Runaway Planet
Runaway Planet Runaway Planet was formed in April 2001 in Little Rock, Arkansas. In less than two years and over 100 live performances, Runaway Planet has accomplished what many bands only dream of achieving in a lifetime. Expanding upon traditional bluegrass arrangements, the acoustic quartet consists of Greg Alexander on guitar and vocals, Steve Brauer on 5-string banjo and vocals, Ben Ellis on mandolin and Michael Proveaux on upright bass and vocals. The band was formed out of a long-time friendship between members and a mutual love of acoustic music. Since its formation, Runaway Planet has opened for many well-known national touring acts including: Sam Bush, The Del McCoury Band, Charlie Robison, The Derek Trucks Band and Acoustic Syndicate. The band has played at several festivals including the 25th annual Riverfest Music and Arts Festival and the Eureka Springs Folk Festival. The band has also been chosen to be included in the Arkansas Arts on Tour 2003 roster. In February of 2002, ten months after the formation of the band, Runaway Planet was named winner of the 2002 Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase, an annual contest sponsored by the Arkansas Times weekly newspaper in which over forty bands participated in an all-original music competition. In April 2002 the band won second place in the Arkansas Acoustic Festival Competition. Known for their musicianship and entertaining live shows, Runaway Planet has already established quite a name for themselves. Their unique show harkens back to the old days of bluegrass when music was played around a single microphone. Playing traditional bluegrass favorites and their own foot-stompin' originals, Runaway Planet is keeping one foot in the past and an eye on the future. Their own style of progressive bluegrass, sometimes referred to as "newgrass", has gained quite a bit of attention from both staunch traditionalists and newcomers alike. Runaway Planet has succeeded in becoming a regional favorite and promises even more great music in the future