FARMINGTON — The
will bring their virtuoso vocal and instrumental skills to the North Church at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. Over the past few years, the Ramblers have played many concerts in Franklin County, but this will be their debut at the North Church.
“We used to bill ourselves as a bluegrass band,” said Stan Keach, guitarist and chief songwriter for the Ramblers, “but now we like to say we’re Americana — specifically, Mainah.” Indeed, the Ramblers feature about 20 songs about Maine topics, many of them from their highly acclaimed brisk-selling CD, Cry of the Loon and other original songs about Maine. Some of the songs, like Boots From L. L. Bean, which popular Maine writer George Smith calls “a parody of all-things-Maine, are hilarious. Others, like Lobsterman and Donn Fendler, are poignant.
The Ramblers feature lead singing by Keach and Julie Churchill, a stunning-voiced 20-year-old who “sings like she’s 35,” according to one local critic. The band showcases 3- and 4-part vocal harmony, as well as fiery instrumental leads by Simons, banjoist Bud Godsoe (from Madrid), and 18-year-old fiddler Max Silverstein.
“Stylistically, we play some very traditional bluegrass licks,” said Keach, “but our repertoire is unique, and we try hard to be a band that can entertain any audience, regardless of musical taste.”
There will be a lasagna dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for $10. Tickets for the concert are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. The North Church is at 118 High Street. For more information, call 207-397-2241 or 207-778-4275.
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