Blue Rail was formed in May 2024 as a blues-centered project by Brad Oviatt and Joe Levy, after playing a couple of explosive public jams together. We are an eclectic group of musicians spanning many musical genres. Songwriter/guitarist Joe Levy, songwriter/fiddler Brad Oviatt, bassist Steve Herbst and drummer Greg Stadler bring a dynamic mix of musical backgrounds and skills together. Joe and Brad both offer their own exceptional original songwriting abilities to the group, with heavy blues leanings. Steve's and Greg's strong musical talents add much to the mix, and together they form the rhythm backbone of the group. Blue Rail is based in the Mount Vernon, Ohio area and is available for public or private events. Send us a message for more information or to get scheduled.

Guitarist Joe Levy first performed publicly on his third birthday at Pipe Organ Pizza when he asked the organist if he could sing "Elvira". Since the performer didn't know the tune, it was sung without accompaniment to a crowd of about 200 people. Many years later, he's been in a number of stage productions, performed with a show choir and has performed live music in bands and as a solo artist. Joe brings years of live performance and songwriting experience and an intense commitment to the live musical experience. He recently ended a twenty-five-year career in IT to immerse himself in music.

Fiddler Brad Oviatt is a classically trained musician who began very early in his youth. He is a multiple-state fiddle champion. Originally from Ohio, Brad won the Pennsylvania State Old-Time and Great Lakes Regional Bluegrass Championship and the West Virginia State Bluegrass Fiddle Championship twice. He has recorded and performed internationally, in all the Canadian provinces and in 48 states with Flatland Grass, Patent Pending, South Central Bluegrass, Beaver Creek, Maple Creek, and WheelHoss. His talent and love of all types of music put him in the studio, and on many stages with his own bands as well as many Bluegrass, Blues and Country greats. His true passion remains teaching fiddle, violin and vocal harmony. Brad is currently retired and freelances with a number of bands and musicians in all genres including musical theatre. His musical passion is second to none.

Bassist Steve Herbst was born and raised in Bexley, Ohio and then moved to Mt. Vernon. He is happily married with four very musically talented children. Steve played bass throughout his school years and sang in the University Choir. His musical talents include bass guitar, a love of singing and playing guitar. In his spare time Steve is an avid cyclist and enjoys riding and racing in various cycling events. After his move to Mt. Vernon, Steve became actively involved in musical theatre with an extensive list of regional credits to his name that continues today. His love of music and performance makes him a welcome member of the band.

Drummer Greg Stadler was born in Aurora, Colorado and began playing drums at fifteen in Leeds, England. Greg married his high school sweetheart, Micki, and they have two adult children. He played with the band Fivestone for seven years, which morphed into Unlikely Hero. With bassist Kurt Kershner he formed the progressive rock band Whitestone. The Christian band Abia followed, then came the metal band Elyon's Water. Greg played for the Fredericktown production of The Adams Family. He has played in various church settings his entire drumming career and currently plays for the Ignite services at the Cornerstone Community Church in Fredericktown.