The Even Money Band to Entertain at May 31 Sopchoppy Opry

“It has been five weeks since the last Sopchoppy Opry and fans are hungry for some great classic country music!” says Bob Sims, Opry Talent Coordinator.  “So we’ve put together a show that is sure to please every classic country fan!  The main event will be the Even Money Band with Johnny “the voice” Sims, daughter Callie and Mollie Lynn also appearing!  Southbound, as always, will have a new show jam packed with the best of the great country songs making this one of the year’s best shows!  Don’t miss it!”

Even Money, the area’s newest band is already raking in the accolades from music lovers for its tight sound and instrumentation!  And there’s good reason!  When you put musicians Skip Johns, (formerly of the Travelers), on banjo; Geoff Callaghan, guitar and mandolin; Kay Linton, fiddle and Brian Durham on bass and join their voices into one, the result is the fantastic sound of Even Money, unique and powerful!  Listen to what the music critics are saying!

"In an era when bluegrass seems to be driven to re-define and re-invent itself in a hodgepodge of styles, interpretations and presentations, the musicians of Even Money are content to stay close to the core of traditional bluegrass material, vocal styles and instrumentation.  This is not to say that Even Money does not throw in some curves, material-wise, that are surprising!  Audiences hear some blues, folk, era music, here and there, but still bluegrass in form and composition, nothing electric with a nod to authenticity and staying close to what is real."

Skip Johns, a native of Lake City, Florida, is a third generation bluegrass musician and was playing festivals with his own band, The Travelers, by the age of 18.  He learned traditional bluegrass foundation and technique from fellow Lake City natives and bluegrass greats, Chubby and Anthony Wise.  He credits Earl Scruggs, J.D. Crowe, the Osborne Brothers, Seldom Scene and Jimmy Martin among the greatest influences on his music.  Tallahassee native Brian Durham grew up in a world of music influences as well.  He plays a variety of instruments and developed his love for music from his Dad and other music greats like Rudy Jones and Hall of Fame member Max Tillman.  Before Even Money, Brian has played with a variety of bands including Blue Moon, Stillwood, Dead Keys, the FSU Blues Band, Curious Circus and Trial by Stone.  Geoff Callaghan and Kay Linton round out the band’s unique sound and have rich backgrounds in music.  Together, the group produces a sound that is exciting country and bluegrass fans throughout the Big Bend!

The beautiful and talented Mollie Lynn is back by popular demand for her second appearance this year!  Mollie is always a welcomed guest on the historic Opry stage with her rendition of the great country tunes!  And this time, fans will get to enjoy Mollie as the guest host for the first hour of the show!

Joining Mollie Lynn during the first hour are Johnny ‘The Voice’ Sims and his beautiful (eight year old) daughter, Callie!  Johnny, a popular favorite of Opry fans, known for his clear and powerful voice, will team up with fellow guest Mollie Lynn for the hit “A Whiskey Lullaby” and sing several solo tunes, including ‘The Chair’, ‘1982’, and ‘Pop a Top (again)’.  Daughter Callie will help her Dad and perform a solo number, too!

Even Money, Mollie Lynn, Johnny and Callie Sims and an all new Southbound show will make it one of the best for the year!  Showtime is 7 pm and tickets are $8 at the door.  Call 962-3711 for ticket information.

Come early and enjoy Opry Concessions that include spaghetti entre’, barbeque pork sandwiches, hotdogs and a large selection of homemade desserts!  Opry concessions and box office open at 5:30 pm on show date.

Story submitted by Jesse Quigg, Sopchoppy Opry Publicist (volunteer)
Even Money information & photo by Skip Johns, Band Publicist
Johnny & Callie Sims, Mollie Lynn Photos by Bob and Barbara Sims

This article originally published on May 17, 2008.

Written by :

mkwestmark

 

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