Jeremie Cole, Bill Warren, and Ron Benton at the Kentuckians of Michigan picnic – photo © Bill Warren
This past Saturday the Southeast Michigan Bluegrass Music Association inducted three people into their Hall of Honor, Ron Benton, Jeremie Cole, and Mark Gaynier.
Ron has been a stalwart supporter of the area music scene for many years. He has chaired the Hall of Honor committee for the past ten years. He is currently serving as vice president of the association.
Jeremie Cole has played in several bluegrass bands since he was a teenager. He currently fronts Harbourtown. He assumed the role of promoter of the Marshall Bluegrass Festival twelve years ago after the passing of his uncle, Burk Cole.
Mark Gaynier hosted the Milan Bluegrass Festival for twenty-five years at the KC Campground in Milan, Michigan. Mark also served as the promoter of the festival after the passing of Jim Wilder. He is a founding member of the association. He was unable to attend the presentation but was honored.
The Kentuckians of Michigan held their 66th annual picnic on Sunday. Yours truly was privileged to MC the event. Eight bands played throughout the day. The entertainment ran the gamut from classic country, gospel, country rock, ’50s and ’60s oldies, to bluegrass. It was a day of great music and the renewing of old friendships.
The day kicked off with Southern Express, a classic country band.
They were followed by the gospel sound of the 541 Tribe w/The Sons of Thunder.
The traditional sound of bluegrass was next with the Band of Brothers. They invited 95-years-young Bobby Hutch to join them for a couple tunes. Just about all the band played in Bobby’s Grand Ol’ Country Band at one time.
Kentuckians vice president, Kevin Trusty fronts another bluegrass band called Toto Road.
Saddle Rock followed with their country rock sound.
Mondo Kane has been together for forty years. Theirs is the oldies from the ’50s and ’60’s. They are a high energy group!
Blueroads is a fairly new bluegrass band put together by Mark Prater. The band is working on securing more gigs. This is a band that is well worth seeing.
The Country Legends closed out the day with classic country music.
The Kentuckians will reopen for the indoor season after Labor Day with the Powdermill Ramblers.
Support your local music venues.
