Darren Beachley and Legends of the Potomac keep bluegrass flowing

By: Nancy Dunham
Special to The Examiner

Darren Beachley knows and respects the "D.C. bluegrass sound" -- even though he doesn't play it.

Darren Beachley and Legends of the Potomac formed recently, he and his band mates -- some of the best known bluegrass players in the region -- opted to develop a style all their own and not look back. That may just prove to be the formula for success.

"We didn't get into this per se to sound like a Washington, D.C., band," Beachley said. "We wanted to play material that wasn't done by anyone else to make the songs and the sound uniquely ours."

Beachley, a Frederick, Md., native, and his band mates certainly have the right music credentials to develop their own style. As veterans of such renowned bands as Bill Harrell and the Virginians, the Seldom Scene, the Travelers and, of course, Darren Beachley and the Maryland Line the members are among the best in the format.

"After you accomplish one dream, there are always others down the road," he said. "After winning so many awards and performing at so many events I realized what is next is to make my own music." More.

The Lehigh Valley area has never been at a loss for bluegrass music.

The Lehigh Valley area has never been at a loss for bluegrass music.
Most prominent through the years has been the three-day Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association Bluegrass Festival, set for its 22nd year in August at Mountain View Park on East Mountain Road near Wind Gap. The Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg holds Winterfest in association with the Pocono Bluegrass & Folk Society..
And over the years there were the Americana Bluegrass festival at the America On Wheels museum in Allentown, the Lehigh Valley Bluegrass Jam at Cementon Park in Whitehall Township and the luegrass Festival by the River in Northampton.
Now there’s another entry in the fiddle fest fray.
The Lehigh Valley Bluegrass Festival, a first-time event, is scheduled to bring more than 22 performances over three days, July 23-25, to Schnecksville Fairgrounds, along Route 309..
Among the performers will be Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac, Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass, Dick Saylor, Santara Wind, Lykens Valley Bluegrass Band, Blue Roots, Thunder Creek, Dan Hubbard, Aimless Pursuit, Homespun Bluegrass, Remington Ryde, Louie Setzer and Country Grass.
Read more...

Legends of Potomac Keeping Busy

Darren Beachley & Legends of the Potomac are staying very busy these days. The band coming off a very successful trip to the 2009 IBMA World Of Bluegrass have been busy both in the print media and on the air waves. The Legends innovative and one of a kind banjo player Mark Delaney is featured in the October issue of Banjo Newsletter http://www.banjonews.com/.

On Thursday October 22nd Darren & Mark will venture into the Bluegrass Country.Org Studios to help Co-Host with IBMA's 2009 Broadcaster of the year and longtime friend Katy Daley. It's part of Bluegrass Country.Org's fall Membership drive. Be sure and listen in.

The single 'Love You Don't Know' has been released to radio stations all over the world, call your local station and request it.

The month also will include 3 days in The Patuxent Music Studios putting final touches on the bands debut release on Patuxent Music.

Legends of the Potomac, IBMA Showcases

A note from Darren Beachley:

Darren Beachley & Legends of the Potomac, 2009 IBMA Showcase Schedule

Monday September 28th 2:00 pm CST Darren and the Legends will kick off WAMU's Bluegrass Country's coverage of The World of Bluegrass 2009 with host Katy Daleyhttp://www.bluegrasscountry.org/

Late Night Showcases11:35-11:55pm Good Home Grown Music....Tom T and Dixie Hall (Tall Weeds & Rust Premier)12:30-12:55pm DCBU

Tuesday September 29th Late Night Showcases 11:15-11:45 Boston Bluegrass Union, Conn Bluegrass Music Assoc & Podunk BGF12:00-12:30 Carolina Road Showcase Room

Wednesday September 30th Wednesday Brunch Showcase from 11:30 to 11:55 AM The Patuxent Records Showcase room @ 11:15 pm

Thursday October 1st IBMA Awards Show.

Our own Mike Auldridge is nominated as Dobro Player of the year for 2009. We appreciate your support!!Friday October 2nd IBMA Fan Fest Set time 1:15 pm to 1:40 pm CST Be sure to stop by our booth at the trade show, we will be there to meet and greet and talk with everyone.

Thanks,

Darren & The Legends

Darren Beachley and Legends of the Potomac

Old Guys, New Music: a Supergroup is Born
July 23, 2009

By Lauren LaRocca, The Frederick News-Post, Md.

Jul. 23--Brunswick 's own Darren Beachley joined Doyle Lawson a few years back on mandolin and as the group's lead singer -- a high honor in the bluegrass world that he held for three years. And then the itch came to start performing on his own, to get together his own band and record songs.
"It was just time," he said, sitting in Starbucks on Seventh Street. "I think as an artist, you begin to know when you want to do your music."
Beachley called legendary players in the area -- Mike Auldridge, Tom Gray, Mark Delaney and Norman Wright.

Read more...

Darren Beachley and the Legends Sign Recording Deal

A Message from Darren Beachley:

We are thrilled to announce that Darren Beachley & Legends of the Potomac have signed with Patuxent Records!
Patuxent offers an unparalleled level of artistic control, in addition to boasting a reputation for working with some of the finest bluegrass musicians in today’s D.C. area scene. We have all known Tom Mindte, creator of Patuxent Records, for years are truly looking forward to collaborating with him. Recording is expected to begin in July 2009!
In other good news, Darren will be re-releasing his first two solo projects, “Remembrances” and “I Love You to the Moon and Back”, on MasterShield Records!
Check back for updates as these projects progress, and don’t forget to check out our schedule. The first Legends show will be here before you know it!
Darren Beachley
www.legendsofthepotomac.com
www.myspace.com/darrenbeachley

Darren Beachley, Leaves Doyle Lawson Forms New Group

Darren Beachley has left Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, after several years as a member. Darren started with Doyle on bass, and later switched to guitar, he has been the primary lead vocalist for the last two years. We wish Darren the beat of good fortune with the new venture.

Darren's announcement follows.

Darren Beachley & Legends Of The Potomac:

It’s with great pride and excitement that I am making the announcement of Darren Beachley & Legends of The Potomac. I have gathered a veteran band with a legendary status. The band includes Mike Auldridge, Tom Gray, Norman Wright and Mark Delaney. I am sure people will know who these guys are, Mike and Tom are original members of The Seldom Scene and Tom was a member of The Classic Country Gentlemen. Norman Wright a former member of The Bluegrass Cardinals and Country Gentlemen is known for his excellent songwriting and arranging and harmony singing. Norman has written songs for Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Country Gentlemen, The Bluegrass Cardinals to mention a few. Banjoist Mark Delaney is former member of The Country Gentlemen and is known for his innovative style.

When I started thinking of the idea for a group, I wanted a diverse band. I have known each of these guys for years I have a lot of respect for them. I trust them, which in this situation is must. I really feel like this is the first group of guys that I have ever been around musically, that could do what ever type of material we want, from straight grass to light country, southern gospel to a jazz flavored number. We have been rehearsing quite a bit and have a lot of new material to offer. We have worked really hard on making sure we gather material that will be quickly identifiable to this band. We have material ranging from Fats Domino to Johnny Rodriguez to Tommy Dorsey to Mac Wiseman. We are also doing material from songwriters such as Paula Breedlove, Brad Davis, Pete Goble, Randall Hylton and of course some of Norman’s songs. I feel that we are a well-rounded band that is not afraid to step outside the box, but yet not so far away that we are not still rooted in bluegrass. It will be smooth sound both vocally and instrumentally. I am really excited about it!

We are currently in negotiations with a few different record labels and we haven’t settled on one at this point. We have dates on the books for 2010 and are still working hard to fill the schedule. Our new website should be up and running within the next week.
Look for other news about Darren and The Legends real soon.

Darren Beachley www.myspace.com/darrenbeachley

Tyler Grant and Julianne

Tyler Grant had just finished belting out 'Freeborn Man' and started into 'Julianne,' when Doyle Lawson and Darren Beachely got off the elevator, they watched and listened or a few seconds and then approached and joined in with the harmony. Needless to say, Tyler was shocked and amazed and overjoyed.

A great kind jesture, by two real gentlemen.

A once in a lifetime moment for me.