W. Pa. bands rock farm show
CONNOQUENESSING TWP — The farm animals and equipment are not the only parts of the Butler FarmShow that come from in and around Butler County.
The weeklong farm show provides a wide variety of musical entertainment, all from bands that originate in and around Butler County.
All of the bands will play two free shows, at 7 and 9 p.m., in the auditorium pavilion.
The bands that will perform this year are:
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Aug. 6 — The Wrangler Band will play a variety of music ranging from country to classic rock.The band, which has had several names, began in Western Pennsylvania in 1977 when two of the four band members were only 5 and 7. Since then, the group has added two members and played at a variety of fairs, festivals and special events.The band members pride themselves on writing their own music and having been on stage with well-known country singers such as Faith Hill, Brad Paisley, Neil McCoy and Loretta Lynn.
• <B>Aug. 7 — </B>The Tom Walker Family and Friends will play contemporary Christian music as a part of Tuesday's Gospel Music Celebration.The band, formed about 18 years ago in New Castle, consists of Tom Walker, his wife, Linda, and their two daughters and son. They have performed at many Butler County churches, parks, and events.The Walkers describe their performance as "powerfully arranged gospel music, coupled with smooth harmony and a strong spiritual emphasis."Also performing with the band will be special guests Hearts to Heaven from Butler and T.R. Walker from New Castle.• <B>Aug. 8 </B>—<B> </B>The Jentz Band will play a variety of music, including oldies, classic rock, 1980s dance, hip-hop, country and pop hits.The band from Kittanning, which began in the 1960s and has included many different musicians, has recently played at a variety of Butler venues such as the Brickhouse, the American Legion and the Days Inn. They also perform in other towns in Western Pennsylvania, including Kittanning, Zelienople, Indiana and Tarentum.• <B>Aug. 9 </B>—<B> </B>The Mainhart Family will play bluegrass and gospel music.The group has performed at many Butler County churches and events.
• <B>Aug. 10 </B>—<B> </B>Remington Ryde will play bluegrass and gospel music.The band of six musicians, all with differing musical backgrounds, recently released a CD with Green Valley Records called "No Looking Back." It also has performed at numerous bluegrass festivals and fairs in the state.• <B>Aug. 11 </B>—<B> </B>Diamonds in the Rough will play country music.The performance will feature national and state fiddle champion Kim Thomas, as well as four vocalists who sing in a variety of styles.Thomas describes the band as a "polished and professional country band" that performs at many festivals and rodeos.Unlike the other performances, Diamonds in the Rough will perform one show at 7:30 p.m., following a fiddling contest at 5 p.m. The fiddling contest will feature fiddlers from young children to senior citizens.
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