Recently I made a trip to Flemingsburg to check out The Years of Farming Bluegrass Show at the Simons Middle School. I have long heard about the event but this was my first time visiting. Now I regret not being there before and feel like I have really missed out.
Simons Middle School
I was very impressed with how nice the auditorium is and I can say very honestly that it is one of the best places for an indoor venue I have seen. I was amazed that it wasn’t filled up. I mean it. Great music and a nice atmosphere AND they even had pulled pork, hot dogs and other goodies out in the hallway.
The Years of Farming Bluegrass Show is presented by Paula Hinton and Hinton Mills.
This particular weekend Paula had The Velvet Blue, Rebel Express and headliner Lost & Found.
As of this writing the next show on the schedule is Bluegrass Christmas with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver which will be on December 16 starting at 3:00 pm.
Future shows include bands such as; The Grascals, IIIrd Tyme Out, and The Spinney Brothers.
Lost & Found
Lost & Found has been touring and producing records for about 30 years. This was the first time I had seen them live. I thought they were great. Allen Mills, the bands leader, even sang a Bill Castle tune which was cool. I Always Get Lonesome When It Rains…
The Velvet Blue is a newer band. I think they have been together not much over a year now. I believe these guys have some big potential. Brian, Carrie and Harold have written and co-written some really nice songs like; Starting All Over (Carrie Johnson), Poor Boys Responsibilites (Brian Cooper) and Life Without Parole (Harold Henry) and Once For Sadie (Brian Cooper and Harold Henry).
Another asset they have is a brand new Bill Castle tune titled Blue In The Blue Ridge Mountains as well as a couple songs written by Bobby Hedge; That Old House and January Snow. I am telling you that all six songs I just listed are killer tunes!
The Velvet Blue
We are expecting a CD, produced by Steve Gullet, from The Velvet Blue in early 2013. I look forward to it and have no doubt that it will be a good seller.
Rebel Express – Jackie Reeves (of the Rowan County Ramblers), Jesse Bush, Tim Hazelbaker, and Logan Hembree
The Simons Middle School is one of 5 middle schools in the Fleming County School District. Approximately 356 students, in 7th and 8th grade, attend the school.
Resources and further information:
The Simons Middle School – http://www.fleming.kyschools.us/school_home.aspx?schoolid=2
The Years of Farming Bluegrass Show – http://www.YearsOfFarming.com
Lost & Found is Allen Mills, Scott Napier, Ronald Smith and Scotty Sparks. Their official site – http://www.LostAndFoundBluegrass.com
The Velvet Blue is Brian Cooper, Taylor Hampton, Harold Henry, and Carrie Johnson http:/www.TheVelvetBlue.com
The Velvet Blue on the Simons Middle School Auditorium Stage
See videos from The Years of Farming Bluegrass Show in Flemingsburg Kentucky
http://www.idigbluegrass.com/category/years-of-farming-bluegrass-show/
Photos and words by David Slone
