Weekly Planner (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)
Events can be submitted to jsage@wythenews.com by 5 p.m. each Monday.
June 13
Compton Reunion - Please plan to attend as we gather to visit once again at Floyd Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 510 East Main Street, Floyd,VA 24091 on Saturday, June 13. A Pot Luck Lunch will be promptly at 1 p.m.
Floyd Country Store: The Loose Strings Band consists of Channing Combs (guitar), Grace Davis (bass), Lindsey Nale (mandolin), Ashley Hultman (banjo) and Mary Claire Cason (fiddle). Making their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains has contributed to their unique Appalachian sound. They are also known for their “family sound” vocal harmonies. The group came together 19 years ago, and have drawn inspiration from a variety of artists such as Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, and The Dixie Chicks. These artists have inspired avenues to the band’s own bluegrass/folk sound.
They released their first album, Only The Beginning (2009) and have since released five more albums: The Next Chapter (2012), Everlasting Faith (2013), Journey With No End (2015), As We Travel (2016), and their most current album called Realities. It consists of all original songs with an Americana-Folk feel. The Loose Strings Band will be in Floyd at 7 p.m.
July 11
Floyd Country Store: Nadine Landry and Sammy Lind play traditional fiddle music that has been passed on for hundreds of years. Nadine was born and raised in a musical family on Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula. Equally comfortable on guitar and upright bass, she has played in bands that perform old-time, honky-tonk, swing, and Cajun music. Born in Minnesota, Sammy has established himself as one of the most critically acclaimed old-time fiddle players in the USA. Their recordings reflect their versatility, as they alternate between fiddle, banjo, guitar, and accordion, while always staying true to the roots of traditional American music. Both Nadine and Sammy are members of the Portland, Oregon-based Foghorn Stringband. Catch the show at 7 p.m.
July 18
Floyd Country Store: Multi-Grammy nominated Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen is a torrent of mind-blowing bluegrass. Known for their meaty, pile-driving rhythms and Frank’s dynamic and bold vocals, the band’s last two albums have both received a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album. They have twice been named IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year and earned numerous other IBMA noms including Male Vocalist of the Year, Mandolin Player of the Year, and in 2013, received Banjo Player of the Year. Their massive sound and show stealing performances command the most prestigious stages in the country and abroad; from The Grand Ole Opry to the biggest international festivals across Europe, South America and Australia. The band has performed at the most renowned bluegrass festivals including Telluride, MerleFest, Grey Fox, RockyGrass, Delfest, Strawberry Music Festival, Pickin’ in the Pines, ROMP, and countless more. The band’s respect and deep understanding of the bluegrass tradition collides, live on stage, with rock-tinged fiery virtuosity that pushes the boundaries of the genre.
Aug. 22
Floyd Country Store: Join us at 7 p.m. for an evening of stories and songs in tribute to the legendary Herschel Sizemore with Alan Bibey & Grasstowne — one of the hottest and most energetic bands touring today! Band leader, Alan Bibey, is a multi-award winning and Grammy nominated artist known for his exceptional mandolin mastery. Joined by two-time SPBGMA Bass Player of the Year, Zak McLamb, one of the most highly respected banjo players in bluegrass, Justin Jenkins, flat picker and rhythm guitarist, Jeff Huffman and Kati Penn, well known as one of the greatest voices and fiddle players in Bluegrass.
New Standard brings together a variety of styles and influences ranging from traditional music to contemporary bluegrass and gospel artists. The band continues to expand its performance horizons up and down the Blue Ridge today. Spencer Blankenship studied mandolin with Herschel Sizemore for many years and carries Herschel’s mandolin style forward through his work with New Standard.
Sept. 5
Floyd Country Store: For nearly four decades, Laurie Lewis has gathered fans and honors for her powerful and emotive voice and her versatile, dynamic songwriting. She is a sought-after recording producer and an equally skilled teacher and mentor. And she is an inspiration and a ground-breaker – across genres, across geography and across gender barriers. Laurie has shown us how a woman can blend into any part of the classic bluegrass singing trio, and she showed us how a great voice could move fluidly between bluegrass and other types of music. She showed us how a female fiddler could emulate the strength and grit of the early bluegrass musicians. She has shown how a Californian can appeal to traditional bluegrass audiences, as well as winning acclaim in the worlds of Americana and folk music. Lewis takes the stage at 7 p.m.
Sept. 6
Floyd Country Store: Della Mae is a GRAMMY-nominated all-woman string band featuring founding members Celia Woodsmith (lead vocalist/guitarist) and 2-time Grand National champion fiddle player Kimber Ludiker, along with guitarist Avril Smith, and two-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year Vickie Vaughn.
Hailing from across North America, and reared in diverse musical styles, Della Mae is one of the most charismatic and engaging roots bands touring today. They have traveled to over 30 countries spreading peace and understanding through music. Their mission as a band is to showcase top female musicians, and to improve opportunities for women and girls through advocacy, mentorship, programming, and performance. Catch Della Mae at 7 p.m.
