Bluegrass band, the Grascals, have hired Aaron McDaris as their new banjo player. David Talbot, a founding member, left the band last week to work full time with Dolly Parton. McDaris has most recently been playing with Larry Stephenson. The Grascals were named Entertainer of the Year at the IBMA awards this year. ... In related news, Mountain Heart's Steve Gulley, Wildfire's Phil Leadbetter and BlueRidge's Alan Bibey have left their bands to form a new ensemble, Grasstowne. Jason Davis has been hired to play banjo in the new group. He has played with the Kenny and Amanda Smith Band and Michelle Nixon & Drive.