CHARLIE POOLE MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINEUP -
Eden, NC--An exciting mix of young up-and-comers and seasoned long-time performers, in both old-time and bluegrass, makes up the playlist for the June 11 Charlie Poole Music Festival concert evening, before the day-long competitions on Saturday, June 12.
The headline act is the Big Country Bluegrass band, which has been around for 23 years, has released numerous popular CDs, and has played all around the Piedmont of Virginia and North Carolina, not to mention a foray to the Grand Old Opry. Their latest CD is called “Open for Business,” and like the rest of their work, it has been described as “authentic, hard-driving bluegrass.”
Mac and Jenny Traynham are a duo more and more recognized for their old-time country and pre-bluegrass style, combining banjo and guitar with harmonica breaks and vocals from the “Golden Era” of folk and gospel country music. Their friend Shay Garriock, a regular at the Floyd Country Store, adds the master fiddle that livens up the scene even more. Mac and Shay have just brought out a new CD, “Turkey in the Mountain,” which shows off their old time banjo and fiddle duets. Mac, Jenny, and Shay are all teachers in their specialties.
Old Sledge is quickly getting a name as an up-and-coming trio of young musicians showing extraordinary talent with their presentation of old ballads and gospel songs. Chance McCoy, from West Virginia, is a prizewinner in fiddle and banjo, and Anna Roberts-Gevalt, from Vermont, does vocals along with her fiddle and banjo, as does Sabra Guzman, from California, who plays guitar. All three now make their homes in the Piedmont.
Dusty Ridge is really special to the Charlie Poole Festival, since their lead banjo player, Matthew Turman, got started as a teen-ager from hearing the music at the Tenth Anniversary festival. He saved his money, bought a banjo and took lessons, and only a year later began winning prizes at competitions. He hitched up with other teen contestants, Joey Doss and Jordan Roberson, to form this group, which won first place in last year's bluegrass band competition. It doesn’t hurt that Matthew’s dad, Steve Turman, plays with them also. They are now popular at events throughout the local region.
More details about the festival are on line in the brand new www.charlie-poole.com website, especially the first ever River Ramble, a not-to-be-missed opportunity to take a guided float on Eden’s picturesque rivers. Ticket prices, camping, and schedules are already online, and before long, there will be more details about the Little Ramblers Children’s Area sponsored by Sheetz. Call 336-623-1043 for other information.
This project has support from the N.C. Arts Council, the Rockingham County Arts Council Grassroots program, and the Rockingham County Partnership for Tourism and Economic Development.
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