The Eddie Ray Band from Dripping Springs TexAs

 Phil Montfort has been playing guitar since he was 12 years old and began performing and teaching music at 17. After spending 12 years performing and recording in Los Angeles, he moved to Austin with his family in 2012 and became the Eddie Ray Band's bandleader in 2017.

Phil's favorite part of leading the band is helping members write original songs that capture their unique thoughts and experiences. "There's nothing like making music with 15 joyful band members," he says. "Every rehearsal and performance reminds me of the incredible community we've built together through music."

 Brandon Rummel is a founding member of the Eddie Ray Band whose lifelong love of music—especially The Beatles—helped him find his voice. Despite significant health and communication challenges, Brandon has never let obstacles stand in the way of his dreams.

"It has always been my dream to have my own band, and now I do. I look forward to playing with my band every week."

Brandon's passion for music inspires everyone around him and is at the heart of the Eddie Ray Band's story.

 Nathan, affectionately known as "Nate Dog," is a proud Texas Hill Country native and a founding member of the Eddie Ray Band. Known for his big heart, love of BBQ, Mexican food, and helping others, Nathan treasures his family, friends, and band above all else.

He is also an active Special Olympics athlete and advocate who enjoys sharing his experiences through public speaking. His favorite Eddie Ray Band original is "Eddie from Waco," the song that inspired the band's name and celebrates the joy of true friendship.

Will Ross is a proud Texan who loves music, family, friends, and life in Dripping Springs. A talented songwriter and dedicated member of the Eddie Ray Band, Will helped write the band's original song "Eddie from Waco," a celebration of friendship and making memories.

Known for never forgetting a birthday, Will enjoys bowling, spending time with friends, and the tradition of sharing Mexican food with the band after rehearsals. "The band has given me a purpose, and I'm proud to be a part of it," he says.

Steve is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and longtime member of the Eddie Ray Band. A retired real estate developer, he enjoys playing guitar, mandolin, and clarinet and has been making music since the rock-and-roll era of the 1960s.

Steve wrote two original songs for the band's album, "Get Out Front" and "Passing Through Time," inspired by living life fully and embracing every moment. "Playing with the Eddie Ray Band brings me great joy," he says. "I love this band and its mission."

Danny, affectionately known as "Dr. Dan," is a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist with the Eddie Ray Band. A former physician, Danny survived a traumatic brain injury in 2010 and, despite ongoing short-term memory challenges, rediscovered his passion for music, songwriting, and creativity.

Danny has written original songs including "Super Grace" and "The Road Less Traveled." He believes that "A brain injury means different things for different people. It does not mean the end of everything." Today, he performs regularly with the band and continues to inspire others through his music and resilience.

Brandon Neffendorf, affectionately known as "Big B," is a lifelong Dripping Springs resident who joined the Eddie Ray Band in 2020. Born with cerebral palsy, Brandon has loved singing since childhood and enjoys performing with his friends every week.

A devoted sports fan, Brandon especially loves NASCAR, the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, and the Houston Astros. His favorite Eddie Ray Band original is "Family Circle," because, as he says, "I get to sing with all my friends in the band."

Sam was born in San Francisco, California, and now lives in Wimberley, Texas. He loves sports, especially swimming, basketball, flag football, powerlifting, and track, but music is his greatest passion.

Sam takes private guitar and vocal lessons with Phil and enjoys performing with the Eddie Ray Band. His favorite original song is "Country Fried Funk," and he says recording the band's album made him feel like "a real band member." Most of all, Sam treasures the friendships he's found through music.

Tom and his son, Jason Cribbs, share a love of music, family, and serving their community. After retiring and moving to the Texas Hill Country, Tom picked up the guitar and discovered a new passion for making music with the Eddie Ray Band while volunteering throughout the community.

Jason, a Memphis native, found his musical voice through the Eddie Ray Band. Whether playing tambourine, singing, or dancing, his joy is contagious. Together, Tom and Jason embody the band's spirit of friendship, inclusion, and family. Their favorite original song, "Family Circle," celebrates the idea that we are all connected as one family.

 Max Welsch is an Austin native who has called Central Texas home his entire life. He enjoys basketball, swimming, bowling, and trying new restaurants with friends and family.

Max is known for his positive attitude and warm smile. As he likes to say, "Some people don't know it, but I'm always happy." His joyful spirit and enthusiasm make him a cherished member of the Eddie Ray Band.

 Jon Eckholm and his stepfather, Paul Hunt, share a deep love of music and the friendships they've found through the Eddie Ray Band. Born at just 23 weeks, Jon survived incredible odds and, although he is blind, has an extraordinary ear for music with perfect pitch and an amazing memory for hundreds of songs. He especially loves country music and singing with his bandmates.

After a 35-year career in advertising and marketing, Paul joined the band alongside Jon and quickly discovered a musical family of his own. A lifelong singer and writer, Paul says, "The Eddie Ray Band is a warm embrace—I always leave with a little glow."

Together, Jon and Paul exemplify the joy, inclusion, and lasting friendships that make the Eddie Ray Band so special.

Zach is the Eddie Ray Band's keyboardist and vocalist. A DeafBlind+ musician raised in Texas, he has loved music since childhood and feels most at home behind the piano or on stage.

A gifted performer and aspiring songwriter, Zach is passionate about showing others that people with disabilities can accomplish incredible things. "We have value, and we're worth befriending," he says. His favorite part of the band is simple: "I want friends, and I want to be in a band."