Our Story

Bosco & Whiteford, hailing from Carbondale, IL, have been a staple to the Southern IL music scene since their formation in 2007. The band, consisting of Kristen (Bosco) Whiteford on Upright Bass and Vocals, Tim Whiteford on Guitar, Vocals, and Kazoo, and Tobias Merriman on Fiddle and Mandolin, performs mostly original music and are inspired by Country, Americana, Ragtime, and Reggae. "Their vocals feed off each other in a manner reminiscent of the late Johnny Cash and June Carter", said the Daily Egyptian in their 2014 article highlighting the band.

Kristen and Tim met at an open mic at local Carbondale watering hole, Hangar 9, in late 2006. The couple was inspired by each other immediately, and began to write and play under the name Bosco & Whiteford. After being contacted by CMT to be featured on the American ­Idol style duet competition, Can You Duet, Bosco & Whiteford made it to the top twelve out of thousands of duets, and returned home to Carbondale with Nashville inspiration! The band released their first EP with the Nashville ­style backing band, The New Stampede, in 2008.

Kristen Bosco became Kristen Whiteford in May 2009 when her and Tim tied the knot; they have two amazing kids, but that hasn't slowed down this duo! Kristen took up the upright bass in 2009 and the band added a fiddle and mandolin player (Tobias Merriman) to round out the Americana acoustic sound the band still sports today.They released their album, Inside the Bottle, June 25, 2015. 

Be sure to support the band by purchasing Bosco & Whiteford's EP or full length album (Download Only), Inside the Bottle. Or join us at a Show and pick up a sticker, T-­Shirt, and Coozie while your at it! Like and follow them on Facebook for updates on upcoming shows, and don't hesitate to contact the band for booking, merch, or just to chat.