Brennen Ernst

Brennen was born in Chipeta Park, Colorado, but has spent most of his life in Virginia. Joined the Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show on banjo and vocals in January 2013 at the age of 18. Playing music most of his life having started at age 5 playing "Ragtime" piano. He soon developed an interest in 20's swing music learning to play guitar and eventually discovered Bluegrass and Old Time music around the age of 14. He was most fascinated by the banjo and guitar playing of Don Reno and credits him along with Earl Scruggs and Ralph Stanley as his top three major influences. He learned to play by listening to the recordings of first generation Bluegrass bands which included Don Reno & Red Smiley, Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs and The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers. Brennen currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.