About Tripping Billy Goats
What We Bring
High-energy grooves. Rich arrangements. Packed houses. Feel-good vibes.
Tripping Billy Goats are a Charleston, South Carolina–based tribute to the Dave Matthews Band delivering audience grabbing performances that capture the spirit and celebration of the band’s legendary live shows. Featuring violin, saxophone and baritone sax, Tripping Billy Goats recreate the full, layered sound that defines the Dave Matthews Band experience. Known for tight musicianship, expressive soloing, and dynamic builds, the band brings each song to life while keeping audiences dancing, singing along, and fully engaged. Led by Taylor Blanpied on vocals and guitar, the group balances technical excellence with an upbeat, crowd-friendly energy that translates to memorable nights.
Our Story
A group of talented musicians who love playing the music of Dave Matthews.
We're a new band. We met at jam sessions and found we had a love of Dave Matthews music. After getting together for an open mic we were so well received that the audience suggested we start a band. And here we are. A core of happy musicians who often get to have local greats like Rob Lowe from Hibachi Heroes play along with us. Looking forward to playing for our fans and having a blast in the process!
The Tripping Billy Goats
Taylor - Guitar & Vocals
Taylor Blanpied is a Charleston-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist and the founder of The Tripping Billy Goats. Originally from Texas, Taylor blends soulful vocals, rhythmic acoustic guitar, and a love for improvisational live music inspired by Dave Matthews. Taylor also enjoys backpacking, traveling, facilitating meditation and breath work experiences, and spending time with his wife Kristi and their four cats.
Meredith - Violin & Vocals
Mary Death (Meredith Keough) is a violinist, vocalist, songwriter, and visual artist from Houston, Texas. She began playing violin at the age of four and studied classical violin throughout her younger years while dabbling in other genres in her free time. She now plays primarily folk, country, and alternative rock music, and her love of goth, punk, and new wave music inspires her
Individually, Mary Death designs alternative and punk clothing to wear for performances, and is deeply passionate about sustainability in fashion.
Harry - On the Bari
Harry Holden is a saxophonist in the Charleston area originally from Paradise California, He began as a jazz musician, but recently has been playing many different styles from blue grass to pop. He is well known for his robust and soulful sounding bari sax playing and his love for the art form of improvisation.
Ethan - Keyboards & Vocals
Ethan Lopez is a Charleston-based keyboardist and music producer. He received piano lessons from ages 6-10, eventually picking up guitar and bass.
After graduating from Clemson University, Ethan gained experience playing blues, southern rock, psychedelic rock, and 50s/60s/70s pop with a variety of bands in both the lowcountry and the upstate. In the Tripping Billy Goats, he uses record-accurate keyboard and orchestral arrangements to add texture to each performance while also singing background vocals. Ethan enjoys tinkering with vintage synthesizers, tutoring organic chemistry, birding and playing chess.
Bryan - Lead Guitar
Bryan Minton is a Charleston-based musician, producer, coach, and founding member of Tripping Billy Goats. Blending a passion for performance with a deep appreciation for live improvisation, he helps bring the energy and spirit of the Dave Matthews Band to every stage. Offstage, Bryan is equally dedicated to developing athletes and building community through sport and music alike.
Rob - Drums & Percussion
Rob Silverman is a Charleston-based drummer, producer, and technologist who anchors the rhythmic foundation of Tripping Billy Goats. With a deep appreciation for the dynamic, groove-driven style of Carter Beauford, Rob brings precision, feel, and musicality to every performance.
Beyond the stage, Rob is heavily involved in the production side of the band, working with live multitrack recordings, mixing, lighting, and video production to help capture and share the full live experience. His background in technology and design also plays a key role in shaping the band’s visual and creative presence. When he’s not behind the kit, Rob enjoys cycling, teaching chess, and exploring the intersection of music and technology.
KC - Bass
KC (a.k.a. Kevin Clark) started playing guitar at the age of 6. After playing in bands throughout high school and college, he moved to Boston and attended the Berklee College of Music with jazz composition being his focus. He then moved to NYC and worked as a session musician playing guitar and bass. KC now devotes himself to the bass exclusively playing 5 string electric, acoustic and double basses. His music journey has allowed him to experience many different genres of songs adding to his broad and deep song portfolio.
KC also is a well-known guitar, bass and stringed instrument luthier. You can find out more at: www.kccraftman.com
Charlie - Sound & Lights
Charlie is the band lead for production design of live sound and lighting. He has worked in music and design throughout his career, as a live sound engineer, lighting designer, multimedia show producer and user experience designer. Charlie is also a songwriter and guitarist with an album on Spotify.