Bios

John Tibert – Mandolin/Vocals

John has been writing and performing music on the guitar and mandolin for over 30 years. He developed an interest in acoustic music as a preteen when he got his first album, recorded by Jim Croce. At age 14, he taught himself how to play his brother’s guitar. His first performance in front of an audience was at an open mic in the early 1990s at the famed Old Vienna Kaffeehaus in Westborough, MA where he was inspired by the other musicians who performed there, including Southern Rail. In 2011, John became Southern Rail’s mandolin player, and continues to perform regularly with them in addition to playing with Local Freight.

Richard Piccarreto – Guitar/Vocals

Rich got started in music as a youngster, playing string bass and viola with his school band in Rochester, NY. He discovered acoustic music and picked up the guitar in the 80’s, and has since brought his talents to numerous groups, including Neil Young tribute band Southern Pacific, Amy Black, and Mountain Deux. He currently sings and plays guitar with Railroad House Band in addition to playing with Local Freight.

Lynne Fountain – Bass/Vocals

Lynne began her music experience as a classical flutist, studying from an early age through college where she completed a minor degree in music performance. After graduation, she played the Boston, MA original music circuit for a few years with Celtic rock band Black Letter, studying voice with Mark Baxter during that time. Along the way she also picked up guitar and became interested in acoustic music, eventually discovering bluegrass and playing upright bass with Mountain Deux before joining Local Freight.

Gretchen Bowder – Banjo/Vocals

A respected veteran of the five-string banjo, Gretchen brings her love and appreciation for a variety of classic and lesser-known material, ranging from Appalachian melodies to favorites of the great American songbook. Gretchen currently shares her banjo talents with the Bagboys and the Hazel Project in addition to playing with Local Freight.