The Amanda Cook Band

Carolyne Van Lierop - Boone now calls Erwin, TN her home.  Originally from Blountstown, Florida she began her love for bluegrass at a young age after watching the Lewis Family show. Soon after that show at the annual Florida Sheriff’s Ranch show, Carolyne began learning the 5 string banjo. In 2002, Carolyne joined her grandfather’s family band the Sheriff’s Posse and then some years later Carolyne and her cousins formed the band The Rivertown Girls. The Rivertown Girls played many festivals in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama and produced 3 albums within the six years they were together. Following the Rivertown Girls, Carolyne played with Big Bend and Big River Bluegrass band. Carolyne is also a founding member of Amanda's Band joining up with Amanda in late 2013.

Joshua Faul from Gulfport, MS is a late bloomer to music in general. He received his first electric bass at age 17, and within a year was playing for local church services. He has played with many local groups playing various genres of music. Joshua’s first taste of bluegrass came even later. It was finally in 2010 when he discovered his love for bluegrass when he filled in with Delta Reign at a festival in Pascagoula, MS. He was hooked, and soon bought an upright bass. For the next five years Joshua performed with Delta Reign and recorded three albums with them. He joined The Amanda Cook Band in the summer of 2017. 

Chevy Watson, making his home in Sevierville, is one of the newest additions on guitar with The Amanda Cook Band, bringing a fresh energy and tasteful precision to the group’s sound. Known for his solid rhythm work and expressive leads, Watson blends traditional bluegrass roots with a modern edge. His musicianship and natural feel on stage make him a strong complement to the band’s dynamic lineup as they continue to evolve and connect with audiences on the road.

George Mason, an Arkansas native, began his music career at a very young age.  Taking fiddle lessons from Wayne Gourd at age 8, he began playing gigs by 9. George took his first full time gig at 14 playing at Dogpatch USA theme park. At 16, he began touring with Tommy Overstreet and the Nashville Express. Between the ages of 19 and 24 George played fiddle for the following Grand Ole Opry Stars: Jean Sheppard, Jeanie Sealie, Freddy Hart, Johnny Duncan, Jack Green Del Reeves, Melba Montgomery, Stonewall Jackson, Cal Smith, Tommy Cash, Charlie Louvin, just to name a few. At 25, George took on the role of Stage/Musical Director for the Osmond Brothers.  At this time, he also toured with Patti Page as lead violinist and with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra on both violin and guitar. Needless to say, George has years of experience and brings a long list of talents to The Amanda Cook Band. George joined Amanda in July of 2016 and is a wonderful addition to the group 

Ethan Church, a soon-to-be graduate of the renowned East Tennessee State University Bluegrass Program, is one of the newest members of The Amanda Cook Band, bringing his talents to the stage on mandolin. Making his home in Newland, Church represents the next generation of bluegrass musicians, grounded in tradition while embracing a fresh, forward-thinking approach.

With a strong foundation shaped by his time at ETSU, Ethan’s playing is marked by precision, creativity, and a deep respect for the roots of the genre. His dynamic style and musical instincts add depth and drive to the band’s sound, making him an exciting addition to the lineup as they continue connecting with audiences on the road.