Gauley Festival Musical Entertainment
FRIDAY
The Halftime String Band
Starting Friday night we have brought back The Halftime String Band once again. Since they began performing together in November 2003, the Halftime String Band has continued to diversify their sound, developing original material and borrowing from a variety of musicians and styles. Working from a bluegrass/newgrass foundation, they also like to work the edges of rock and roll, jazz and blues. On top of all this Bob Spangler is a kayaker and can be seen on many of West Virginia’s rivers. They have become the Kayakers’ band of choice playing at the Cheat Fest, Yough River Festival and the Gauley Festival a number of times. Come to the Festival grounds on Friday and hear this band. You will be glad you did. Check out their Web sites:
SATURDAY
Pianoman Bob
Starting our music on Saturday is Pianoman Bob who moves to the main stage. Bob has been coming to the Festival for about 10 years. At some point he brought his keyboard and powered it up with a car invertor. Annual fest goers began spreading the word and before long, generators were brought, tents were set up, and other musicians joined in, and there was a party within the party that literally drew hundreds of people.
Bob also plays other instruments in addition to his piano and plays rock, folk, southern rock and some country. You do not want to miss Bob as he gets the crowd involved. Check out the following YouTube video from last year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3nxXQuJXAg
Music by the Weedhawks
From Morgantown West Virginia we have the Weedhawks new to the Festival this year. A hit with bikers, kids, old folks and most middle aged people. (Wait a minute isn’t that about everyone?) You will also add kayakers after you hear them. These two singing, songwriting, high energy performin’ weedhawks can really fire up an audience and bring on the happy... to even the most sour of individuals. Their blend of acoustic, bluegrass and country fits right in with our Festival. The Weedhawks are Bobby Lane on Guitar, harmonica and vocals with Ruby Jean on Fiddle, mandolin and vocals. Check out their Web page:
http://www.myspace.com/weedhawks
Music by The Mavens
Winding up the evening will be the The Mavens. The Pittsburgh-based Mavens play an authentic and original form of honky-tonk, neo-traditional country, western-swing and roots rock music. The Mavens feature stellar singing, songwriting and musicanship which make them one of the most popular bands in the western Pennsylvania region. The Mavens got together in 2002 to create an original band that drew heavily from their major influences that include 40s western swing, 50s classic country, 60s retro-pop, 70s country rock and contemporary roots twang and rock. The Mavens first studio recording features 8 originals songs and fresh covers of “Invitation to the Blues”, “Riding My Thumb to Mexico” and “Different Drum”. The Mavens have played major festivals including the Johnstown Folk Festival, The Three Rivers Arts Festival and BradleyFest. Not to mention the Ohiopyle Over the Falls Festival. Instrumentation Mark Evans, lead guitar and vocals, Rick Malis, rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Pete Freeman, pedal steel guitar, dobro and lead vocals, Ted Sohier, bass guitar and harmony vocals, Jeff Berman, drums and percussion. These guys will keep you going late at night. Check out their web site at: