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Roots and Branches - Eclectic bluegrass
Roots and Branches actually came into being as a result of the concerts which are presented by the Union County Historical Society. Sam Ensley, who originated the concerts, had written a song about the old courthouse. Sammy, his son, had just set up a recording studio in his mother's basement. They began work on a CD based on the courthouse song. Wayde Powell III with his unlimited musical ability joined the effort. ( Two songs badly needed some fiddle work. Randall Collins left his supper table to come over to the studio. He listened to each song once, and then laid down some world class fiddle work.) Sammy and Wayde took turns on the bass during the recordings.
When the CD was completed, a debut was planned at The Old Courthouse on the Square. Robert Brewer, who played bass with The Cain't Hardly Playboys with Sam, was the natural selection for bass player. His great singing abilities helped make the group. Randall came down and played for the concert.
The CD debut at The Old Courthouse led to a weekly TV show on the local access cable station, Channel 4. For several years Roots and Branches was seen several times each week-end.
They have been classified as an eclectic bluegrass band because they use bluegrass instruments to do songs from many genres. The most requested songs on the TV show, however, were classical country songs from the 1930's through the 1950's.
Roots and Branches cancelled many performances this year because of a rare disease that causes Wayde to fall. He fell and broke the femur in his right leg, and it isn't healing well. Only very recently has he begun to do some limited studio work. (Gerald Lanham has done a marvelous job of filling in on banjo for committed performances.) The good news is that Wayde will be able to perform at The Old Courthouse; be it in a wheelchair. Wayde agrees with the other band members that The Old Courthouse concerts are the most enjoyable and fulfilling thing we've ever done, and every effort is made to be there..
The concerts in The Old Courthouse on the Square are presented by the Union County Historical Society as a community service and to keep alive the history of music in the monumental building. There is no required admission charge to any of the concerts presented by the Union County Historical Society. Voluntary contributions to the maintenance fund are always welcomed and appreciated.
Date and Time
Friday Oct 17, 2014
7:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT
Every Friday Night
Concerts start at 7pm
Location
Old Historic Court House
Downtown Blairsville
Fees/Admission
Voluntary contributions to the maintenance fund are always welcomed and appreciated.
Contact Information
For more information (706) 745-5493