We take Pictures
Ralph Stanley, II brought his band to the Kentuckians of Michigan on Friday, April 2, 2010. The show had a distinct Stanley sound, mixed in with the more country sounding songs from II’s latest CD. We had to run off early because we had our grandchildren with us, but still got some photos.
II
You can see the balance in the gallery.
The March, version of Joe Mullins’ fine show came off without a hitch on March 26 and 27. This well-run event was a pleasure to attend. As usual, the show had a top notch line-up. Some people just photograph well, actually, very well. Here are a few samples.
Joe Dean, Jr., of Dailey & Vincent.
Tony Mabe of the James King Band
Joe Mullins traded in his banjo for a mandolin, while he belted out a couple with James King.
Jack Hicks of Summertown Road.
There are a total of 537 photos of this event in the gallery. The are organized by band name, alphabetically. You can use the thumbnail pages to scroll to your favorites.
The new white backdrop and the colored lights presented a challenge. The lights are distracting in the shots of complete bands. The previous black backdrop was far better for capturing good stage shots. We hope you enjoy the photos. Artists who appeared my contact us from the link at the bottom of the page for access to a private gallery, and complementary web-resolution downloads.
The Grascals performed at Owens Community College, Perrysburg, Ohio on Friday March 19, 2010. The performance was enthusiastically received by the crowd. With the release of their new CD, The Famous Lefty Flynn’s, just days away, they featured a few songs including the title cut.
The band also featured a brief medley of Hank Williams, Jr. music; after an introduction that outlined the band’s appearances in the Hank, Jr. Rowdy Friends Tour.
The Trio
The Band
The rest of the photos are on display in the gallery.
We saw Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys perform at the Renaissance Theater in Mansfield, Ohio last Saturday, March 20, 2010.
Since we have never see the venue, we were exploring new territory. The Theater is a wonderful venue, and a great place to showcase good music. You may want to read the history and restoration of the Renaissance on the website. This beautiful venue is the result of vision, and shows what hard work community spirit can accomplish.
Dr. Ralph and the Clinch Mountain boys gave a great performance. Ralph is looking well, and singing well. He favored the crowd with a couple of clawhammer tunes, and featured each of the Clinch Mountain Boys, as is his custom.
The rest of our photos can be seen in the gallery.
Last Friday, March 12 we were privileged to see Jack Hicks, Bo Isaac, Randy Thomas, and new band member Zach Rambo at the Kentuckians. We had a good time, and it looked like the band did, too. Bo had a cold, so Zach was singing more than I expected for a new band member. He did a fine job, singing, and on the mandolin. There were several good photos of Zach in the group.
Zach Rambo
Certain people photograph well, and all of Summertown road fit into that category.
Jack Hicks
Randy Thomas
Bo Isaac!
Summertown Road will be among the groups appearing at the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival March 26-27, so we are looking forward to seeing and hearing them there. The rest of the photos from last Friday can be view in the gallery.
Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out appeared at Oakland Community College on Friday, January 22, 2010. The concert was at the Waterford Campus, a difficult venue for Bluegrass, which is usually scheduled for Royal Oak. In spite of the location, the crowd was very good, and also receptive to the music.
We were so happy to see Donnie Carver, who seemed to be recovering nicely from his heart attacks and surgery.
The entire band seemed to be in the best of moods, and we thoroughly enjoyed the evening. You can see all the photos in the gallery.
We attended the Larkin’s annual Christmas show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee December 10-12. The highlight of this show was the first ever appearance of The Lewis Tradition. The group was Lewis Phillips, banjo, guitar, lead and harmony vocals; Janis Lewis Phillips, lead and harmony vocals; Travis Lewis, bass; Jameson Lewis, keyboard; and Bruce Watkins, mandolin, fiddle, guitar and harmony vocals.
The Lewis Tradition
There were several special guests throughout the weekend. Dana Cupp appeared with the Larkins, as did Matt Leadbetter and banjo maker Arthur Hatfield.
Dana Cupp
Matt Leadbetter
Arthur Hatfield
Barry Scott’s daughter, Cassy, guested on several songs.
Kyle Ramey appeared with Goldwing Express, and again in the Hatfield banjo Jam.
You can see all the photos in the gallery.
We had a nice time at the Maumee Indoor Theater last night. Gil Evans arranged for Valerie and the band appear at the theater, which was billed as a homecoming for band member Ernie Evans.
When we first arrived, it seemed a little awkward to be at the show, and not be an Evans family member. Soon, some other non-family members arrived and we were lost in the crowd. Ernie was the evening’s crowd favorite.
The show was our first opportunity to see our friend Rebekah Long playing with the band, and she did an excellent job holding down the bass, and even played it before and after some necessary adjustments were made.
Everyone appreciated Becky Buller’s musicianship, too.
It was a great evening of music. You can view all the photos in the gallery.
I have copied this directly from an e-mail sent to the IBMA e-mail list. I am not sure if we will be able to attend, since it is a 4 hour drive away, and the Sunday before Christmas. However, we will make the trip if we do not have family plans for that day. I hope you will consider helping out if you can. Gerald and Dale have surely provided hours of entertainment, and many generous gifts of their time and talent over the years.
Thanks from the bluegrass community, and the sponsors of the show.
Appreciation Concert
Honoring Gerald Evans Jr. and Dale Vanderpool
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Roberts Centre, Wilmington, OH
I 71, Exit 50 at US 68
Both of these talented entertainers have made a lifetime of contributions to the Bluegrass community throughout Ohio and across the country. They are both battling cancer. A day of music from some of their fellow entertainers will be a great benefit to Gerald, Dale and their families.
Doors Open at NOON
12:30 pm Blue and Lonesome
1:00 Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers
1:45 Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain
2:30 Lost and Found
3:30 Don Rigsby and Midnight Call
4:30 the Grascals
5:30 Wildwood Valley Boys
6:30 JD Crowe and the New South
7:30 the Larry Stephenson Band
Special Guests – Sonny Osborne, Mark Rader, Larry Cordle, Dwayne Sparks and others
All Seats General Admission
$20.00 Donation for adults and teens
Children 12 and under admitted Free
Food Concessions Available
Sponsorship assistance provided by: The Roberts Centre, WBZI Radio, Fred and Jason Baird Sound, Darrell Adkins and others
For more information, see www.myclassiccountry.com or call 937-372-5804.
