Bluegrass band will perform 2 free shows
The bluegrass band Allegheny Drifters will be performing at the Butler Farm Show at 7 and 9 p.m. Aug. 11 in the Rural King Auditorium Pavilion.
Admission is free.
From the western foothills of the Alleghenies, the band has presented its style of bluegrass for more than a decade.
The show will appeal to all ages with bluegrass classics, soulful vocals and blazing instrumentals.
Lead singer and guitarist Bernie Cunningham has recorded with several regional bands, released a solo CD and is a versatile multi-instrumentalist. He lives in Fombell.
Mandolinist Bob Artis has been playing professionally since the early 1960s. He began a tenure with Mac Martin and the Dixie Travelers in 1968, recording nearly 80 songs for the Rural Rhythm and County labels. He’s appeared on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and over his long career has played or recorded with bluegrass legends Red Allen, Hylo Brown, Clyde Moody and Larry Sparks.
Karen Artis plays the upright bass and sings. Also a songwriter, she contributed the title song for the “Climb Heaven’s Ladder” CD project. An award-winning designer, she handles all the graphics for the band.
She and her husband, Bob, live in Forest Hills.
Banjo player Jim Scott, the newest member of the band, joined in 2015.
A multi-instrumentalist, he also plays guitar and Dobro and sings. He is a native of Hermitage.
