Sandy River Ramblers – L-R: Stan Keach, Dana Reynolds, Bud Godsoe, Julie Davenport, Dan Simons. Submitted photo

MANCHESTER — On Saturday, June 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., in Manchester, the Sandy River Ramblers will perform their first concert since March 10, 2020, their hiatus being forced by the pandemic. The Ramblers are Maine’s longest-lasting bluegrass band, having been performing regularly since 1983. “As far as we know, we’re the only bluegrass band ever to play continuously for 38 years,” says bandleader Stan Keach, who plays guitar and sings lead and harmony parts for the Ramblers.

The outdoor concert will be held at Lakeside Orchards, 318 Readfield Road (Rte. 17) in Manchester.  There are a few picnic tables available, but attendees are advised to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets (as well as picnics, snacks and beverages).  Admission is $12 for adults, free admission for people 12 years old or younger. For more information, call Stan at (207) 397-2241.

The Ramblers also feature two outstanding female lead vocalists, upright bass player Julie Davenport, and Dana Reynolds, currently a student at UMO. Mandolinist Dan Simons and banjo player Bud Godsoe carry most of the lead instrumental load, and they do it with ferocious velocity and stunning technical prowess.  Keach, a nationally-known bluegrass songwriter and an inductee in the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, writes many original songs about Maine, which the ramblers feature regularly in their concerts and on their popular CDs.