A couple months ago the Butler Creek Boys performed at my church’s evening service. I immediately purchased their CD and when it wasn’t playing in my car, it was stuck in my head. As I listened to their toe-tapping album and watched their Youtube clips, I became curious about their history and backgrounds. Since I host a podcast that covers the sights and sounds of Northwest Arkansas, I thought they would be a perfect interview for the Dixiecast. I reached out to Austin Butler (who plays the banjo and sings baritone), and he agreed to the interview. Graciously, he invited me to their historic Butler Creek Cattle Ranch to meet brothers Dustin (the lead vocalist) and Dillon (who sings bass and plays the upright bass). They agreed to let me film their concert at Siloam Springs Dogwood Festival, and stick around to interview afterward. Generous, right? So who are The Butler Creek Boys?

The Butler Creek Boys are from Siloam Springs, Arkansas, most commonly known as the home of John Brown University and DaySpring Cards. Their musical genre is Bluegrass/Gospel. The band is comprised of the three brothers: Dustin Butler, Austin Butler, and Dillon Butler; and three friends: Nick Braschler, Tanner Andrews and Nathanael Stone. The Butler Creek Boys have become quite popular for their tight harmonies, humor, energetic performances, and steadfast love for The Lord.

The Butler brothers are the 8th generation of Butlers to live and farm on Butler Creek which is located just east of Siloam Springs. When I visited the Butler Creek farm and their parents' home, I was welcomed by the brothers’ kind and hospitable mother, a handful of relatives, and a gaggle of grandkids. A large piano and Dustin’s upright bass sat prominently in the room lined with family pictures. I was told that their love for music started at an early age with many nights around the piano singing hymns with friends and family. Their extended families are visibly supportive of their performances as evidenced by the sheer number present at my little country church when I first heard them perform. The back several rows were taken up by a t-shirt clad group of children, spouses, family and fans all sporting their branded t-shirt. For me the highlight that night was the kids of the band members coming onstage to sing their hearts out to “This Little Light of Mine.” And this family-friendly performance is quite common. The Butler Creek Boys perform approximately 30 times a year, mostly in NW Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

When the Butler brothers formed a close friendship with Nick Braschler, they started singing together in church settings. Nick Braschler is no stranger to musical talent as his family is known for "The Braschler Music Show" a long running show on the Branson Strip. Nick is a tenor and plays the mandolin.

In 2018 Dustin Butler took over the majority of the lead vocals and Tanner Andrews joined to play rhythm guitar and provide additional vocals. Soon after, the fans demands for a CD led the Butler Creek Boys to Nathanael Stone at StoneRidge Recording Studio in Siloam Springs. Classically trained, Nathanael is a three time nominee of the ACMA’s Country Music Producer of the Year and has also played at Carnegie Hall. After they heard him play the fiddle, they asked him to join the band in 2021.

I never considered myself a bluegrass fan but I am now. I think it has a lot to do with how the music makes me feel. These last few years of lockdowns had an unsettling effect on me and many people I know and love. All the masks, fear and social distancing kind of took the fun out of living. To some extent I’ve forgetten the joy that quality live music brings. It's hard to listen to The Butler Creek Boys and not have your mood lifted. All music can be mood enhancing but those banjos, fiddle, mandolins, and harmonies srike me as especially joyful.

The interview made me realize these guys love each other and what they do. Many of them work as cattlefarmers or as Nick Braschler joked, “chicken herders”. They have a relaxed stage presence devoid of nervousness, and when it’s time for the instruments to be tuned between sets, Dillon Butler fills the time with amusing banter and playful ribbing.

If you follow their page thebutlercreekboys.com you'll find their touring schedule and opportunities to puchase their CDs and other merchandise.

thebutlercreekboys.com

Dogwood Festival Concert https://youtu.be/EaOa_0ONdV4

Interview with Concert Clips: https://youtu.be/oZ5BtzRpffA