Homestead is a spirited four-piece bluegrass band hailing from the picturesque salty beaches of Delmarva. With a shared passion for traditional bluegrass music and a knack for infusing their sound with modern flair, Homestead delivers an authentic, foot-stomping musical experience that captivates audiences of all ages.
Lead by the soulful vocals and nimble fingers of Guitarist Shawn Rineholt, Homestead weaves intricate harmonies and blazing instrumentals that pay homage to the rich roots of bluegrass while showcasing their own unique musical identity. David Toomey on the banjo infuses the band's sound with infectious energy, while Earl Karlsen on the mandolin adds a touch of intricate melodies that dance through each song. Rounding out the ensemble is World Champion Punkin’ Chunker and BA bass player Dawn Thompson on the upright bass, providing a solid rhythmic foundation that anchors the band's dynamic performances.
From lively barn dances to intimate acoustic sets, Homestead's music transports listeners to a simpler time while celebrating the enduring spirit of bluegrass music. With a growing fanbase and a reputation for high-energy live shows, Homestead is carving out their own space in the bluegrass scene, one heartfelt tune at a time.
Shawn rineholt
Guitar - Lead and BGV
Singer Songwriter and lover of Bluegrass Music a founding member of Homestead Bluegrass
dawn thompson
Bass - Lead and BGV
Stand-up Bass and Vocals; I Started playing music at age 11 with the Guitar so I could play for church on Sunday mornings. A couple of years later my daddy asked if I thought I could play Bass in his country band. That's when I started playing bass professionally. I wanted to be a professional musician at the time. I also played trumpet In Junior High and High School Band, Where I was instrumental in starting a High School Jazz Band. We went to other schools and preformed concerts, I was playing bass regularly at that time. In 1988
I met my husband Bill "Broadog Thompson who was the inventor of World Championship Punkin Chunkin competition, which started in my backyard in Georgetown DE, for the first three years. Then we moved it to Hudson Fields off of Hwy. 1. For over 30 years I have been involved in the event. While performing the Punkin Chunkin anthem every year since 1989 I have been Around the World performing the anthem. In 2010 I became the 1st Female World Champion Punkin Chunker! Everyone asked "What does it take to be a World Champion Punkin Chunker?.... so I wrote a song about it called"The Secrets to Punkin Chunkin!" In 2001 when my late husband and I had a Bluegrass festival in our back yard, Where The James King Band and Danny Paisley performed. I wasn't exposed to the stand up Bass until then. That's when I met "Stan the bass man!" He asked me if I wanted try the Stand Up Bass I said
" Heck Yeah!" That's when I fell in love with the Stand Up Bass! After playing in many bands over the years, In 2019 I finally found a good Home with the Homestead Bluegrass Band!!!
"It's all about the Bass! "
Dawn Thompson/ World Champion Punkin Chunker and "Bad Ass Bass Player!"
david toomey
banjo - Lead and BGV
Passionate Banjo and Solid chops David adds all that twang to Homestead and Just Rips on that thang.
Earl Karlsen
Mandolin - Lead and BGV
Earl brings that classic Mando chop and isn't afraid to really bang out those fast songs!