The Common Cents band is a unique combination of bluegrass
musicains coming together for a celebration of Bill Monroe's
music, with many other contemporary influences, like the New Grass
Revival, and Peter Rowan. The occasional original tune is produced
in the bluegrass mode. The members of the band include a few NCBS
board members, volunteers, and even the director and orignator of
this very festival. Always glad to play our music, we humbly ask
to be concidered for this years festival. I miss playing with the
Birchlake Ramblers, as we always got to play at the Good ol
Fasioned Bluegrass Festival.
The members include NCBS board member Elicia Burton, the
treasurer. I might add, she's done an incredible job with our
budget this year. She plays fiddle and sings a song or two, and
was a member of the Birch Lake Ramblers. see Elicia's bio, for more
detail.
Eric Burman, singer/songwriter guitarist, board member as
the Vice President of NCBS, and Festival Director this year, also
the director of several other bluegrass events, including the
Brookdale Bluegrass Festival.
Reginal Bartlett is and has for several years, run this festival's Kids on Stage program, is one
of the 'white chick singers' adding harmonies to the vocals.
MC and CBA ambassador at large, IMBA hosipitality suite manager,
banjo player, will grace us with his fine instrument and
presents. Now , the non-drummer, Hi Hat Bill Hunter, will be
playing his brushes on the hihat and singing his original tunes,
as has become quite the song writer lately.
Bass player Bruce Maurier has consented to join us for this show.
Sam Sternlight is the icing on the cake. One of the best lead guitarist I've ever
played with, now plays the mandolin too, adding even more class to
this bluegrass sound.
And now the rest of the 'white chick singers' backing vocalist.
Regina Bartlett was already mentioned,
so new comer Laurie Shumaker, sings the high part, and Stephanie
Sakasai, sings in the middle, she made her statement in music in
the 80-90's in Japan, as a lead singer in several rock bands, and
even tv apppearances. She had been in the Lunatic Fringe just a
few years ago.
We expect our favorite guest fiddle player to join us for a song
or two, a new comer, but coming on strong, Karl Kummerle, as I expect
him to be there at the festival.
Eric Burman
