The Upper Grassman play Bluegrass
by Tom Keener
The Upper Grassman present an exciting blend of traditional bluegrass, as well as country, blues and jazz all played bluegrass style, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 20, at the Allen Public Library. With Bluegrass deeply ingrained in the hearts and souls of these four talented musicians, the group has been winning the hearts of fans from all over North Texas. The Upper Grassman will provide a foot stomping experience and a night to remember.
The Twin Fiddles, comprised of twin sisters Megan and Kelly Bynum, will open the concert. Playing in tandem, The Twin Fiddles performed for the Allen Heritage Guild’s “Civil War Ghost Tales”, Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano and Willie Nelson’s Church in Abbott, Texas. Because they are classically trained and have played together since they were very young, their fiddling has a unique, synergistic resonance with a classical touch.
Organized in 2006, The Upper Grassman are regulars at the Chrystal Opry House, Spring Break Festival in Bonham, and Atoka Bluegrass Festival. The group is comprised of four members, Don Sharp, Vance Jones, Randy Keister, and Brad Allen.
Don Sharp, bass, began performing bluegrass on the banjo with a group called The Texoma Valley boys. Having never had a formal lesson on the banjo, he learned to pick using a Scruggs banjo book and playing the Flat and Scruggs albums on the turn table at 16 rpm rather than 33 to slow them down.
Vance Jones, guitar, began playing with a family band known as the Meadowlake Boys. The group toured for several years on the festival circuit and was popular at many venues.
On dobro, Randy Keister started playing bluegrass with his family at home in Pennsylvania and has developed a fine touch on this instrument.
A well-known fiddler, banjo player, and singer, Brad Allen has been performing and teaching traditional music for over 30 years. Although he is equally at home on almost any stringed instrument, the banjo is his specialty and he has developed his own unique style of playing.
Sponsored by Bach to Books, this event is free. The Allen Public Library is located at 300 N. Allen Drive, Allen, TX, 75013.
Call Tom Keener at 214-509-4911 for more information.
|
