Arkamo Rangers

The Arkamo Rangers were a Springfield, Missouri bluegrass band with simple and traditional sound yet rebellious and questioning lyrics celebrating modern life with traditional ways. Their name combines the namesakes of the states of Arkansas and Missouri, both of which share the Ozark Mountains, a region the Rangers considered "theirs" and named "The Arkamo." The Arkamo Rangers formed in 2002 and produced two albums: self-titled Arkamo Rangers (2004) and more recently, A New Timey Thrill (May Apple Records, 2006). They disbanded in 2008. Members Mark Cassidy, Jim Rea, Gary Rea, and Chad Graves formed The Hillbenders with Nolan Lawrence on mandolin and vocals when the Rangers disbanded in 2008. The Hillbenders won the 2009 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition.