Entertainment
Bring your lawn chairs to The Grove to watch all the entrainment.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010 ~ 6:30 PM ~ The Midway Stage
Cecil Williams also know as Panhandle Slim, is a guitar-plunking, horse-riding, tale-telling cowboy enthusiast who spins yarns and sings songs about the Black West. His six foot-two foot frame reminds one of Gary Cooper and his easy drawl, plus the quick wit of Will Rogers. A delightful narrator of little-known facts of lives of black pioneer men and women, he can charm an audience within minutes as he starts talking about his “chaw stick” (sassafras root) and how to brew tea from it. Williams tells exciting stories and sad stories, all of them true.
Born on a ranch in Pawnee County, Oklahoma, Williams’ family moved when he was two years of age and settled across the road from the Grayhorse Indian Reservation, Oklahoma. Some of his stories are about his boyhood friends who were full blooded Osage Indians bearing the proud names of Read Eagle, Beartracks, Bears, Tallchief, The Ravens, White Eagle, and Little Stars and their fine Pinto ponies which were the envy of the county.
High school years were spent in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, at which time he did ranch work for a local rancher. Williams graduated from Langston University, Langston, OK and a few months later went into the Army. After leaving the Army he became a technical instructor at Amarillo Air Force Base, Texas. He was transferred to Rolla, MO as a cartographer for the U.S. Geological Survey and in 1960 transferred to the Geological Survey in Menlo Park, CA, where he remained for 24 years.
Slim returned with his wife to the Ozarks in 1984 and spends his free time documenting stories he hears as a chilled at his grandfather’s knee. His grandfather, Henry Williams, chose to lead the life of a lawman and became deputy sheriff of the all black town of Langston, OK. A close friend, Bill Pickett, on of the first working black cowboys and rodeo stars in the Oklahoma Territory, fathered the art of bulldogging.
Using monologues and original authentic story songs, he recaptures the spirit of the West and rekindles pride in our Western Heritage.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010 ~ 9 PM ~ The Grove Pavilion
Thursday, July 22, 2010 ~ 9 PM ~ The Grove
Warner Brothers’ artist Joshua Gibbs is a complete artist: singer/songwriter, musician, studio producer and actor. Joshua has a long standing association with some of the finest celebrities in the music industry. Performers he has worked with are Paul Simon, Randy Travis, James Taylor, Toto, Allman Brothers, members of the Jimi Hendrix band, Neil Diamond, and others.
Joshua has a new solo CD and Music Video and the first two singles from that CD are being released worldwide in the summer of 2010. Additionally, Joshua’s music is featured on an upcoming special Warner Brothers /ABC Collectors documentary DVD. Accompanying Joshua at this year’s fair performances is friend and excellent percussionist/singer and songwriter, Gary Goad. They both play together locally and are heard every Thursday morning performing their own live acoustic versions of classic rock and folk rock on KKID FM 92.9 Morning Show featuring Steve & Rick. As much as their schedules will allow, they play at El Maguey Mexican restaurant in Rolla, Sybill’s Restaurant in St. James, Meramec Winery, and other various Midwest venues. They promise you an evening of all varieties of music styles for your enjoyment.
Joshua has a new solo CD and Music Video and the first two singles from that CD are being released worldwide in the summer of 2010. Additionally, Joshua’s music is featured on an upcoming special Warner Brothers /ABC Collectors documentary DVD. Accompanying Joshua at this year’s fair performances is friend and excellent percussionist/singer and songwriter, Gary Goad. They both play together locally and are heard every Thursday morning performing their own live acoustic versions of classic rock and folk rock on KKID FM 92.9 Morning Show featuring Steve & Rick. As much as their schedules will allow, they play at El Maguey Mexican restaurant in Rolla, Sybill’s Restaurant in St. James, Meramec Winery, and other various Midwest venues. They promise you an evening of all varieties of music styles for your enjoyment.
Thursday, July 22, 2010 ~ 6:30 PM ~ The Midway
The World's Finest Rolla German Band (WFRGB) is a non-profit organization consisting of musicians wishing to encourage musical appreciation. It is based in Rolla, Missouri and performs for benefit events and for parties and usually performs in the Mid Missouri area. The fees charged are donated to area charities to support local music. The instrumentation includes: tenor horns (baritone horns), trumpets, trombones, tuba, clarinets and percussion. The musicians include professors, retirees, students and other local volunteers. It has an extensive repertoire of music and most of it, more than 300 pieces, has been written or arranged former member: Harold Cleveland. The band leader and contact is Don Sparlin, a retired physics professor.
Friday, July 23, 2010 ~ 6 PM ~ The Grove
Yadkin Creek has put a twist on their music…really not a whole lot…just enough to keep it interesting. They combine a quartet-style with a touch of southern gospel in their vocals. Added to that is the “old-timey” bluegrass arrangement in their songs with banjo, mandolin, upright bass fiddle and acoustic guitar. Together, they bring well over 150 years of musical background.
Finis Barr has been performing gospel music more than 60 years. He started at the age of 12 and has performed over the Midwest with his own, as well as other prominent gospel groups. He has studied vocal theory with the likes of Bill Gaither. In 2007 he was presented with the Mid-America Gospel Music Association Lifetime Achievement award. He can hit the tenor notes with the best and has dedicated his life to the gospel and its music.
Larry Sherrill has also been involved in the gospel field most of his life and is a good, solid bass in the quartet harmony. This is Larry’s first time out in the bluegrass field and he’s come on strong! Larry can also handle the lead in a song with the best of ‘em. He has been involved in the gospel for many years, both in his church and music.
Jerry Beers has pretty much run the gauntlet. In the late 70’s he and Bruce Turnbouigh had a taste of the “big time”, as finalists in a nationally known TV program, Star Search. They performed four times in the contest and received more votes in the first round than any contestants in the history of the program. Jerry plays lead and rhythm guitar, sings lead and baritone and does most of the harmony arrangements. He also plays keyboards and electric bass. Jerry has dedicated his life to the Lord as the minister of the First Assembly of God Church in Steelville. Jerry has a full schedule, but can always spare a little time for a Yadkin Creek session.
Bill Freeman …”Trooper Bill”….”Bullet Bill” has worn several hats. He really was a Missouri State Trooper and he wore the St. Louis Cardinal ball cap in the 50’s, having been called up for a try-out with the “big boys” at Busch Stadium. However, Uncle Sam called and he did his military duty, cutting his pro-ball playing a little short. This is Bill’s first time out in the quartet style. He has, though, sung for years in the First Baptist Church choir and with the Freeman Family singings. His dad was a Missouri Champion fiddler in the 20’s. Bill brings his lead and baritone with conviction to Yadkin Creek.
Ron Lindberg has been playing mandolin for just a few years now, but is already making a name for himself with his talent. Ron was a founding member of the bluegrass group, Hot Lix, which cut a CD several months ago. Ron and his mandolin are in demand with groups such as The Greer. Sisters from Illinois, Guy Stevens from southern Missouri, Bill Jones from Dixon, Missouri, Shirley Roberson, from Cuba, Missouri and the list goes on. Ron dabbles a little on the guitar and fiddle. He has a great feel for the true bluegrass sound. This is Ron’s first time out in a gospel band. He has been a pleasure to watch as he works out the kickoffs and breaks in the Yadkin songs. He just keeps getting stronger in his dedication and music.
Larry Farrar has been in the bluegrass scene for many years. Larry plays banjo and rhythm guitar. He was a mainstay with the Meramec Music Theater in Steelville for several years. Yadkin has kinda “borrowed” Larry for the banjo work. He fronts his own group, Iron Mountain Bluegrass, which is making a name for itself. They have cut two CDs. The last one was full gospel, and is selling quite well.
Rod “Brassfield” Halbert started with the guitar many years ago, but has changed over to the upright bass with Yadkin Creek. He has been in a few local groups over the years, both gospel and traditional bluegrass. His dad was “straight down the line” Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scrugggs and Stanley Brothers. Brassfield was bitten by the music bug for good at a young age.
Yadkin Creek has been a joy as they have played and sung around the area, hopefully touching the folks with their message in song.
Finis Barr has been performing gospel music more than 60 years. He started at the age of 12 and has performed over the Midwest with his own, as well as other prominent gospel groups. He has studied vocal theory with the likes of Bill Gaither. In 2007 he was presented with the Mid-America Gospel Music Association Lifetime Achievement award. He can hit the tenor notes with the best and has dedicated his life to the gospel and its music.
Larry Sherrill has also been involved in the gospel field most of his life and is a good, solid bass in the quartet harmony. This is Larry’s first time out in the bluegrass field and he’s come on strong! Larry can also handle the lead in a song with the best of ‘em. He has been involved in the gospel for many years, both in his church and music.
Jerry Beers has pretty much run the gauntlet. In the late 70’s he and Bruce Turnbouigh had a taste of the “big time”, as finalists in a nationally known TV program, Star Search. They performed four times in the contest and received more votes in the first round than any contestants in the history of the program. Jerry plays lead and rhythm guitar, sings lead and baritone and does most of the harmony arrangements. He also plays keyboards and electric bass. Jerry has dedicated his life to the Lord as the minister of the First Assembly of God Church in Steelville. Jerry has a full schedule, but can always spare a little time for a Yadkin Creek session.
Bill Freeman …”Trooper Bill”….”Bullet Bill” has worn several hats. He really was a Missouri State Trooper and he wore the St. Louis Cardinal ball cap in the 50’s, having been called up for a try-out with the “big boys” at Busch Stadium. However, Uncle Sam called and he did his military duty, cutting his pro-ball playing a little short. This is Bill’s first time out in the quartet style. He has, though, sung for years in the First Baptist Church choir and with the Freeman Family singings. His dad was a Missouri Champion fiddler in the 20’s. Bill brings his lead and baritone with conviction to Yadkin Creek.
Ron Lindberg has been playing mandolin for just a few years now, but is already making a name for himself with his talent. Ron was a founding member of the bluegrass group, Hot Lix, which cut a CD several months ago. Ron and his mandolin are in demand with groups such as The Greer. Sisters from Illinois, Guy Stevens from southern Missouri, Bill Jones from Dixon, Missouri, Shirley Roberson, from Cuba, Missouri and the list goes on. Ron dabbles a little on the guitar and fiddle. He has a great feel for the true bluegrass sound. This is Ron’s first time out in a gospel band. He has been a pleasure to watch as he works out the kickoffs and breaks in the Yadkin songs. He just keeps getting stronger in his dedication and music.
Larry Farrar has been in the bluegrass scene for many years. Larry plays banjo and rhythm guitar. He was a mainstay with the Meramec Music Theater in Steelville for several years. Yadkin has kinda “borrowed” Larry for the banjo work. He fronts his own group, Iron Mountain Bluegrass, which is making a name for itself. They have cut two CDs. The last one was full gospel, and is selling quite well.
Rod “Brassfield” Halbert started with the guitar many years ago, but has changed over to the upright bass with Yadkin Creek. He has been in a few local groups over the years, both gospel and traditional bluegrass. His dad was “straight down the line” Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scrugggs and Stanley Brothers. Brassfield was bitten by the music bug for good at a young age.
Yadkin Creek has been a joy as they have played and sung around the area, hopefully touching the folks with their message in song.
Friday, July 23, 2010 ~ 8:00 PM ~ The Midway
Exciting Gospel and Country music brought to you by the Pruett Family. Consisting of Roger, Phyllis, Andrea and Jessica.
With over 30 years experience in music Roger and Phyllis along with their two girls bring you and entertaining mix with lots of excitement and fun for all. Roger started in country music in the Rolla and surrounding area front lining many bands before he met Phyllis, whose experience was in gospel music in southwest Missouri. Phyllis grew up singing gospel music with her father and family. The two met in Monett, MO in 1987, it was love at first sight. Six weeks later they put together a band and had a wedding. They have been performing together every since. They have played many venues, including Axle’s Country Hoedown in Cassville, MO.
Our two girls, Andrea 21 and Jessica16 complete the group. In addition to singing with the group, Andrea has performed in front of thousands at the state FFA convention and wrote and performed an original song for her high school bachelorette. Since Andrea has gone on to college and gotten married Jessica, a high school sophomore, has taken on the role of lead singer for the family.
Friday, July 23, 2010 ~ 8 PM ~ The Midway (south end)
The Ozark Spirit Cloggers, perform at fairs, nursing homes, Relay for Life, and many other events. The cloggers range in age from 13 to almost 70. The group gets together Tuesday evenings at the Eugene Northern Community Center in Rolla, MO. They have a beginner class beginning in September and welcome new members.
Friday, July 23, 2010 ~ 8:30 PM ~ The Grove
Chance Ray & The Good Sinners - Raised on a river farm in the Missouri Ozarks, Chance and his five siblings knew all too well the hardships of growing up in a blue collar family as his dad was a life-long stone mason and his mom worked in a factory. The hardships were softened by a close family bond weaved together with humor, wit, and music. The end result for Chance was songwriting laced with humor, hardship, and heartbreak about life growing up in the rural Ozarks.
Chance and his band have only been on the scene for a short time and they have already made major strides in a time when music industry execs look for acts that are safe and recycled instead of edgy and refreshing. Things have moved quickly for Chance and the fella's as they have had the opportunity to share the stage with Americana/Red Dirt big guns Wayne Hancock, Chris Knight, Cory Morrow, Brandon Jenkins, and Big Smith. To round out their resume they have also received air play on the Springfield, Mo. based BASS Country 92.9 on the popular Red Dirt Ranch radio show and on Springfield rock station Q102. With demand continuing to grow Chance and his band have decided to see where things may take them as the boys have expanded their market from local to regional.
The band is anchored down by the creative bass sounds of Marvin Lejuene, another local boy hailing from the Ozarks; Marv mixes a cool blend of rock, country, and rockabilly into his bass lines. Tyler Giles, also from the Ozarks, lends his talents to the Good Sinners sound via the screamin’ twangin’ telecaster guitar. The versatile Giles can also be seen picking the mandolin and flattop guitar when the boys do an acoustic set. Stockton Mo's own Mike Clayton completes the string section spending time on the fiddle and the banjo. Rounding out the lineup is the youngster of the band, Brian Campbell, who provides a rock laced beat behind the sticks and skins, Brian is the fuel that drives the Good Sinners engine. Together with Chance’s edgy vocals, Marv, Tyler, Mike, and Brian blend their talents to help create the hard driving sound of Chance Ray & The Good Sinners.
As far as the future is concerned Chance is determined to keep this train rolling as folks reach out for something real during hard economic times and trust me these boys are for real. Be sure and check out the new CD Stoneman Blues this CD is filled with Chance’s songs of truth, grit, humor, and hardship.
Chance and his band have only been on the scene for a short time and they have already made major strides in a time when music industry execs look for acts that are safe and recycled instead of edgy and refreshing. Things have moved quickly for Chance and the fella's as they have had the opportunity to share the stage with Americana/Red Dirt big guns Wayne Hancock, Chris Knight, Cory Morrow, Brandon Jenkins, and Big Smith. To round out their resume they have also received air play on the Springfield, Mo. based BASS Country 92.9 on the popular Red Dirt Ranch radio show and on Springfield rock station Q102. With demand continuing to grow Chance and his band have decided to see where things may take them as the boys have expanded their market from local to regional.
The band is anchored down by the creative bass sounds of Marvin Lejuene, another local boy hailing from the Ozarks; Marv mixes a cool blend of rock, country, and rockabilly into his bass lines. Tyler Giles, also from the Ozarks, lends his talents to the Good Sinners sound via the screamin’ twangin’ telecaster guitar. The versatile Giles can also be seen picking the mandolin and flattop guitar when the boys do an acoustic set. Stockton Mo's own Mike Clayton completes the string section spending time on the fiddle and the banjo. Rounding out the lineup is the youngster of the band, Brian Campbell, who provides a rock laced beat behind the sticks and skins, Brian is the fuel that drives the Good Sinners engine. Together with Chance’s edgy vocals, Marv, Tyler, Mike, and Brian blend their talents to help create the hard driving sound of Chance Ray & The Good Sinners.
As far as the future is concerned Chance is determined to keep this train rolling as folks reach out for something real during hard economic times and trust me these boys are for real. Be sure and check out the new CD Stoneman Blues this CD is filled with Chance’s songs of truth, grit, humor, and hardship.
Saturday, July 24, 2010 ~ 5:30 PM ~ The Midway
Emily Hanning is a fun-loving thirteen-year-old that hails from Salem, Missouri. Emily states that singing is her passion. Meeting new people and listening to music with her friends is her favorite thing to do in Salem. Emily also loves to volunteer at the local food pantry and her church's preschool class. She likes to sing country, gospel, pop, and alternative. Her desire is to share her love of music and make people happy with her signing.
Saturday, July 24, 2010 ~ 7 PM ~ The Midway
The Lost Outlaw Band has been entertaining crowds throughout mid-Missouri since 2002. Playing a mixture of classic country and classic rock the band performs at fairs, parties, weddings, clubs, and just about anywhere people want to have a good time.
Band members consist of veteran musician, Rick Gehlert of Owensville, who has earned a reputation of being a great singer and one of the finest lead guitar players around. His quick wit and humor brings a little comedy to the show and keeps the audience smiling.
Stacey Smith, of Belle, also an extremely talented vocalist, plays guitar and is an accomplished songwriter. Stacey currently has a CD on the market entitled, “Stace Alan and The Lost Outlaw Band”.
Levan Guinn of Belle is another singing member of The Lost Outlaw Band. Levan is a singer, songwriter, and plays acoustic guitar and harmonica for the band. Levan currently has a CD selling online at cdbaby.com, which is simply entitled “Levan”.
Dave Hinson, also from Belle, plays bass guitar for the band. Dave enjoys playing with The Lost Outlaw Band and his contagious smile always seems to spread throughout the crowd.
Jerry Perkins, the man with the beat in the band, and is also from Belle. Jerry plays the drums for The Lost Outlaw Band and shows extraordinary flexibility. Jerry is as comfortable playing an old country song as he is playing rock.
The Lost Outlaw Band loves to play music, but even more, they love to entertain the crowd and have fun.
Band members consist of veteran musician, Rick Gehlert of Owensville, who has earned a reputation of being a great singer and one of the finest lead guitar players around. His quick wit and humor brings a little comedy to the show and keeps the audience smiling.
Stacey Smith, of Belle, also an extremely talented vocalist, plays guitar and is an accomplished songwriter. Stacey currently has a CD on the market entitled, “Stace Alan and The Lost Outlaw Band”.
Levan Guinn of Belle is another singing member of The Lost Outlaw Band. Levan is a singer, songwriter, and plays acoustic guitar and harmonica for the band. Levan currently has a CD selling online at cdbaby.com, which is simply entitled “Levan”.
Dave Hinson, also from Belle, plays bass guitar for the band. Dave enjoys playing with The Lost Outlaw Band and his contagious smile always seems to spread throughout the crowd.
Jerry Perkins, the man with the beat in the band, and is also from Belle. Jerry plays the drums for The Lost Outlaw Band and shows extraordinary flexibility. Jerry is as comfortable playing an old country song as he is playing rock.
The Lost Outlaw Band loves to play music, but even more, they love to entertain the crowd and have fun.
Saturday, July 24, 2010 ~ 7 PM ~ The Beer Garden
Saturday, July 24, 2010 ~ 8:30 PM ~ The Grove
Lois Ann Marler - “Music Makes Us All Feel Better.” It’s a simple philosophy, one that Lois Ann Marler takes to heart. Each performance – whether at festivals, banquets, veteran homes, fundraisers, parades or corporate parties – is a high-energy, interactive show.
Born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks, Lois Ann proudly claims her hillbilly heritage, though her repertoire spans genres to include not only country, but jazz standards, rock and pop. She produces “A Tribute to Love” – a one-hour USO-style show featuring Lois Ann in glittering gowns and feather boas – that transports audiences on a voyage to yesteryear.
Lois Ann is pleased to return to the Phelps County Fair for the third consecutive year. In 2009, she toured Missouri Veterans Home locations with stops in Cape Girardeau, Mexico, Mt. Vernon and St. James. In 2009, Lois Ann also established Good Time Dance Club in Rolla.
Lois Ann wears many hats, including that of freelance writer, editor and home educator. She and her husband of 23 years, Kevin, have two children, Rachel and Timothy.
For more information, visit Lois Ann’s website.
Born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks, Lois Ann proudly claims her hillbilly heritage, though her repertoire spans genres to include not only country, but jazz standards, rock and pop. She produces “A Tribute to Love” – a one-hour USO-style show featuring Lois Ann in glittering gowns and feather boas – that transports audiences on a voyage to yesteryear.
Lois Ann is pleased to return to the Phelps County Fair for the third consecutive year. In 2009, she toured Missouri Veterans Home locations with stops in Cape Girardeau, Mexico, Mt. Vernon and St. James. In 2009, Lois Ann also established Good Time Dance Club in Rolla.
Lois Ann wears many hats, including that of freelance writer, editor and home educator. She and her husband of 23 years, Kevin, have two children, Rachel and Timothy.
For more information, visit Lois Ann’s website.
Saturday, July 24, 2010 ~ 9:30 PM ~ The Grove
Ricochet - In the 1924 George S. Kaufman-Marc Connelly stage play, Beggar on Horseback, a struggling composer has to choose between creating music to stimulate his soul or spending his life working in a widget factory. Although what a widget refers to is never fully explained, it’s some kind of mechanical product lacking in artistic or spiritual value. Now in control of their career, and releasing Ricochet Reloaded – Hits Plus, their first album of new music in eight years, multiple-award-winning band Ricochet can relate to that kind struggle. Yet they have found a way to strike a satisfying balance: working in a widget factory of sorts, yet all the while earning the opportunity to make soul-enriching music with artistic and spiritual value.
“Basically, we’re a band and our product is music,” says bass player and original member Greg Cook. “But we're also a business that has put out a widget - and it's a coaster unless we can get people to buy it and put it in the CD player.”
Ricochet Reloaded is a title that also strikes a perfect balance – giving fans new music from the band, and also treating them to technologically advanced - but faithful - re-recordings of the songs that catapulted the group into the record books. Songs such as “What Do I Know”, their Top 3 hit, which became the highest chart debut single the year it was released. What’s most impressive about the new recordings - what Greg Cook refers to as “HD versions of the hits” – is that fans will be hard-pressed to distinguish them from the original versions.
Take, for instance, the group’s No. 1 (for two weeks) smash, “Daddy’s Money”, or their third Top 10 hit, “Love Is Stronger Than Pride”. Nearly note for note and lick for lick, the tunes are infused with the same passion and excitement Ricochet brought to the original versions. And, as anyone who’s seen Ricochet live on stage throughout the world knows, nowhere is their passion and excitement more evident than on another of their signature songs, “The Star Spangled Banner”, a performance which landed the group in the record books as they became the first country artist to place the song on the Billboard Country Singles chart.
Ricochet had its beginnings in 1993, when the band’s original drummer Jeff Bryant invited Oklahoman Heath Wright to join his band Lariat, which also included Jeff’s brother and original Ricochet fiddle and mandolin player Junior Bryant. Lariat officially disbanded and when Greg Cook, also from Oklahoma, joined in 1994, Ricochet was born. One year later, the group secured a deal with Columbia Records (later Sony Music) and in 1996 vaulted to the top with their sophomore single, “Daddy’s Money”. More albums and hit singles followed until the band parted ways with their label. But the live shows all over the globe, including two USO tours, continued. Attesting to their popularity as a concert attraction, in 2004 the group released The Live Album, which included another of their signature tunes as a stage act – the Steve Young-penned classic “Seven Bridges Road”, which has also been covered by the Eagles, Dolly Parton, and Alan Jackson, to name just a few.
Of the band’s current lineup, keyboard player Dwayne Dupuy, from Houma, Louisiana, joined the group eight years ago after Heath and Greg saw him playing with the group Perfect Stranger. Dwayne has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Northwestern State University. Troy Nelson, who grew up in the small town of Albert Lea, Minnesota, has been in the group for five years and draws on his many musical influences as the group’s drummer. He also contributes high tenor vocals to the group. Guitar player Kenny Lewis from Little Rock, Arkansas, is the “newbie”, playing with the band for about a year. He brings his unique guitar sound and solid touring background to the signature Ricochet sound and show.
Other than adding three new members in the past eight years, and updating their sound to stay relevant in the digital age, the band hasn't really changed much. They still log countless hours of bus travel in between their 100-plus shows a year.
“We can't wait to get out there every night and play music,” says the band’s other original member, lead singer Heath Wright. “It sounds like a cliché but it's true. Our satellite dish doesn't work on the bus, so sometimes we have to talk to each other, and when we do, we play these games like, “What would you do if you won the lottery? And everybody said that they would do this. It might be on a nicer bus, with a satellite dish working, but we'd still be playing shows every weekend to audiences, trying to figure out ways to make our show better, to give the fans an even better experience.
” With the new songs on Ricochet Reloaded - Hits Plus, the group has added what are sure to become Ricochet standards to their eclectic repertoire. The feel-good vibe of the album’s lead track, “Keep You Lovin’ Me”, spotlights the band’s tight harmonies and their knack for crafting tunes that are fun to sing along with. They can then turn things right around and deliver heart-tuggers like “I Had to Be Me” (the bands first single release from Reloaded) or “Beauty of Who You Are” or introduce us to characters we can all relate to in songs such as “Gonna Be Something”, “Feel Like Fallin’” and the sweetly romantic “I Knew”.
For more information visit their website.
“Basically, we’re a band and our product is music,” says bass player and original member Greg Cook. “But we're also a business that has put out a widget - and it's a coaster unless we can get people to buy it and put it in the CD player.”
Ricochet Reloaded is a title that also strikes a perfect balance – giving fans new music from the band, and also treating them to technologically advanced - but faithful - re-recordings of the songs that catapulted the group into the record books. Songs such as “What Do I Know”, their Top 3 hit, which became the highest chart debut single the year it was released. What’s most impressive about the new recordings - what Greg Cook refers to as “HD versions of the hits” – is that fans will be hard-pressed to distinguish them from the original versions.
Take, for instance, the group’s No. 1 (for two weeks) smash, “Daddy’s Money”, or their third Top 10 hit, “Love Is Stronger Than Pride”. Nearly note for note and lick for lick, the tunes are infused with the same passion and excitement Ricochet brought to the original versions. And, as anyone who’s seen Ricochet live on stage throughout the world knows, nowhere is their passion and excitement more evident than on another of their signature songs, “The Star Spangled Banner”, a performance which landed the group in the record books as they became the first country artist to place the song on the Billboard Country Singles chart.
Ricochet had its beginnings in 1993, when the band’s original drummer Jeff Bryant invited Oklahoman Heath Wright to join his band Lariat, which also included Jeff’s brother and original Ricochet fiddle and mandolin player Junior Bryant. Lariat officially disbanded and when Greg Cook, also from Oklahoma, joined in 1994, Ricochet was born. One year later, the group secured a deal with Columbia Records (later Sony Music) and in 1996 vaulted to the top with their sophomore single, “Daddy’s Money”. More albums and hit singles followed until the band parted ways with their label. But the live shows all over the globe, including two USO tours, continued. Attesting to their popularity as a concert attraction, in 2004 the group released The Live Album, which included another of their signature tunes as a stage act – the Steve Young-penned classic “Seven Bridges Road”, which has also been covered by the Eagles, Dolly Parton, and Alan Jackson, to name just a few.
Of the band’s current lineup, keyboard player Dwayne Dupuy, from Houma, Louisiana, joined the group eight years ago after Heath and Greg saw him playing with the group Perfect Stranger. Dwayne has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Northwestern State University. Troy Nelson, who grew up in the small town of Albert Lea, Minnesota, has been in the group for five years and draws on his many musical influences as the group’s drummer. He also contributes high tenor vocals to the group. Guitar player Kenny Lewis from Little Rock, Arkansas, is the “newbie”, playing with the band for about a year. He brings his unique guitar sound and solid touring background to the signature Ricochet sound and show.
Other than adding three new members in the past eight years, and updating their sound to stay relevant in the digital age, the band hasn't really changed much. They still log countless hours of bus travel in between their 100-plus shows a year.
“We can't wait to get out there every night and play music,” says the band’s other original member, lead singer Heath Wright. “It sounds like a cliché but it's true. Our satellite dish doesn't work on the bus, so sometimes we have to talk to each other, and when we do, we play these games like, “What would you do if you won the lottery? And everybody said that they would do this. It might be on a nicer bus, with a satellite dish working, but we'd still be playing shows every weekend to audiences, trying to figure out ways to make our show better, to give the fans an even better experience.
” With the new songs on Ricochet Reloaded - Hits Plus, the group has added what are sure to become Ricochet standards to their eclectic repertoire. The feel-good vibe of the album’s lead track, “Keep You Lovin’ Me”, spotlights the band’s tight harmonies and their knack for crafting tunes that are fun to sing along with. They can then turn things right around and deliver heart-tuggers like “I Had to Be Me” (the bands first single release from Reloaded) or “Beauty of Who You Are” or introduce us to characters we can all relate to in songs such as “Gonna Be Something”, “Feel Like Fallin’” and the sweetly romantic “I Knew”.
For more information visit their website.
Please thank our sponsors for bringing this event to you.
105.3 KZNN FM
At Your Service Limo Service
Avon - Cheryl Dalton
Baymont Inn & Suites of Rolla
Bobby's Photography
Budget Deluxe Inn
Grellner Sales & Service, Inc.
One Dollar Shop
One Stop Costume & Party Shoppe
Pepsi Cola Bottling Company
Phelps County Bank
Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce
Sonic Sound
Super 8
Town & Country Bank
Triple H Construction & Farm Services, LLC