BIO

 

What happens when two small-town musicians with a guitar, a banjo, and a whole lot of heart hit the streets of Floyd, Virginia? If you’re Chris Link and Shane Edgell, you turn a handful of curious listeners into lifelong fans, sparking the rise of one of Americana music’s most authentic bands: The Deer Run Drifters.

 

From their humble beginnings busking on street corners in 2011 to the makeshift stage of the first-ever Talford Rodeo in 2012, the band quickly became a regional sensation. With Chris and Shane joined by Joe Link on mandolin, Sean Edgell on guitar and harmonica, and Will Norton holding down the bass, The Deer Run Drifters carved out their place in the Americana scene.

 

By 2015, the band had logged over 200 shows along the East Coast, a US tour through the west, played every dive bar the midwest had to offer, and released two albums that captured the raw, honest spirit of their music. Their debut, Appalachian Blues, earned acclaim for its tales of heartbreak and hardship, wrapped in weathered lyrics and haunting instrumentals. Their follow-up, Restless Youth, added electric energy and a touch of rock, showcasing a band unafraid to evolve.

 

But the road takes its toll. After completing their 2015 U.S. tour, the Drifters disbanded, stepping away to focus on family, heal from the demands of the music industry, and let time work its magic.

 

Now, more than a decade later, The Deer Run Drifters are back. With a new lineup, a renewed sense of purpose, and fresh songs that embrace their traditional roots, the band is ready to rekindle their connection with fans. Adding Roanoke native Geoff White on old-time fiddle, and rowdy Floydian Josh Penn on percussion, they’re doubling down on the grit and authenticity that made them a standout name in Americana music.

 

The band’s comeback isn’t just a fleeting reunion—it’s a full-fledged revival. They’re kicking off 2025 with a string of shows, leading into festival season, and—rumor has it—working on new music. Fans can expect the same soul-stirring lyrics, dynamic instrumentals, and storytelling charm, now infused with the wisdom and growth of a decade away from the spotlight.

 

The Deer Run Drifters are ready to reclaim their place in the Americana music scene, proving that some fires never burn out—they just need time to smolder before roaring back to life.

Follow the band on social media (@TheDeerRunDrifters) and prepare for a year of unforgettable performances. This is one comeback story you won’t want to miss.