Black Mountain Boys, Against The Grain To Perform May 8 In Clifton Forge
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The Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys and Against The Grain will perform on Saturday, May 8 at 7 p.m. at the Historic Masonic Theatre at the fifth Magic In The Mountains Festival in Clifton Forge.
The Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys are a Pocahontas County, West Virginia legend with three generations of musicians in their hometown band. Richard Hefner leader and banjo player has been in the band since it’s inception in 1968. The band started when Hefner’s uncle, Glen “Dude” Irvine, who despite being disabled by polio, taught his brothers and nephews how to play various instruments. The band is hailed as one of the best bluegrass bands in the region. Other members of the band are Jeff Hefner, Chris Nickell and Mike Smith – all West Virginia natives. They have played all over the United States and Europe.
They are well known for their “high lonesome” sound of classic bluegrass in the vein of Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe and Jimmy Martin. They embrace tunes that connect with the upland South, like “Lonesome Ruben” and Midnight Storm” by the Stanley Brothers, who come from a coal mining part of Virginia that lies “west of West Virginia”. They are sons of their soil, part of an extended community that includes old-time fiddlers, singers of unaccompanied British ballads dating to the eighteenth century, parlor pianists, congregations who favor a cappella harmony.
Against The Grain was formed in 1990 and although it has undergone a few personnel changes two of the original members are still with the band. The current members have been together since 1994. Danny Reynolds of Bedford, Virginia has been playing the mandolin over 25 years and sings lead, tenor and writes some of the material for the band. Mark Holt from Rustburg has played the bass fiddle over 30 years and sings lead and baritone. David Goode has played the guitar over 25 years and sins lead, baritone and bass. He lives in Lynchburg. Richard Greer of Hardy has been playing the banjo over 50 years and sings baritone.
Against The Grain has shared the stage with many of the greatest bluegrass bands, such a Larry Stevenson, James King, Osborne Brothers, Blue Ridge, Lewis Family, Mark Newton, Nothin fancy, Lost and Found, J.D. Crow, The Whites and many more.
Against The Grain covers a wide variety of music, ranging from traditional, gospel, converted country and rock. Close harmony and smooth instrumentals is what Against The Grain is all about.
Tickets for the bluegrass show are available at Clifton Forge Main Street, Owens Pharmacy, Country Garden Florist and Gifts and The Shoe Box & Sports Center. Cost of the tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children under 12. Advance purchase is recommended since both bands draw a large audience. |  | Against The Grain
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