DONNA THE
BUFFALO

Thursday, September 25 -- 8:00 PM

A five-member band of electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, accordion, fiddle, bass, drums and a rubboard, Donna The Buffalo is on a musical journey that began with old-time Appalachian music. A music that's strength lies strongly in simplicity-hard driving, groove oriented and repetitive.

"This band is renowned for their live performances at festivals throughout the USA," said producer Jeffrey Lesser. "we captured their joy, passion, energy, and of course, their writing and performing virtuosity on this new collection (Positive Friction).

Originally incepted in 1987, Donna The Buffalo performs from Vermont to Florida and west to California-appearing ar some of the most prestigious roots music festivals, including Merlefest, The Newport Folk Festival, High Sierra Festival and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. They also turn belief into action every summer as the driving force behind the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival. Staged in Trumansburg, NY, the four-day festival benefits AIDS programs and arts education throughout the upstate area.

Traveling across the country in the band's 1961 vintage tour bus, Donna The Buffalo has developed a fervent following. Dubbed "The Herd", the band's inspired fan bas includes young adults, families, children and people of all ages. The Herd spans generations, styles and aesthetics with one common denominator-the love of the roots rock splendor of Donna The Buffalo and the sense of community that surrounds them.

Official Donna The Buffalo Website

Advance discount tickets: $20.00
Day of Show: $23.00

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RALPH STANLEY
& THE CLINCH
MOUNTAIN BOYS
with Claire Lynch

Friday, September 26 -- 8:00 PM

Born in Stratton, VA, in 1927, Ralph Stanley and his older brother Carter formed the Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys. In 1946 Ralph and Carter were being broadcast from radio station WCYB in Bristol, VA. The music, which was inspired by their Virginia mountain home, was encouraged by their mother, who taught Ralph the claw-hammer style of banjo picking that he and Carter became famous for. They recorded for such companies as the small Rich-R-Tone label and later Columbia, a relationship that lasted from 1949 until 1952. These classic sessions defined the Stanleys' own approach to bluegrass and made them as important as Bill Monroe. After leaving Columbia, the Stanleys were with Mercury, Starday, and King. Leaning toward more gospel at times, Carter and Ralph made a place for themselves in the music industry. In December 1966, Carter Stanley died in a Virginia hospital after a steady decline in health. He was just 41 years old. After much consideration and grief, Ralph carried on without Carter. Already their haunting mountain melodies made them stand apart from other bluegrass bands, but Ralph expanded upon this foundation and took his own "high lonesome" vocals to a new plane.

Popular at bluegrass festivals, Ralph and each edition of the Clinch Mountain Boys grew to be one of the most respected outfits in bluegrass. As far west as California and even up in the hollers of Kentucky, people were drawn to the poignant, mournful sound of Ralph Stanley's style. Different from all the rest, Ralph's ability to hit the right notes and chords made him a singer of trailblazing proportions. Ralph continued to record for a wide variety of labels, including Jalyn, Rebel, King Bluegrass, Blue Jay, Jessup, Stanleytone, his own label, and Freeland. A devoted family man, his constant touring took its toll on his first marriage, a union that produced daughters Lisa Joy and Tonya and oldest son Timothy. His second wife, Jimmie, also a singer, gave him another son late in life; Ralph II followed in both his father's and uncle's footsteps and played in the Clinch Mountain Boys with his dad. A Bluegrass Hall of Fame member along with Carter, Ralph Stanley was an inspiration to Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, the late Keith Whitley, and even Monroe acolyte Ricky Skaggs. With his raw emotions and Mother Stanley's three-fingered banjo technique, he helped bring the mountain style of bluegrass music to mainstream audiences. A full survey of the Stanley Brothers' career, including sides they recorded for several different labels, finally appeared in 2007 with Time-Life's three-disc Definitive Collection box set. ~ Jana Pendragon, All Music Guide

Official Ralph Stanley Website

Claire Lynch has long been recognized as a creative influence in bluegrass music – first for her early years with Alabama’s Front Porch String Band (which was labeled as “a musical force to be reckoned with” by John Starling), and later for her superb singing and songwriting which have been recorded on five projects for Rounder Records. Two of those recordings were nominated for the Grammys and, among her many other nominations, a win was scored for “Female Vocalist of the Year” with IBMA in 1997.

In 2006, after a six-year hiatus from touring, she landed on her feet again with New Day which enjoyed a run on the Bluegrass Album Chart reaching #2, while “Train Long Gone” topped the Bluegrass Song Chart at #1 for two consecutive months. Much of the credit was due to her touring and recording mates who comprise the Claire Lynch Band and are award-winners themselves.

Although Claire’s songwriting is an undeniable gift, it’s her “captivating”, “hillbilly angel” voice which has landed her spots on recordings from Linda Ronstadt to Dolly Parton and many in between. As one reviewer observed, “Claire’s is one of those rare voices which instantly reveals a beautiful personality and allows her to speak directly to your heart..."

Official Claire Lynch Website

Advance discount tickets: $25.00
Day of Show: $28.00

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LEON REDBONE

Saturday, September 27 -- 8:00 PM

Leon Redbone (August 26, 1949[2]) is a singer and guitarist specializing in interpretations of early 20th-century music, including jazz and blues standards and Tin Pan Alley classics.

Recognized for his trademark Panama hat, dark sunglasses, and bow tie, Redbone first appeared on stage in Toronto, Canada in the mid-1970s. Virtually nothing is known for certain about his background or true identity. Redbone has been called "the most famous non-famous American musician".

Redbone has released approximately fifteen albums and earned a sizable cult following who will travel significant distances to hear him perform. His concerts blend performance, comedy, and skilled instrumentals. Recurrent gags involve the influence of alcohol and claiming to have written works originating well before his time (as part of the mystery of his true age).

Official Leon Redbone Website

Advance discount tickets: $25.00
Day of Show: $28.00

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