A funny thing happened on the way to the latest outdoor concert in the Scottsville Arts Council’s “Arts on Main” summer concert series (highly recommended). It rained, it poured, it got windy, there was lightning, thunder, and even a large tree limb was downed (Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my!). So the event was moved indoors (as they always are in inclement weather, so take note), but still there was one small problem. In the hope the storm would pass in time to still do the concert outdoors, the band’s equipment was left outside just a bit too long to be moved inside with them. Now what to do?

Well the band tonight was The Farewell Drifters, and they play Newgrass. So they decided to take a novel approach; perform with no amps, no microphones, and no electronics of any kind. Brilliant! Josh Britt (vocals, mandolin) stated the obvious when he said, “What a unique idea, Newgrass music totally unplugged!” So as fate would have it, we were treated to Newgrass au natural; a bunch of musicians playing and singing with just the power of their instruments and voices. Just like old time Bluegrass. It was priceless.

And they were certainly up for the challenge. Lead singer/guitarist Zach Bevill had plenty of projection in his voice, so it carried well over the nearly packed room. Josh Britt was a little more timid at the start but quickly adjusted his voice as the show progressed. Clayton Britt (Josh’s younger brother) took his turns up front seamlessly (he is their lead guitarist), and Dean Marold had no problem slapping the upright bass hard enough to be prominent. Fiddle player Christian Sedelmyer also had no problem creating his own lightning and thunder, and you couldn’t help but hear him loud and clear. Even some of their most delicate, Beach Boy-inspired harmonies came through beautifully (all five band mates can and do sing).

The Farewell Drifters, who have some local roots (Josh and Clayton grew up in Franklin, KY), are already quite successful. Their latest LP, Yellow Tag Mondays, has charted as high as Number 10 on the Billboard bluegrass charts.  It was obvious why they are achieving that kind of success tonight. In playing two sets highlighting several songs from Yellow Tag Mondays, we heard songs about taking the path less traveled, growing up in suburbia, and of course, love songs; trying to grow love through to losing love. The CD also includes a cover of the Beatles “For No One”, which they performed very nicely while putting their own stamp on it (another song about lost love). The material presented tonight was strong, and the common thread in all of it is that it’s authentic and comes straight from the heart.

By the time you read this they will already have played at the International Newgrass Festival (www.newgrassfestival.com) on August 20th. They will be in good company so they will fit right in. This will be their second straight appearance there, and I’m sure we will have other chances to see them in the near future. If you see that chance, take advantage of it. I think their futures are bright. You can get more info on the Farewell Drifters at www.thefarewelldrifters.com. 

The Farewell Drifters performed at Scottsville’s Arts on Main Summer Series on  8/14/2010.

And don’t forget about the Arts on Main series. They have presented many excellent shows this year and will continue. The website for this great South Central Kentucky tradition is www.acsarts.org.     

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman