Newgrass Generation To Debut on February Opry!

February 23rd  will mark just the 2nd show of the 2008 season, but already the Sopchoppy Opry is in high gear for another great year of showcasing the area’s wealth of  musical talent!  ‘Bashful Bob’ Sims, the Musical Coordinator for the Big Bend’s longest running and most popular classic country show has done it again!  This month, Southbound’s special guest will be the fabulous Newgrass Generation, the ever popular Lisa Watson and the Sugar Girls along with Jimmy Wells!

"The Newgrass Generation (NgG) is the next generation of bluegrass”, says Rhonda Wilson, band publicist.  “The unique group of young women – Keaton, Alyssa, and McClain, 14 year old 9th graders and 11 year old Sarah in 6th grade - have found a passion for bluegrass (music).  The group plays traditional music with amazing instrumental and vocal harmony.  Band members are all gifted students, both academically and musically.  Keaton has won first place in the twin fiddle contest at the Florida Folk Festival for the last two years in addition to many other fiddle contests!  Both Keaton (violin) and  McClain (vocals) were selected to participate in the Florida All State Music Ensembles.  Alyssa is an accomplished writer with a regular newspaper column for the Northeast Chronicle (a sister publication of the Tallahassee Democrat), articles in the Democrat and participates in the school orchestra (violin) and tennis team in addition to her blistering guitar pickin’ abilities.  The members are involved in local charities such as the Refuge House, Ronald McDonald House and perform at local retirement homes on a regular basis along with other appearances at local establishments and benefits!”  For more information on this fantastic group go to www.newgrassgeneration.com .

“Opry fans will love NgG!” says Bob Sims.  “I had the opportunity to see them recently and it was a fantastic experience to see these young 'stars of  tomorrow' perform the great old classic bluegrass tunes with their own special instrumental and vocal interpretation!  Don’t miss the NgG!  They are just super!”

Joining Southbound for the first hour of this talent laden show, are Lisa Watson, The Sugar Girls (Donna Klein & Debbie Jett) and keyboard accompanist, Mr. Jimmy Wells!  Lisa is a regular guest on the Opry and always delights Opry fans with her powerful renditions of pop, country and Gospel tunes with golden harmony and backup provided by the ever popular Sugar Girls!  Lisa will serve as the Guest Hostess as well for the Southbound portion! 

All this and as always, a brand new show by our very own ‘boys in the band’ Southbound Band, too!  Bob Sims, lead guitar/vocals; Buck Jones, peddle steel guitar; Reggie Bradley, electric bass guitar/vocals; B.C. Brown, keyboards/saxophone; Lamar Brock, drums/vocals and Wayne Martin, fiddle/vocals will present a fifteen (15) tune - first hour set, with a healthy sprinkling of comedy sure to please every fan!

Call 962-3711 for ticket information! Heavy demand is expected for this special Sopchoppy Opry, so call early!

Opry fans, it’s not too late to purchase 2008 season tickets!  Season tickets will be available through the March show and price will be pro-rated!  Call 962-3711 for information or stop by the Opry office at the show for information!

Is there a favorite Opry performance that you would like to have in your DVD/CD collection?  Recent shows are now available in DVD/CD format and can be yours for a $15 donation.  Starting with the January ’08 Opry, all DVDs are made from master recording filmed by our new Modern Robotics camera!  Opry DVDs/CDs make excellent gifts for any occasion!  The Opry staff will even mail your DVD/CD gift upon request!

Opry Concessions, featuring those world class desserts (cakes, pies & cookies) along with BBQ sandwiches, hotdogs and additional entrée opens at 5:30 pm on show date.  Come early and enjoy before the show!

Thanks for supporting the Sopchoppy Opry and the restoration of historic Sopchoppy High School!

NgG Story by:  Rhonda Wilson, Band Publicist
Photo Credits:  NgG – Rhonda Wilson
                         Lisa Watson, et al – Wakulla .Com Archives via Don Pace. Opry Photo

Written by :

mkwestmark

 

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