Our Story
First Go 'Round is a traditional gospel bluegrass band from Lunenburg, Virginia. Founded in 2014, we've honed our craft with an eye toward Christ, blending classic hymns with a traditional bluegrass drive and carrying the Gospel into churches, revivals, and community gatherings throughout the mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
"Songs, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs" are our focus, and we just so happen to have a banjo and some high, lonesome tenor to go with! We have a blast traveling, singing, and cutting up on stage, and we get to do it all for our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We are tasked with the most important message anyone can hear, whether preaching or singing, either to invite the unbeliever or challenge and encourage the believers who hear us.
We're not full-time entertainers. All four of us are business owners and family men. But every chance we get, whether our First Go 'Round or the 100th time you hear us, we're excited to sing some of the best music with the best message...because we believe this music has something to say that the world still needs to hear.
We've released two full-length albums — First Go 'Round (2019) and Dry Bones Baptist Church (2024) — and have shared stages with The Churchmen, Chosen Road, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, the Kevin Prater Band, and the Kody Norris Show.
Founding member. VP at Hood Brothers Automotive, a third-generation family business in Lunenburg. Deacon at Northside Gospel Chapel. Lives in Lunenburg with his wife Leigh and their daughter.
Rhythm guitar and tenor harmony. Owner of Bringleton's Coffee House in South Hill and travels preaching as The Caffeinated Evangelist. Attends Eureka Baptist Church with his wife Stephanie and their seven children.
Chop and fills on the mandolin, anchoring the three-part harmony. Operates RLS Construction; formerly traveled with Sandy Creek Gospel Bluegrass. Deacon and worship leader at Sandy Creek Baptist Church, where he and his wife Tamra serve.
Upright bass and the heartbeat of the rhythm section. Works at Hood Brothers Automotive with his brother Brent. Previously played bass for Appalachian Express, including an appearance on Song of the Mountains.
Ministry first. Music second. Every show is an opportunity to point someone toward the hope we've found in Christ.