Calvert County native brings back the Bluegrass Sounds of the 70’s in a special tribute show, Sunday February 10, 2:00 pm in Hughesville, MD
Mike Phipps will be featured in a special Bluegrass show tribute to Charlie Waller & the Country Gentlemen on Sunday February 10, 2008. The show will be part of the Sons of the American Legion Bluegrass series and will begin at 2:00 pm with the Jack Tippet Band opening the show.
Mike Phipps is a native of Owings, Maryland located in Northern Calvert County. He began playing mandolin and singing while in high school. Later he teamed up with Dobro player Fred Travers of the “Seldom Scene”, performing in several bands around the Washington, DC area including the popular Southern Maryland band, "The Dixie Ramblers" along with Keith Arneson, banjoist for the US Navy Band, "Country Current". Mike currently plays Mandolin, lead & baritone vocals with another Southern Maryland favorite, "Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition", whom he has been a member of for over 5 years. His love of Classic Country music and the influence of Bluegrass artists such as Charlie Waller have contributed much to his musical style.
With his influence of and sounding so much like singer Charlie Waller of the "Country Gentlemen", Mike was invited to be a part of "A Tribute to the Country Gentlemen" recording project along with former Gents member "Bill Yates". This special memorable tribute back in time will be presented in a concert at the American Legion Post 238 on Sunday February 10, 2008.
Bill Yates and Friends “A Tribute to the Country Gentlemen” is the result of the love of the “Real” Country Gentlemen music and an impromptu jam session. Bill Yates was a member of "Charlie Waller & the Country Gentlemen" from 1969-1989. He recorded 17 projects with the group, and traveled the world over. He has been given numerous awards for his work with not only the “Gents” but Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin and Red Allen. Bill was attending the “Cabin Fever Picking Party” in Hampton VA in March of 2005 when he ran into Darren Beachley of "Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver" and David Propst, the three decided to get into a small jam session and sing some “Country Gentlemen” songs. That night the idea to keep the Country Gentlemen music alive was born. Then hearing of the voice of Mike Phipps’ singing with "Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition", Bill got in contact with Mike and then the idea would really come alive!
Dave Propst, Scott Walker and Dave MacGlashan of the (now disbanded), "Shenandoah Blue" band would come aboard as well. Bill and the crew would start recording in August of 2005. During the recording Darren called resophonic guitarist Mark Clifton of "Cliff Waldron and the New Shades of Grass" and ask him to join. The project was eventually finished and released in December of 2006 on MasterShield Records of Bridgewater VA.
This will be a rare appearance of this group of very talented musicians and singers. They have already performed at a few sold out concerts and this one is sure to be the same. So get your tickets early. They are available for $15.00 per person or sold at the door. If you were a fan of Charlie Waller and The Country Gentlemen back in the 70’s when they were in there prime, then you don’t want to miss this exciting concert. It’s sure to take you back to the prime years of the Country Gentlemen!
Opening the show will be local favorites, The Jack Tippett Band of Leonardtown, MD. Jack and the band can be seen at several local events including the Lil Margaret’s Bluegrass Festival each August. But we are delighted to have them open this exciting show at 2:00 pm. There will also be a Spaghetti Dinner at Noon for $6.00 per person. The show is being brought to you by the Sons of The American Legion and Jay Armsworthy. Troy Jones will be providing the best Sound Reinforcement around for your listening pleasure.
The American Legion Post 238 is located on the corner of MD Rt. 231 & 381 in Hughesville, Maryland. For more information on tickets or directions, go to www.geocities.com/americanlegionbluegrass or call 301-737-3004.
