FARMINGTON – The Sandy River Ramblers will present a Concert of Bluegrass and Acoustic Music 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 in Nordica Auditorium, Merrill Hall, at the University of Maine at Farmington.
The Sandy River Ramblers, one of Maine’s top Bluegrass acts, features the lead singing and stellar songwriting of Stan Keach, a nationally-known Bluegrass songwriter who has written hits for national Bluegrass stars including Audie Blaylock, James King, Danny Paisley, and many others. The band also features the hot picking of banjoist Bud Godsoe of Madrid. Godsoe learned to play banjo while working on the Alaska Pipeline in the 1960s. Super Mandolin picker Dan Simons is a neo-traditionalist who models his playing heavily on Bluegrass founder Bill Monroe’s style. Liz Keach plays a rock-solid bass and sings lead and gorgeous harmony parts.
The concert will also feature virtuoso fiddler Jay Smith, of the well-known Smith Brothers, from Industry. Smith, who cut his musical teeth with the Franklin County Fiddlers at Mt. Blue High School, has been studying music at the University of Southern Maine, and playing in Wilf Clark’s Misty Mountaineers, as well as in classical ensembles. Smith will play a set of fiddle tunes, and will also play a set with the Ramblers.
Finally, well-known guitarist, singer-songwriter, recording engineer, and concert promoter Ed Desjardins of Readfield, will do a set, including some songs from his critically praised CD, Innerspace.
The concert will benefit the Farmington Emblem Club, which has served the community in many ways, including scholarships, flag-folding presentations, and other projects. There will be refreshments, and a 50/50 raffle. Admission is $5.00 at the door.
For more information, contact Stan Keach at (207) 397-2241, or stanleykeach@hotmail.com.
