Laughter, Harmony, and Appalachian Storytelling: The Brothers Rathbone Come to Beattyville

The Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival is all about preserving the sounds, stories, and spirit of Appalachia—and few performers embody that mission quite like The Brothers Rathbone.

This year’s festival is proud to welcome the wildly entertaining brothers for one show each day of the festival, bringing audiences a blend of music, humor, and storytelling that feels both timeless and deeply familiar. Their performances mix Appalachian-inspired sound with sharp wit and old-school vaudeville-style comedy, creating shows that are as heartfelt as they are hilarious.

A Family Rooted in Music

The Brothers Rathbone story begins long before festival stages and applause. Ben Rathbone was born February 9, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, into a musical family where singing was simply part of daily life. Alongside his mother, Joyce Rathbone, and his brothers Mike and Alan, Ben began singing at a very young age as part of a gospel group. That early experience sparked a lifelong love of music.

Ben first learned to play bass because it was what he could access at the time, but soon picked up the guitar—and never looked back. As teenagers and young adults, Ben and Mike played anywhere they were welcome, from flea markets to informal gigs, sometimes helping vendors sell socks or draw a crowd. Music was always present at family gatherings, where singing and harmony were just as natural as conversation.

After high school, Ben enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving four years across the country, including time in Washington State. He was later recalled to serve during Desert Storm, proudly answering the call once again. Even while serving, music followed him, and he continued to play with bands wherever he was stationed. In 2000, Ben returned home and reunited musically with Mike. Though life has taken them on different paths at times, Ben will tell you there’s nothing he’d rather do than sing with his brother. Today, he’s a devoted father of seven and grandfather of eight, raising two young sons at home who keep him “hoppin” every day.

Harmony That Only Brothers Can Have

Mike Rathbone was born December 19, 1969, in Asheville, North Carolina. Like Ben, he began singing at an early age, growing up surrounded by harmony and music. After a brief stint on bass, Mike learned to play guitar and later discovered a deep love for the mandolin.

At age 34, Mike received a mandolin made by Norman Wilson and his father—one of the most meaningful moments of his musical life. Norman Wilson was one of Mike’s musical heroes growing up, and the instrument, though imperfect, was played until the neck finally twisted beyond repair. That mandolin remains a symbol of Mike’s devotion to music and the people who shaped him.

Mike and his wife Michele live in Canton, North Carolina. He’s a proud father of four and grandfather of two. Over the years, Mike and Ben have played together on and off, building a lifetime of shared experiences and stories. What Mike loves most about The Brothers Rathbone is the family harmony—the kind that only comes from growing up singing together. He jokes that sometimes he doesn’t even notice Ben’s “weird-shaped head,” but that’s big brothers for you.

Mike is especially proud that Ben and their brother Alan both served their country, following in their father’s footsteps. That pride, love, and shared history are woven into every performance they give.

A Perfect Fit for Appalachian Memories Festival

The Brothers Rathbone’s style is complementary to classic Appalachian comedy-music acts like the Moron Brothers, blending humor and music in a way that feels right at home in the mountains. Their shows invite audiences to laugh, listen, and remember—exactly what the Appalachian Memories Festival is all about.

Whether you come for the music, the stories, or the laughter, their performances promise to be a highlight of the festival.

One show each day. Don’t miss it.
Come for the stories. Stay for the laughs.

Follow the festival website and Facebook for more information.