout his youth he performed in musicals and plays while experimenting with his vocal talent. At eleven years of age Joe was accepted as a member of the All-American Youth Show Choir. He began playing classical guitar at age eighteen while exploring the West Coast music scene. Two years later Joe landed in Columbus, Ohio and began playing bass. He then refocused his talents on guitar, songwriting and singing. Several years of performing karaoke and open mics helped Joe build an arsenal of original and cover songs. Joe recently ended his 25-year IT career to follow his passion for music on a full-time basis.

Bassist STEVE HERBST was born and raised in Bexley, Ohio and then moved to Mt. Vernon. He is happily married with four very musically talented children. Steve played bass throughout his school years and sang in the University Choir. His musical talents include bass guitar, a love of singing and playing guitar. In his spare time Steve is an avid cyclist and enjoys riding and racing in various cycling events. After his move to Mt. Vernon, Steve became actively involved in musical theatre with an extensive list of regional credits to his name that continues today. His love of music and performance makes him a welcome member of the band.

Drummer GREG STADLER was born in Aurora, Colorado and began playing drums at fifteen in Leeds, England. Greg married his high school sweetheart, Micki, and they have two adult children. He played with the band Fivestone for seven years, which morphed into Unlikely Hero. With bassist Kurt Kershner he formed the progressive rock band Whitestone. The Christian band Abia followed, then came the metal band Elyon’s Water. Greg played for the Fredericktown production of The Adams Family. He has played in various church settings his entire drumming career and currently plays for the Ignite services at the Cornerstone Community Church in Fredericktown.