Heather Norton - Vocals / Guitar / Uke / Percussion

Heather is from Whitehall, MI and started playing piano there at age 9.  She sang in choirs throughout high school and college where she majored in music theory.  She moved to Charleston by way of Florida in 2004 and has played in local bands ever since beginning with Henry's Attic in 2005 and Forty Mile Detour in 2019.  She now sings and plays the accordion (squeeze box), ukulele, washboard, tambourine and egg shaker.  Heather's biggest musical influences are Tara Nevins of Donna the Buffalo and the Grateful Dead.

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Mike Sparks - Lead Guitar / Vocals

For many years Mike Sparks has played lead guitar in a multitude of bands; rock, blues, souls, country.  He lived in the Washington, DC area for 20 years before relocating to Charleston.  Prior to Washington, DC he lived in many places in the US and overseas playing guitar in any bar, restaurant or concert venue that supported live music.  He did the same in DC and Charleston.

Mike has been the lead guitarist for Forty Mile Detour since 2018.

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John Auwaeter - Bass

John Auwaerter has been playing guitar and bass in Charleston since moving to the Lowcountry in 1995.  His style ranges from rock to blues to Americana.  He has been a member of Forty Mile Detour since 2018.

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Bobby Napier - Fiddle / Mandolin

Born February 3, 1956 St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur Illinois. Moved to Texas at five years old

Started playing violin at 10 years old went to college at the University of Texas on a violin scholarship but quit and became a jazz guitar major.  Started playing with Tommy Overstreet in 1979 moved to Nashville and started traveling the world in a five piece band.  Joined Tammy Wynette‘s band in 1989 -91 featured Fiddler at the Carolina Opry from 1991 till 1996

At the Alabama theater for 16 years until 2012....and now, at last 40 Mile Detour

 

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Brian Kennedy - Drums 

Versatile groove drummer from the Upstate of South Carolina with 40 plus years experience. Just recently relocated to the Charleston area. Some of the groups he has played with:

The Piedmont Boys, Little Lesley and the Bloodshots, Okaysions, The Mighty Kicks, Skwzbxx, Almost Steve, Brent Lundy, Quenby and the West of Wayland Band. 

Brian is thrilled to be joining Forty Mile Detour and settling into the rhythm section holding down the groove with John, and is looking forward to meeting all of the amazing “40 Milers” who come out to support us!

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Mark Yampolsky  - Guitar / Vocals / Banjo

Mark has been playing guitar since the age of 10 years old.  Played in multiple bands throughout high school and college at University of Maryland.  Mark began songwriting and formed Forty Mile Detour in 2010.  Musical influences include Steve Earle, Darrell Scott and Buddy Miller.  Looking forward to recording some brand new Forty Mile Detour material soon.

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