The Steel Wheels were last in town to help The Ark celebrate its 50th anniversary, and their mix of timeless and contemporary embodies a good deal of what we've been about for the past half-century. The Steel Wheels have captured audiences across the country with their heady brew of original soulful mountain music. Based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, this dynamic band marries old-time musical traditions with their own innovative sound. Trent Wagler’s weathered tenor is joined by bell-clear four-part harmonies inspired by a shared Mennonite heritage. Add to this Eric Brubaker’s lively and evocative fiddle, Brian Dickel’s grounded yet buoyant upright bass, and Jay Lapp’s signature mandolin style, and it’s no surprise that The Steel Wheels have conquered the Americana scene, becoming festival favorites and selling out venues across the country. "Americana music at its very best!" said Larry Groce of "Mountain Stage." The values portrayed in the band's music—devotion to roots, community, and family—are a way of life for The Steel Wheels, and this is reflected in everything from production process and booking agency to merchandise and touring.