The Ruta Beggars in Lake Orion, MI (5/28/26) – photo © Bill Warren
I had the opportunity to see a new venue and a new-to-me band Thursday evening. 20 Front Street in Lake Orion, Michigan is an intimate venue that hosts bands of different genres. It is a small venue that holds around sixty patrons.
The Ruta Beggars were the evening’s entertainment. The band members are all part of the Berklee College of Music in Boston. In short – excellent musicians. A lot of their music is original, written by band leader, Micah Nicol. Then they hit their audience with Leavin’ Detroit and Blue Virginia Blue. The band has an infectious energy that needs to be seen by the wider bluegrass community. See these guys if they are in your area. You can get an official Ruta Beggar kazoo!
Saturday evening brought bluegrass music to the Kentuckians of Michigan in Romulus, Michigan. The Kentuckians has hosted bluegrass for well over 25 years. The evening started with an open jam led by Kentuckians vice president, Kevin Trusty. About fifteen musicians participated. The Southeast Michigan Bluegrass Music Association welcomed the Kentuckians as a new organizational member. The two groups will work together in bringing bluegrass music to the area.
The stage entertainment was the Northwoods Ramblers, fronted by Aaron Smith. Aaron has been a part of the area music scene for many years. Bass player Tamara Brescol is a third generation bluegrasser. Her grandfather, Robert White, promoted many shows in Ohio and Michigan, and fronted the Candy Mountain band. Her father, Donnie White, was one of the area’s premier banjo players. The band provides a broad selection of traditional bluegrass music.
I had a personal honor when asked to introduce the band. Thank you Kevin.
The next stop for the Candidpix.info cameras will be in Cherokee, NC next weekend.
