Ashlee Blankenship and Blades of Blue to perform in Floyd on Sept. 15
Ashlee Blankenship and 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. Photo courtesy of Betty Lineberry
Ashlee Blankenship and Blades of Blue will perform in Floyd on Sept. 15 at the fourth-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 and 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.
“She has a powerful voice that can wrap around any song, whether old or new, and deliver it with authority and confidence,” said Steffey.
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.
“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,” Blankenship said.
The Warren G Lineberry Bluegrass Music Concert’s introductory band will be the Compton family Band and friends. Photo courtesy of Betty Lineberry
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. 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 more than 25 years. They started as Second Helping Band in the 1980s, playing with Melvin Harman and Ralph Clements. In the 1990s, Bonssi Vincenti, a banjo player, joined them and played for about 10 years. After Vincenti left, Tom Goins joined the group and played for more than five years. Through the years, they have played with many talented Floyd County musicians, including Sammy Shelor of the Lonesome River Band.
Doors will open to the public for this concert at 5 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 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults prior to the concert or $12 at the door. Children younger than 12 are free. For tickets for this event contact any member of the Partnership for Floyd or call 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. Citizens and businesses that have helped with this project will be recognized at this event.
– Submitted by Betty Lineberry
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