The show was a great mix of regional and nationally touring bands and included the Deepwater Bluegrass, Wildwood Valley Boys, the Larkins, Summertown Road, Remington Ryde, Idletymes, the Prater Brothers, the Whittaker Brothers, Vertical Limit, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, and the host band, the Bluegrass Mountaineers. Charlie Patton was the MC, and did a fine job,as usual. It is quite a thrill to see him sing both the US and Canadian National Anthems, a capella, to open the show.

Don’t every let anyone tell you that Rhonda doesn’t know where the camera is.

Hunter Berry and Rhonda Vincent

It was nice to see Larry supporting a local band on his show, in this case, Deepwater Bluegrass. These folks are single-handedly responsible for the great bluegrass shows which are presented at Glass City Opry. I hope you are attending them as often as you can, we sure are.

Deepwater Bluegrass

A special treat was seeing Janis, Lewis, Travis, and Jamison Lewis, who are appearing as The Lewis Tradition.

Janis Lewis Phillips

Jamison Lewis

Travis Lewis

Lewis Phillips

Although bluegrass purists would question the keyboard Jamison plays, it sounded just right with Lewis Family music, and eighteen-year old Jamison’s harmony blended right in. The new Lewis Tradition CD, Precious Memories, was on my must purchase list and I have been playing it almost full time since I got it home. The Lewis Tradition was headed to Marion, Virginia for a taping of Song of the Mountains, so watch for them on your PBS station soon.

One more little sample, then I invite you to check out the gallery for more photos. We remember Stanley as an eight-year old mandolin whiz kid, and have seen him play every instrument on stage.

Stanley Efaw

Enjoy the rest of the photos in the gallery.

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.