O’Connor Band at the City Winery

Last night, O’Connor Band performed at Nashville’s City Winery, and the stars of Music City’s bluegrass scene came out to enjoy the show. Our own Terry Herd was in the audience, and he sent along a few photos and some comments about the show.

Mark O'Connor with O'Connor Band at City Winery in Nashville (11/7/16) - photo by Terry HerdIt was a triumphant return to Nashville for Mark O’Connor, a musician who had previously taken the town by storm, winning a record breaking six Country Music Association Musician Of The Year Awards in a row from 1991 – 1996.

A large crowd of friends, fellow musicians, and fans were in the audience, including Danny Roberts, Barbara Lamb, Jimmy Mattingly, Rhonda Vincent, George Gruhn, Tony Brown, and others.

Mark’s wife Maggie O’Connor played flawlessly, and added a layer of levity to the night with the suggestion she was not the same person being chased by revenuers, as she broke into a driving rendition of Little Maggie.

Kate Lee’s soaring vocals delivered powerful yet delicate renditions of Always Do and the Osborne Brother’s classic, Ruby, Are You Mad At Your Man.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as evidenced by Mark’s son, Forrest O’Connor, whose impeccable mandolin work was highlighted throughout the night. Completing the family vibe, Forrest and Kate are engaged to be married.

O’Connor Band is completed by Joe Smart on guitar and Geoff Saunders on bass and banjo. After a stellar set, the group encored to a standing ovation.

It was great to see Mark back in bluegrass, doing what every musician dreams of – playing incredible music on the road with his family.

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About the Author

Terry Herd

Terry is the CEO of Bluegrass Today, and a specialist in marketing. Headquartered in Nashville, he is also the host of Into The Blue and founder of the Bluegrass Radio Network, Inc., syndicated on more than 135 affiliate stations across the US.