Founded in early 2008, Copper West was the brainchild of Russell Todd Bourton, step-father of N\'SYNC and Gone Country 2 star Chris Kirkpatrick. The band was built to assist the efforts of Jason Eustice, a budding singer/songwriter originally from Clarion, Pennsylvania who resides and performs in Louisville and Nashville. An additional female lead, Kristen Sellers, daughter of A&E star psychic C.J.Sellers and former voice student of Chris Kirkpatick\'s mother, Bev, was added to create a balanced, modern country sound and allow for greater song creativity. 　　 　　Copper West\'s ensemble includes: Mario Ticlea of Transylvania, Romania on lead guitar, who also plays lead in the “Shamu Rocks!” show at Sea World-Orlando; Chris Dunn on bass guitar, hailing from England and with a long list of touring and BBC credits to his name; Cory Knowlton of Lakeland, Florida, drummer and veteran of the central Florida band scene; Patrick Burnett on keys, who daytimes as a sound designer and engineer for Disney Cruise Line ships; and Dr. Neal Phillips on fiddle/violin, a seasoned performer who has played on three continents and served 10 years in the Altoona Symphony Orchestra. 　　 　　With early success on the central Florida country music scene, performances opening for members of Blue Oyster Cult in Tampa and at the Kentucky Country Jamboree in Louisville, Copper West is “one to watch” as it rises into the modern country music scene.