We recently posted details about the national bands that will be appearing at the Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival, The following is a short blurb on the fine regional and local bands that are scheduled to appear.
LHBG - Next weekend June 19 & 20, Ligonier PA.
NORTHWEST TERRITORY
You asked us to bring them back, and we're happy to oblige! Since 1989, Northwest Territory has been entertaining audiences with its own unique style and enthusiasm. Bluegrass, gospel, country, fiddle tunes, breakdowns, and original compositions are all part of the band’s repertoire. A 2001 IBMA Showcase Band, their family humor and a fast-paced stage presence make Northwest Territory a favorite wherever they perform.
The members include leader Mike Gorrell (guitar, lead vocals), who has been performing for some 35 years, ten of which were spent with the State College, Pa.-based Whetstone Run. Much of the group’s original material is composed by Mike. Michele Birkby-Vance (fiddle, harmony vocals) has won numerous contests and is a five-time Ohio State Fiddle Champion. Many fiddle fans will remember Michele's great playing from her days when she lived in Greensburg, Pa. Radford Vance (banjo, lead & harmony vocals) brings a variety of traditional bluegrass styles to the group. He has played with Bill Monroe, Laurence Lane, and James Monroe. Playing bass, Darla Evans adds much to the group. She contributes a powerful lead vocal and adds the fourth part to the quartets.
BLUEGRASS MOUNTAINEERS
Based in Akron, Ohio, the Bluegrass Mountaineers have been a driving force on the bluegrass scene in the Buckeye State. The band was formed in 1963 and now features three generations of the Efaw family, along with some mighty talented friends. In addition, they are well-known promoters of bluegrass music throughout Ohio and produce several concerts each year. The Mountaineers feature a driving, traditional sound that's influenced by the Stanley Brothers. They will be joining us for both days.Larry Efaw (lead guitar, vocals) is an award-winning guitar and mandolin player who also produces bluegrass concerts and has made guest appearances with the likes of Rhonda Vincent and Dr. Ralph Stanley. Larry's father Edward "Beanpole" Efaw (guitar, vocals) started the band and writes many of the band's original songs. Stanley Efaw (mandolin, vocals) joined the Mountaineers at age eight! He also tours with Ralph Stanley II. Joining the Efaw boys are Billy Borton (fiddle), Chris Smith (banjo) and Stacy Wilcox (bass), all well-known performers on the Ohio bluegrass scene.
BLUE SHADES
Blue Shades is a south central Pennsylvania bluegrass music band formed in the summer of 2001 and has been a big hit at our festival in the past. It's great to have them back. This four piece group performs a wide variety of bluegrass music ranging from the "high lonesome" sound of traditional music, to the most modern songs of today's more progressive 'grass sound, to the ever popular "bluegrass gospel." Whatever the style, they play it bluegrass. Comprised of four veteran bluegrass performers with nearly 100 years of combined music experience, this band can play any venue -- from a Sunday morning Gospel show to Saturday night festival performance. Whatever your favorite style, they have something you'll like.
Brad Foust (lead and harmony vocals / rhythm guitar and mandolin) performed with "True Bluegrass" band on mandolin and was known for his high tenor work. In the early '80s he performed with the legendary Mac Martin and the Dixie Travelers on mandolin and tenor and lead vocals. Don Fronk (mandolin and guitar / harmony and lead vocals) also started pickin' at the age of eight, and over the years has performed with the bands "Sassafras," "Trade Secret," and "Ground Speed." Troy Wigfield (harmony and lead vocals / bass) has been playing music over twenty years, in bands ranging from country and country-rock to bluegrass. A strong vocalist, he has a wide range and the rare ability to sing bass, lead and tenor. Fairmont W. Va.'s banjo wizard Vince Bartlebaugh provides some of the most creative, tasteful banjo playing you'll hear. Bluegrass Unlimited calls their CD "Chasing Dreams" a "musicial extravaganza that offers something for just about everyone." We agree.
NORTHWEST TERRITORY
You asked us to bring them back, and we're happy to oblige! Since 1989, Northwest Territory has been entertaining audiences with its own unique style and enthusiasm. Bluegrass, gospel, country, fiddle tunes, breakdowns, and original compositions are all part of the band’s repertoire. A 2001 IBMA Showcase Band, their family humor and a fast-paced stage presence make Northwest Territory a favorite wherever they perform.
The members include leader Mike Gorrell (guitar, lead vocals), who has been performing for some 35 years, ten of which were spent with the State College, Pa.-based Whetstone Run. Much of the group’s original material is composed by Mike. Michele Birkby-Vance (fiddle, harmony vocals) has won numerous contests and is a five-time Ohio State Fiddle Champion. Many fiddle fans will remember Michele's great playing from her days when she lived in Greensburg, Pa. Radford Vance (banjo, lead & harmony vocals) brings a variety of traditional bluegrass styles to the group. He has played with Bill Monroe, Laurence Lane, and James Monroe. Playing bass, Darla Evans adds much to the group. She contributes a powerful lead vocal and adds the fourth part to the quartets.
BLUEGRASS MOUNTAINEERS
Based in Akron, Ohio, the Bluegrass Mountaineers have been a driving force on the bluegrass scene in the Buckeye State. The band was formed in 1963 and now features three generations of the Efaw family, along with some mighty talented friends. In addition, they are well-known promoters of bluegrass music throughout Ohio and produce several concerts each year. The Mountaineers feature a driving, traditional sound that's influenced by the Stanley Brothers. They will be joining us for both days.Larry Efaw (lead guitar, vocals) is an award-winning guitar and mandolin player who also produces bluegrass concerts and has made guest appearances with the likes of Rhonda Vincent and Dr. Ralph Stanley. Larry's father Edward "Beanpole" Efaw (guitar, vocals) started the band and writes many of the band's original songs. Stanley Efaw (mandolin, vocals) joined the Mountaineers at age eight! He also tours with Ralph Stanley II. Joining the Efaw boys are Billy Borton (fiddle), Chris Smith (banjo) and Stacy Wilcox (bass), all well-known performers on the Ohio bluegrass scene.
BLUE SHADES
Blue Shades is a south central Pennsylvania bluegrass music band formed in the summer of 2001 and has been a big hit at our festival in the past. It's great to have them back. This four piece group performs a wide variety of bluegrass music ranging from the "high lonesome" sound of traditional music, to the most modern songs of today's more progressive 'grass sound, to the ever popular "bluegrass gospel." Whatever the style, they play it bluegrass. Comprised of four veteran bluegrass performers with nearly 100 years of combined music experience, this band can play any venue -- from a Sunday morning Gospel show to Saturday night festival performance. Whatever your favorite style, they have something you'll like.
Brad Foust (lead and harmony vocals / rhythm guitar and mandolin) performed with "True Bluegrass" band on mandolin and was known for his high tenor work. In the early '80s he performed with the legendary Mac Martin and the Dixie Travelers on mandolin and tenor and lead vocals. Don Fronk (mandolin and guitar / harmony and lead vocals) also started pickin' at the age of eight, and over the years has performed with the bands "Sassafras," "Trade Secret," and "Ground Speed." Troy Wigfield (harmony and lead vocals / bass) has been playing music over twenty years, in bands ranging from country and country-rock to bluegrass. A strong vocalist, he has a wide range and the rare ability to sing bass, lead and tenor. Fairmont W. Va.'s banjo wizard Vince Bartlebaugh provides some of the most creative, tasteful banjo playing you'll hear. Bluegrass Unlimited calls their CD "Chasing Dreams" a "musicial extravaganza that offers something for just about everyone." We agree.
POVERTY HOLLOW
This hot, new Poverty Hollow band is living proof that talent, hard work, and experience are the ingredients that elevate a band from merely "good" to truly "excellent." Blessed with five strong vocalists and solid, creative instrumental abilities, this group is turning a lot of heads on the local bluegrass scene. Their sound is a mixture of the old and new, with a variety of vocal blends and textures.
Most of the faces in the band will be familiar to local fans. Don and Pam Mulhollem (guitar and bass, respectively) have performed for years with the popular Mainline Gospel Band and Pam was the driving force behind the Bluegrass Club at Mount Pleasant High School. John Larimer (resonator guitar, guitar) played both bluegrass with the Pickin@bluegrass band and country/rock with Whitehorse. John also performs solo at various venues and is a talented songwriter. Gary Shaffer (banjo) has reemerged onto the bluegrass scene following the demise of the popular Jerusalem Ridge gospel bluegrass group several years ago. (We're glad he has.) Gary also functions as the band's "harmony mechanic." You'd never know Dave Watson (mandolin, guitar) has only been pickin' for a few years. This 16 year old mando-whiz is one to watch.
MAC MARTIN & THE DIXIE TRAVELERS
One doesn't discuss the history of the Pittsburgh bluegrass scene without the name Mac Martin quickly being mentioned. Since 1954, Mac and his Dixie Travelers have firmly planted their traditional roots in western Pennsylvania's soil and continued to provide some of the "highest" and "lonesomest" singing and picking around. Mac and the boys released "Venango," their 14th recording project, on Copper Creek Records to strong reviews.All the members of the Dixie Travelers are also very well known to fans in this area. Mike Carson (fiddle) has been with Mac since the early days, as has Norm Azinger (bass). Mac's son Bobby Martin (guitar) has learned well from his pap. It's great seeing this fine group of gentlemen carrying on the sounds of the first generation of bluegrass!
ALLEGHENY DRIFTERS
Pittsburgh's Allegheny Drifters is one of the strongest vocal bands on the traditional bluegrass scene. Seasoned entertainers, they breathe new life and excitement into many songs and styles yet undiscovered by a large part of today's audience. This marks their third year as part of our festival -- 'cause we really like these folks!
Bob Artis (mandolin) and Bernie Cunningham (guitar) are the most recognizable names to western Pennsylvania bluegrass fans due to their individual tenures with the Dog Run Boys, the Dixie Travelers, Second Wind, and Beaver Creek. They've performed together for over 30 years, developing a tight vocal blend. Bob's wife Karen Artis (bass) has over 20 years of musical experience and sings both lead and harmony. Keith Beaver (banjo) has been active in the Ohio and West Virginia bluegrass scene for many years and provides the 5-string "punch" behind the band's smooth vocals. And make sure you check out their latest CD "Can't Wait." Bluegrass Unlimited says "the vocal blend is tight throughout" and County Sales labeled it one of their "highlight" CDs of the month!
NEW GENERATION
You may have caught these young men on our stage three years ago when they appeared as part of the Mount Pleasant High School Bluegrass Club band.While the club no longer exists, three members certainly "caught the bluegrass bug" and formed their own up-and-coming band -- New Generation. The "old-timers" often wonder if the younger folks will carry on the bluegrass sound. Well, these talented young gentlemen will certainly help answer that question.
Brothers Jacob Richter (banjo, vocals) and Ray Richter (bass, banjo, guitar, vocals) are from Normalville, Pa. They are joined by Jacob "J.J." Hauger (guitar, banjo, vocals) of Acme, Pa. Newest member Ray Bruckman (mandolin, fiddle) is a welcome addition. They're off to a great start and we're expecting big things from them in the future. This year we're showcasing them on Thursday evening to provide some great "dinner music."
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