Steve Dilling was born August 5, 1965, at Ramey Air Force Base, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, while his father was stationed there. About a month later, the family returned home to North Carolina, fertile grounds to bluegrass banjo players. Steve fell in love with the banjo at the age of 10, after hearing a recording of Earl Scruggs playing the Foggy Mountain Breakdown. He finally got his first banjo on his 12th birthday, and he hasn’t been quite the same since. After a few years of playing, he became friends with two other musicians in North Carolina by the name of Greg Luck and Wayne Benson, and the three jammed around together for several years at local festivals and bluegrass shows. In March of 1985, Steve joined regional favorites, The Bass Mountain Boys, and stayed there until a job with The Lonesome River Band opened in 1992. Then, in July of 1993, Steve, also known as ‘Big Man’, brought his banjo playing skills and emcee talents to IIIrd Tyme Out, being regarded as one of the best in the business. His musical influences are varied, and include well known artists Flatt & Scruggs, J. D. Crowe, Terry Baucom and Tony Rice. When off of the road, Steve enjoys spending time at home with his family and watching sports. Steve and his wife, Macie, were married on December 14, 1985, and have two children, Stephanie, and Matt.