ASHLEE BLANKENSHIP & BLADES OF BLUE TO PERFORM IN FLOYD
Ashlee Blankenship and Blades of Blue will perform in Floyd on September 15, 2012 at the 4th
annual Warren G Lineberry Bluegrass Music Concert at Floyd County High
School on Baker Street. Also on the program is the Compton Band &
Friends.
Ashlee Blankenship & her Blades of Blue made their showcase debut last year at
The International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass
conference with 2010 Mandolin Performer of the Year Adam Steffey.
Steffey says "She has a powerful voice that can wrap around any song,
whether old or new, and deliver it with authority and confidence." Banjo
master Sammy Shelor agrees: "Ashlee is my favorite of the up-and–coming
singers in the bluegrass industry. She’s soulful and energetic with a
great range and can sing anything from traditional to contemporary
bluegrass with great feeling." Mark Hodges with Mountain Fever Records
continues by saying, "Ashlee is one of the most promising young singers
I’ve heard in years. She has superstar talent…"
Blades of Blue is a stellar young group of musicians consisting of
Blankenship on lead and harmony vocals; Joshua Underwood, banjo; Caleb
Courtner, mandolin; Dustin Pyrtle, guitar; and Jimmy Creed, bass. This
band is receiving tremendous attention from the bluegrass music world.
Their initial, self-titled recording was released on Mountain Fever
Records in April, 2011. It was engineered and produced by Sammy Shelor,
who also guests on banjo and lead guitar on selected tracks. Ashlee
praises the group, "I’m very excited about the release of Blades of
Blue’s debut album. I was fortunate enough to work with some amazing
song writers and musicians".
The Warren G Lineberry Bluegrass Music Concert’s introductory band
will be the Compton family Band and friends. The Compton family consists
of Darryl Compton, Clinton Compton, (their father) and Roger Compton of
Willis, VA. This band is a perfect example of good family harmony.
Roger received his first stand-up bass from his father when he was 16
years old. Darryl learned the guitar when he was about 18.
Darryl and Roger have been playing together for over 25 years. They
started as Second Helping Band in the 1980’s, playing with Melvin
Harman and Ralph Clements. In the 1990’s, Bonssi Vincenti a banjo
player, joined them and played for about ten years. About 2000, After
Vincenti left, Tom Goins joined the group and played for more than 5
years. Through the years, they have played with many talented Floyd
County musicians, including Sammy Shelor of the Lonesome River Band.
ASHLEE BLANKENSHIP PAGE 2
Doors will open to the public for this concert at 5:00 p.m. A light
barbecue supper will be available along with time to view the silent
auction items. Delicious homemade cakes and pastries will also be
available for purchase. The music will begin at 7:00 p.m. Admission is
$10.00 for adults prior to the concert or $12.00 at the door. Children
under 12 are free. For tickets for this event contact any member of the
Partnership for Floyd or call 540-745-4174. Tickets may also be purchased at the sidewalk booth on Friday nights in Floyd.
All funds received from this event will be used to complete the
stage/pavilion in the Warren G. Lineberry Park in downtown Floyd. COME
DO YOUR PART FOR YOUR PARK. Citizens and businesses that have helped
with this project will be recognized at this event.
