Headlining this special evening was Tommy Gillespie, who performs as Tommy G and for this show was accompanied by Grant "Wizard" Spry on mandolin, banjo and guitar. Gillespie, from Reidsville, originally came to Greenville in the early 1970s to study at ECU. He wound up at the core of the burgeoning popular music movement that in the late 1970s and 1980s flourished in Greenville, centered around the Treehouse for local music and the Attic for regional and national attractions.

Gillespie fronted several incarnations of bands--Tommy G and Company, the Tommy G Experience, the Gillespie-Hamer Band--that mostly performed his material, usually with arrangements by Spry. "They were always my favorite band in town," said Lightnin' Wells, who moved to Greenville in 1976 and soon after began performing solo shows at the Treehouse.

"There was this great music scene when I got to town," said Wells. "The Treehouse was the place to meet. You had live music 7 nights a week in a place where you could have decent food and catch up with all of your friends."

Other regulars in the Tommy G bands included Amy Hazard on saxophone and flute, Louis Cherry on guitar, and Vinnie Brooks on drums. "Mike [Hamer] started writing songs," said Wells, "and that's when it became the Gillespie-Hamer Band."

Gillespie, however, made a clean break from playing music and left the area, and Hamer, in 1982, formed the Lemon Sisters and Rutabaga Brothers, which remains one of the most popular, though rarely performing, dance bands in the region. Gillespie now lives in Carrboro; he began performing again last year, with both an acoustic show and an electric band. This is his first performance in Fountain.

Chet Nichols, who opened the show, has been called "an eastern Carolina Springsteen," whose narrative songs reflect the hardscrabble lives of tobacco and cotton country instead of the rust belt world of Springsteen's songs. Nichols, a former ECU art student who lives in Wilson, has released two CDs, "Somewhere Out There" and "The Local Vocal Sessions."

Saturday, September 30, 2006
the Smith Brothers

This Nash County-based band presented an excellent evening of classic bluegrass. The three Smiths--Troy on guitar, Shelton on dobro, and Grady on banjo--have been playing together for over 40 years, and their show represented the essence of what's kept bluegrass alive in eastern NC and throughout the US for so many years, despite its lack of mainstream media attention. Also performing with them this evening were Jimmy Collins on guitar, Gerald Flowers on bass, Ricky Privett on mandolin, and Frank Davis on guitar.

Friday, September 29, 2006
Marshall Stephenson & the Bluegrass Train Band
Bluegrass impressario Marshall Stephenson and his brand new band with John Mark Batchelor, the 19-year-old banjo whiz from Richlands; Kinston's Clyde Mattocks on dobro; Brad Hudson, also from Ricklands, on bass and guitar; and Kelly Tew on mandolin and tenor vocals. A glorious show! The whole house was hand-clappin' and foot-tappin'.

Thursday, September 28, 2006
Donald Underwood Thompson
This novelist-musician brings a wonderful time with Blues, Folk, 1920s & 30s Country, Blue Yodels, and selected numbers from the golden age of Honky Tonk -- always a great show from a great entertainer. Joining Donald this night were Dr. Bill Blackley, who, when he's not busy practicing medicine in Elkin, NC, makes audiences smile with his very fine blues harmonica playing; and Jackie Holland on slide guitar and harmonica.

Saturday, September 23, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Lightnin' Wells
Another splendid evening of blues and old-time classics from eastern Carolina's musical magician. Lightnin' Wells always brings a crowd of discerning music fans; his execution is so great it'll just make you cry.

Friday, September 22, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Buddy Zincone and Greenville Grass
Bluegrass band out of Greenville, NC, specializing in music for all occasions where toe-tapping bluegrass is appreciated. Says Buddy Zincone, "We believe Bluegrass is a style of music, not a set list of songs. We combine traditional favorites with songs from other types of music including Folk and Rock 'n Roll, all done in Bluegrass style. We love playing the traditional songs, and we also love showing how various songs can be adapted to the Bluegrass style."

Thursday, September 21, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Damion Wolfe
Baltimore-based singer-songwriter who stopped by Fountain en route to Atlant. Damion showed he was worth the great press he's been getting:
"Wolfe's a songwriter and performer who has a few tricks up his guitar-playing sleeves..."
- Creative Loafing, Charlotte, NC
"With his charismatic attitude, love of audience interaction, and talent for singing and writing great songs, Damion Wolfe will go far."
- The Snapper, Millersville University, Millersville, PA
"Wolfe's music is eclectic and cerebral, amusing, well-scripted and funky."
- Front Porch, Fredericksburg, VA

Sunday, September 17, 2006 -- 3 p.m.
Hank Williams Tribute
Nearly a full house for a great day of music, led by Shelby and Linda Stephenson and featuring stellar steel guitarist Bowie Martin. Also joining in the show were Paul Stephenson and steady Mike Langdon on bass. Celebrating Hank's birthday was so much fun, we'll make it an annual tradtion, though for 2007 we'll do the festivities on Saturday, September 16.

Saturday, September 16, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Mac & Tammy McRoy Band
This concert of original bluegrass and oldtime bluegrass gospel favorites was their first in Fountain since releasing their "Live at R.A. Fountain" CD, available now in our real store or our virtual one, where you can also find a couple more copies of their otherwise out-of-print "Lost in the Pines." It also was the first time Brian Batten had been back in town since signing on to tour with Lou Reid and Carolina. Brian's dobro, his daddy Don's mandolin, and Chuck Williams' banjo set the McRoys off beautifully. This is a band we'll all one day boast of having seen, back when they were getting going. Mac writes some of the most powerful material in bluegrass today.

Friday, September 15, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Nashville Rash
This new Wilson County-based band includes Bill Lamm from Wilson on bass, Robin Woodard from Wilson County on lead guitar, Jimmy Matthews from Benson on drums, and Bryant Aycock from Pikeville on steel guitar. Lamm and Matthews do most of the band's vocals. Nashville Rash takes its name from a Dale Watson song that, according to Lamm, "just sounded right." Expect to hear "Nashville Rash" as well as a lot more traditional country and some Texas rock.

Thursday, September 14, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Howard Bullock

Sunday, September 10, 2006 -- 3 p.m.
Drop Top Cadillacs, with Mike Baker
Wilson County's Mike Baker with his new band the Drop Top Cadillacs at Fountain General Store for a Sunday afternoon concert of classic country and gospel music.

Saturday, September 9, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Redemption
One of the best bands we've ever hosted at R.A. Fountain, Bluegrass Redemption never fails to deliver beautifully rendered traditional music with power, passion, and near-perfect execution on song after song. Bluegrass Redemption is proof of the energetic talent we boast here in eastern North Carolina, and we are happy they have been so well received by our audiences. Give a listen to the group performing Jimmy Martin's classic "Freeborn Man" (4:19, 6 MB) live here at R.A. Fountain.

Friday, September 8, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Billie Joyce
and
Toni Catlin
These two ladies are among the best new solo acts coming out Nashville, Tennessee. They've both recently completed European tours, and their CDs are highly polished products of the best studio musicians in Nashville working with a couple of the best new singer-songwriters.

Thursday, September 7, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Grateful Dave & Little Wobbly Wade, the Arnold Brothers
Making their Fountain debut, this duo delivers an eclectic set of original compositions and covers of tunes by Dylan, the Dead, JJ Cale, and Hot Tuna.

Saturday, September 2, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Cunningham Lane
Forming a folk/roots music/indie band out of Chapel Hill, Abie Leonard covers vocals, guitars, banjo and piano, while Gabe Nardin does vocals, guitars, and mandolin. "We both have been playing music our whole lives. Early 2005, we realized our similar love for folk/grass/indie music, and we now create it for the great people."

Friday, September 1, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Steve Creech Sextet with Jimmy Aycock and Emery Davis
Local jazz legend Jimmy Aycock and the Steve Creech Sextet in a special concert for the Labor Day holiday weekend. Aycock, the award-winning pianist and career educator from Fremont, was a big hit in his first Fountain appearance, also with the Creech sextet, and this show, in honor of the weekend, included a set of songs of labor and heat. Also performing with Aycock and Creech: Dee Braxaton Pelligrino on violin and vocals; Keith Dobbins on bass; Randy Davis on drums, and featured vocalist Emery Davis.

Saturday, August 26, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Dymond City Express
Impressive bluegrass band out of Williamston, making a return engagement at R.A. Fountain. Featuring:
Bobby Cherry on banjo, dobro, and vocals
Simon Perry on mandolin and vocals
Calvin Woolard on bass and vocals
David "Skippy" Gurganus on guitar and vocals

Friday, August 25, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Highway 58 Bluegrass Band
Another great show from a great band! Highway 58 always fills the house and brings joy to the most discerning of bluegrass audiences.

Thursday, August 24, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam
hosted by Jack Wrzesinski

Saturday, August 19, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Bridgewater
A quartet that's been together for six years, Bridgewater performs traditional bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and a few country classics. Two of the players are original members:
Lester Butts, New Bern -- guitar, lead vocals
Eugene Clayborne, Morehead City -- lead & harmony vocals, and bass
Newcomers are brother, Ernest Clayborne, who plays mandolin, and Marvin Walker of Kinston, who plays banjo.

Saturday, August 19, 2006 -- 1 p.m.
Frail and Mark Wilson
Part of the RiverRock Benefit Series to support local music and raise funds for The Greenville RiverRock Festival and Greenville's Magnolia Arts Center.

Friday, August 18, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Russ Varnell & the Too Country Band
Russ & his Too Country Band, back by popular demand, bring a honky tonkin' good time every time, and this time was no exception.

Thursday, August 17, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night
Farm & Home had to cancel owing to illness, but we stayed open for snacks.

Saturday, August 12, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Ted Jones & the Tar Heel Boys
These fellows specialize in performing traditional country, bluegrass, and old-time gospel. Twenty-year-old Ted Jones, lead singer and mandolin player, first learned a few basic chords from Nelson Allen, who gave him his first mandolin. Jones then taught himself to play in the cross-picking style of Jim and Jessie. "They are my main musical influences," he said, "but I also love putting a bluegrass interpretation on some of the old country classics."

Friday, August 11, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Stephenson Brothers & Linda
Soulful and true and near to their roots, the Stephenson Brothers and Linda bring us bluegrass and gospel music just the way it's always been played on the front porch of their homestead in Johnston County. But this band has come a long way since the days they farmed. Shelby Stephenson, professor of English at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, where he edits Pembroke Magazine, has won acclaim as one of our state's most prominent poets. Brother Marshall Stephenson needs no introduction to Carolina bluegrass fans, who know him well for his frequent live performances and syndicated radio and television programs, known as The Bluegrass Train. Brother Paul Stephenson, the comedian of the group, is a barbecue baron -- and if you've never had a plate from Stephenson's Barbecue at McGee's Crossroads (right off I-40), then add it to your list. Linda Stephenson, originally from New York, married Shelby soon after he first asked her, "Do you like hillbilly music?" Linda's beautiful harmonies shine especially bright when she joins Shelby in singing "San Antonio Rose" (3.2 MB). Bassist Mike Langdon spreads his prodigious talent around several bands, but he's a Stephenson Brothers regular and a familiar presence to fans of traditional music in this region. Tonight the group was augmented by the authoritative banjo-playing of Snow Hill's Tim Myatt.

Thursday, August 10, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m. -- FREE
Andy Macpherson
Based out of Daytona Beach, Florida, where he is a student, Andy Macpherson has released two CDs, A Little South of Winter and Parkway North. His musical influences include Jimmy Buffett, Bob Seeger, and Kenny Chesney.

Saturday, August 5, 2006 -- 8:00 p.m.
Untravelled Road
Triangle-based bluegrass band Untravelled Road consists of Rex Williams, lead guitar, vocals; Jeff Aebi, mandolin, harmony; and Judy Hagwood, bass. The group performs classic bluegrass and originals composed by Williams.

Friday, August 4, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Heritage Bluegrass Band with David Hamlet
With David Hamlett on dobro and O.A. Champion on banjo, Heritage Bluegrass Band makes its Fountain debut on a Friday evening in a concert set to begin at 8 p.m. Heritage Bluegrass is based in the Triangle. Hamlett has appeared in Fountain with White Pine Hollow and the Stephenson Brothers and Linda.

Thursday, August 3 -- 8 p.m.
Jimmy Aycock, Steve Creech, and Emery Davis
The Steve Creech sextet, featuring the award-winning Jimmy Aycock on keyboards performing the old standards. Other musicians are Emery Davis (vocals), Dee Braxton Pelligrino (violin/vocalist), Keith Dobbins (bass), and Randy Davis (drums).

Sunday, July 30, 2006 -- 3 p.m.
Flat Mountain Dulcimers
Mountain Dulcimers grew out of the Appalachian Mountains but their sound can be found in the flat land of the east. Nancy Galambush of Snow Hill and Margit Roberson and Dave Roberson of Goldsboro form this group. Most of the dulcimers played by the Flat Mountain Dulcimers were built by Nancy's husband, J.C. Bradshaw, of Calico Possum Dulcimers. He often joins the group by playing along on either the dulcimer or spoons. We were mighty pleased to have recorded Flat Mountain Dulcimers live at R.A. Fountain back on November 6, 2005, and now the group is offering a splendid CD of the occasion, Live at R.A. Fountain.

Saturday, July 29, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Homegrown String Band
A 21st-century incarnation of the traditional family band, Homegrown String Band was literally homegrown. Out of Rocky Point, NY, Georgianne and Rick Jackofsky and their two daughters, Erica and Annalee, have put their own stamp on traditional American music, performing together at bluegrass, blues, and folk festivals, as well as in schools, libraries, and coffeehouses, from Maine to Missouri since 1997. They've garnered high praise, too:

"Like climbing into a cloud or a sweet spell of sound. It's hard to describe their music. Old time, Appalachian, string band, not Blue Grass exactly, more Carter family..." - Newsday

"...transports the listener back to the days of families gathering together to sing the old tunes...they keep those old family musical traditions alive." - Sing Out! magazine, fall 2002

"A talented and unique family. The Homegrown String Band represents all that is good with 'Ole Time' music today. The simple joy of a family making music together makes you wish you could be one of them. Once again ranking as one of the most requested bands on the A.F.B.A's festival questionnaire." - Elaine Wexler, The Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association

Friday, July 28, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Steve Creech Quintet featuring Jerry Jolley
Performing Broadway tunes, pop tunes, and gospel and hymn tunes. Other musicians: Dee Braxton Pelligrino (violin/vocalist), Jim Gilliam (keyboard), Keith Dobbins (bass), and Larry Seigler (drums). Jerry Jolley, Minister of Music at Lakeside Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, NC has soloed on network television. He is a terrific singer, with a sound much like Robert Goulet.

Thursday, July 27, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Darren Michaels
In a musical odyssey beginning in his youth in Mississippi and Arkansas, through numerous upstart bands and recordings, formal studies at the Atlanta Institute of Music, and not a few distracting day jobs along the way, the path Darren Michaels has trod always pointed inexorably toward an improbable fate: life as a solo bassist.

Sunday, July 23, 2006 -- 3 p.m.
Take "2" & the Ramblin' Rose Bluegrass Gospel Band
This group, performing together for several years now, consists of the following artists:
Jo Reese and Wilma Hamill, Roanoke Rapids, NC (who are sisters, writing songs and singing together for so many years that some people think they are twins)
Glenwood and Jean Rose, Littleton, NC
J.B. Collins, Roanoke Rapids, NC
Eddie Walker, South Hill, VA
Jack Hopkins, Roanoke Rapids, NC
They've recorded three CDs, the most recent being I Love You (In Red).

Saturday, July 22, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Natty Boh Duo
A "family-friendly bluegrass music" duo, Natty Boh brings excitement, variety, and a lot of picking. These fellows perform music featured on their award-winning CD, and material to be released on a second record later this year. Playing mostly original material, Natty Boh puts energy and great pickin' into every show.

Friday, July 21, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Country Roads Band featuring Nancy & Tammy Dail
One of the most popular country music bands in the state of North Carolina. The mother-daughter duo of Nancy and Tammy Dail are gifted vocalists and true performers who know how to connect with an audience. Add to the mix Bowie Martin on steel guitar, Ronnie King on vocals and guitar, Glenn Speight on bass, Ken Dawson on drums, and John Akerman on keyboard, and you have a powderkeg of country-music energy.

Thursday, July 20, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam
Hosted by Jack Wrzesinski.
People need a place to play, and they've got one at R.A. Fountain.

Sunday, July 16, 2006 -- 3 p.m.
Melody Brown
Always beautiful, affirming, inspiring...and she can sing, too! Melody Brown performs Christian ballads of home and church, of love, loss, and salvation -- her own compositions as well as classics. It's always a treat to have her in concert at R.A. Fountain.

Saturday, July 15, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Carolina Junction
Performing the traditional sounds of bluegrass pioneers, original songs, and contemporary styles of today. Carolina Junction is enjoyed regularly by audiences at bluegrass venues annd music halls throughout the region. Creative arrangements, tight harmonies, and cutting-edge musicianship provide an exciting and unforgettable listening experience.
Featuring:
Scott McBride, lead vocals, guitar
Mark Roshelli, lead guitar, vocals
Tim James, banjo, vocals
Danny Knighten, mandolin, vocals
David Sampler, upright bass

Friday, July 14, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Rod McDonald
This seasoned performer out of Delray Beach, Florida brings degrees in history and law from the Univerity of Virginia and Columbia Law School...but more importantly, he brings decades of experience as an influencial American folk singer/songwriter. Rod Macdonald has been a fixture on the nation's music scene for decades, and we are delighted to have hosted him.

Thursday, July 13, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Farm & Home
Entertaining audiences in eastern NC since 1978, The Farm & Home Band has appeared at numerous trade shows, festivals and on radio and TV. Lead singer and guitarist Shorty Mooring has written over 200 songs, holding 80 copyrights. Shorty's inimitable stylings and onstage antics make him a crowd-pleaser wherever he plays.

Sunday, July 9, 2006 -- 3 p.m.
The Marlboro Boys
After a springtime hiatus, the Marlboro Boys returned to R.A. Fountain for another free afternoon concert. This splendid, classy bluegrass gospel band needs no introduction to Fountain regulars.

Saturday, July 8, 2006 -- 8:00 p.m.
Alice Zincone & Rick Lafleur & Haywire
Led by Greenville native Alice Zincone and Canadian Rick Lafleur, Haywire always brings a beautiful bluegrass show -- both pure and fun, with gorgeous execution. Zincone is a splendid singer and bass player, and Lafleur is an exceptional, driving banjo player. Rounded out by Greg Miller's guitar mastery and Daniel Aldridge's knock-out mandolin playing, Haywire ranks among our top-flight bluegrass acts.

Friday, July 7, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Jennifer Shelton Licko
Jennifer Licko is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, keyboard player, and a premier Highland Dancer. Coming from North Carolina by way of Florida, New York, Scotland, and Ireland, she proudly reflects our state's eclectic mixture of musical styles. Primarily a Celtic and Gaelic singer, Jennifer does not always stick to one genre, but ventures onto wider ground -- even beach music! On this night she was joined in concert by the fiddler "13" of Super Grit Cowboy Band fame.

Saturday, July 1, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Roby Huffman & the Bluegrass Cutups
Back by popular demand, this stellar Carolina bluegrass band executes beautifully on classics as well as Huffman originals -- some of which are themselves now classics. This headliner group first formed in the early 60s, and in the years since, Roby has taken them all over the US and toured Europe as well. Many top names in bluegrass have been a Cutup and recorded and toured with Roby.

Friday, June 30, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
The Bridges Family
Sharpsburg-based bluegrass band -- a second-generation ensemble whose members are Wilma Bridges, Lois Bridges Moore, Elaine Bridges Spivey, Alan Wayne Bridges, and Donald Bridges.

Thursday, June 29, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Dymond City Express
A bluegrass band out of Williamston, bringing a lovely down-home sound and gorgeous harmonies. Featuring Bobby Cherry on banjo, dobro, and vocals; Simon Perry on mandolin and vocals; Kenneth Leggett on bass and vocals; and David "Skippy" Gurganus on guitar and vocals.

Sunday, June 25, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Joe Wilson
and
Forever in Motion
Twenty-five-year-old Joe Wilson, indie/folk singer/songwriter from Bogota, New Jersey, is touring the east coast of the U.S., bringing audiences the music that's already been heard by more than half-a-million visitors to his web site, and celebrating his recently released CD A Day In My Shoes. Also tonight we present another indie artist: Brendon Thomas, 22, from Chester, VT, touring as "Foreverinmotion," an acoustic project he has already piloted to places far beyond the horizons he aimed for -- and with him comes a sound that rings of rock, folk, & ethereal ambience. Brendon will show some of what he's offering on his new CD The Beautiful Unknown, and his performance promises a "natural and emotional experience."

Saturday, June 24, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
High Ground Bluegrass Band
This group, out of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley region, has performed in its current incarnation for only a couple of years, but the members are familiar friends to one another who bring more than a century of combined musical experience -- and audiences are fast taking notice. In October of last year, High Ground was named "Artist of the Month" by bluegrassradio.org, a much listened-to bluegrass Internet broadcast, following the release of the group's debut album Old Friends, which American Rhythm Music Magazine called "a fine addition to any Bluegrass music fan's collection." We're happy that High Ground Bluegrass Band is making the trip to Fountain, and urge all our friends to come out and give them a rousing eastern Carolina welcome.

Friday, June 23, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Andy Coats
North Carolina-raised Andy Coats is a well-traveled bluesman who wields a mean slider and writes a clever tune. Now, in his third R.A. Fountain engagement, this PhD in philosophy will celebrate the release of his latest CD That's What They Call the Blues -- a "deliberately stripped down and vintage sounding" recording in which Coats can amply display his prowess on a National Steel. Kerry Gibson of Shut Eye Records says, "Andy Coats possesses a voice that's rich, dark, and mellifluous. Paired with smooth guitar picking, he has created a blues feel that is close to perfect. You find yourself jammin' on his front porch drawn by his realness and pure musicianship."

Thursday, June 22, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Jarvis Street Bluegrass Band
This is an ECU-based band that began out of an English class assignment that encouraged a couple of the guys to write a research paper on the history of bluegrass music. Jesse Iaquinto, from Elmira, NY and Mark Romano, of Charlotte, wrote the paper for Olivia Murray's English 1200 class, and out of that experience, they began hosting jams and then performing in public. Iaquinto, a junior philosophy major, plays mandolin; Romano, who plays banjo, is a sophomore majoring in science and math education. Also in the band is Chad Cowan, from Elmira, NY, who plays guitar, and English major Charlie McCanless, who plays bass. All four share singing duties.

Saturday, June 17, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Redemption
For a great evening of bluegrass and traditional music, you just can't go wrong with Johnny Batchelor and his daughters and friends in Bluegrass Redemption. Johnny is a natural-born performer, at ease with an audience as he handles a guitar like it's a part of him. Young daughter Brooke is a charming singer, and older daughter Lindsay is a killer (killer!) mandolin player. Keith Gaster on banjo, Skylar Smith on upright bass, and Ernie Tanner on dobro are just sterling.

Friday, June 16, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Tamalyn and the Steve Creech Band
Performing country, jazz, pop, bluegrass, and spiritual tunes and hits from Tamalyn's big-selling CD Unbroken! Featuring:
Tamalyn, vocalist
Steve Creech, guitar
Dee Braxton Pelligrino, violin
Larry Jones, keyboard
Keith Dobbins, bass
Randy Davis, drums

Thursday, June 15, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
4-Way Grass
We liken them to a bluegrass orchestra!
Don Dunn, Winterville -- mandolin & guitar, vocals
Wayne Bullock, Ayden -- bass guitar
Clay Bullock, Ayden -- mandolin
Robbie Johnson, 4-way Crossroads, Greene Co. -- banjo
Dan Vause, Hookerton -- guitar, fiddle, vocals
Adam Child, Greenville -- fiddle
Gene Garris, Hookerton -- mandolin, vocals
Bruce Newcombe, Pikeville -- guitar, vocals
Carl Richard Blizzard, 4-Way Crossroads -- banjo
Roy Smith, Falkland -- guitar, vocals

Sunday, June 11, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Dustin and the Furniture
and
Real Live Tigers
It's Dustin's second engagement at R.A. Fountain. Dustin and the Furniture is the folk/acoustic/indie solo project of Dustin Goldklang, a touring singer/songwriter who hails from Atlanta, GA, and whose CD Aimless Turtle is on Oh!Map Records.
Also this day, we have another indie artist, Real Live Tigers (a.k.a Tony Presley) of Austin, TX, who cites as influences "old country music" and "old men who tell you important things when drunk."

Saturday, June 10, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Walking by Faith
This band, led by Snow Hill's Mike Sugg on mandolin, brought a Saturday night concert of bluegrass, up-beat gospel, and pop originals and standards -- including a few Marshall Tucker selections -- all performed acoustic-style. Other members travel from eastern North Carolina and Virginia for the band's performances.

Friday, June 9, 2006
Bluesman PK Dwyer had to cancel owing to car trouble, but we'll look into re-booking him.

Thursday, June 8, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Farm & Home
Entertaining audiences in eastern NC since 1978, The Farm & Home Band has appeared at numerous trade shows, festivals and on radio and TV. Lead singer and guitarist Shorty Mooring has written over 200 songs, holding 80 copyrights. Banjo picker Bob Gaddis and mandolin player Jim Gaddis were reared in southwestern Ohio, where their early influences included the Osborne Brothers and Stanley Brothers. HC Croom, Shorty's long-time picking buddy helps keep the Short Man in line with his solid rhythm guitar. John Booker rounds out the group on bass.

Saturday, June 3, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Chet Nichols
If you follow music in eastern North Carolina, chances are you've seen Chet Nichols' powerhouse live performances -- music that flows straight from an eastern Carolina heart. Chet's generosity with the audience, his hard-wired connections with fellow artists, and his intimacy with working-man's blues make him a performer every North Carolinian should know, and people everywhere should hear.

Friday, June 2, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
The Steve Creech Sextet
Steve Creech, guitar; Fred Moye, tenor sax; Keith Dobbins, bass; Larry Seigler, drums; Larry Jones, keyboard;
Featuring Carol-Ann Tucker performing tunes from the 40s, 50s, and 60s and hits from her new CD Love Me Love Me Not.

Thursday, June 1, 2006 -- 8:00 p.m.
The Malpass Family
Don Helms couldn't make the show, but Clyde Mattocks brought his steel, Al Cotter (aka "Cousin Brossy") brought comedy, and the Malpass Family socked it to us like they always do with old-timey country, bluegrass, and gospel. As ever, this crew packed the house and put a smile on every face.

Saturday, May 27 -- 7:30 p.m.
Boys from Carolina
140 years of Bluegrass picking! Featuring Wright Young of Durham on vocals and mandolin; Chuck Shutte of Raleigh on dobro and vocals; Lindy Brown, also from Raleigh, on bass; Larry Nunnery of Benson on guitar and vocals; and Bob Wilkerson of Smithfield on banjo.

Friday, May 26 -- 8 p.m.
Charlie Flowers & International Harvesters
Classic, contemporary, and original Wilson-based country. Singer-songwriter/guitarist Flowers is joined by Darren Lee on drums and Larry Hilliard on bass, and an occasional guest.

Thursday, May 25, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Abe Quigley
Hailing from Chicago, Abe Quigley plays a mean acoustic guitar. His rich vocals combine with a percussive playing style to leave an indelible impression on listeners. Quigley's friendly, laid-back, conversational stage presence is instantly engaging, and his soothing voice and hypnotic guitar loops make for a sound that is at once completely unique, yet also reminiscent of the sonic beauty of Nick Drake, Dave Matthews, and Jack Johnson.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Lipbone Redding
The acclaimed "Lipbone" Redding is a one-man orchestra, singer, songwriter, world-traveler, and storyteller. A native eastern North Carolinian, Redding performs more than 200 shows per year for audiences as far afield as South America, Europe, and Asia. Most recently he has performed at New York City's Lincoln Center, and he holds a weekly residency at the world-class Anyway Cafe in Manhattan. Redding's music has been featured on the new F/X prime time television series Starved. His songs and tales of world travels are fused together with vocal trumpeting and tromboning, beat-boxing, and other wild mouth noises which approximate synthesizers and electronica.

Saturday, May 20, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Buddy Zincone and Greenville Grass
Bluegrass band out of Greenville, NC, specializing in music for all occasions where toe-tapping bluegrass is appreciated. Says Buddy Zincone, "We believe Bluegrass is a style of music, not a set list of songs. We combine traditional favorites with songs from other types of music including Folk and Rock 'n Roll, all done in Bluegrass style. We love playing the traditional songs, and we also love showing how various songs can be adapted to the Bluegrass style."

Friday, May 19, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Russ Varnell & the Too Country Band
Russ stays very busy performing several shows a week somewhere, either in his home state of North Carolina or in California, Tennessee, Virginia, or wherever folks gather to enjoy fine honky tonk country music. The Too Country Band is a top-notch, professional country music group, and R.A. Fountain is always pleased to host them in our smoke-free, non-alcohol store.

Thursday, May 18, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam
Hosted by Jack Wrzesinski.
What a jam! Clyde Mattocks, Keith Kinlaw, Shelby and Linda Stephenson, banjo player Richard Hood (all the way from Ohio), Johhny Batchelor with singing daughter Brooke and mandolin-playing daughter Lindsay (a prodigy who's back in the saddle after a broken arm) -- and too many more talented players to list. You never know what's going to happen at an open-mic jam. Sometimes it's magic, and this night was one of those times.

Saturday, May 13, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m. -- FREE
Black Creek Bluegrass Gospel
Named for the Johnston County creek that runs through their backyards, Black Creek uses their music as a testimonial for their Christian faith, and their shows usually mix in a little bit of old fashioned revivalism with their outstanding music. Featuring the husband-wife duo of Scott and Tracie Rhodes Johnson, Black Creek is one of the most popular bluegrass gospel groups in the region. Scott Johnson plays mandolin and guitar; Tracie plays acoustic bass. Craig Allen joins the group on guitar, banjo, and dobro. All three share singing duties, and Craig's brother Danny Allen is their sound engineer.

Friday, May 12, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
$5 gen. admission, $7.50 reserved seats
Claude Bourbon
One of the most popular bluesmen in Europe, Claude Bourbon is touring the U.S. and Canada from April through June to promote his fifth CD, The Frog with the Blues, which was recorded live in Belgium. Durham-based music critic Willie Painter, known for his own fine guitar playing, says of the new CD that "the blues is a big part of Bourbon's repertoire, but that's not all he does: Ravel's 'Bolero' gets a ten minute-plus workout, and during the tune 'How To Stretch It' he not only quotes the Muddy Waters standard 'Baby Please Don't Go,' Bach's "Bouree" finds its way into the mix as well." Painter concludes: "This is solo acoustic guitar that is dazzling."

Thursday, May 11, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Stan Pearson and Donald Underwood Thompson
Stan Pearson has played saxophone and clarinet in big bands and swing-jazz groups for over 50 years. He is a native of Kinston, NC and studied music at UNC-Chapel Hill. He is the brother of Henry Person, an artist of international acclaim, who has illustrated posters for the United Nations, as well as the publications of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Irish poet Seamus Heney. While serving in the Navy during World War II, Stan entertained troops in the Pacific, playing with musicians from the Stan Kenton and Kay Kaiser bands. His present format is performing big band standards and swing-jazz, plus several numbers he has written, on solo saxophone and clarinet.

Donald Underwood Thompson is a singer of blues, folk tunes, and country songs from the 1920s and '30s. Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, he has performed for colleges, high schools, festivals, television audiences, libraries, arts councils, and coffeehouses. Among others, he has appeared with four-time Grammy winner David Holt and the popular folk group Molasses Creek. Also, he is the author of Charlie and the Fightin' Mule: Plus More Down-Home Stories, a short story collection set in eastern North Carolina. His work-in-progress is a historical novel of the Tuscarora War (1711-1713).

Saturday, May 6, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Harvest Wind
A bluegrass gospel group hailing from Statesville, NC, Harvest Wind features tight four-part harmony, top-notch musicianship, a trademark sound, and plenty of original material. They're an April 2006 Bluegrass Now Magazine DJ Hot Pick for the song "I'm Going Down To The Southland," from their popular CD The Traveler.

Friday, May 5, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Ted Jones & the Tarheels
Specializing in traditional country, bluegrass, and old-time gospel. Twenty-year-old Ted Jones of Smithfield, lead singer and mandolin player, first learned from Nelson Allen, who gave him his first mandolin, and then taught himself to play in the cross-picking style of Jim and Jessie.

Thursday, May 4, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Ronny Drew
A "basic rock & roll" singer/songwriter out of Birmingham, AL, Drew cites as his main influences "most rock & roll from the 1950s to the present day." That covers a lot of territory, but then so does Ronny Drew. His spring tour is taking him to dozens of venues from New Orleans to Cleveland to St. Louis...and to Fountain.

Saturday, April 29, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
The Near Myths
Combining a reverence for the traditional music of the rural South with an irreverent wit and a wide-ranging musical curiosity, The Near Myths are anything but purists. You might call their blend of folk, country, rock, pop, and blues "mongrel music" and it wouldn't bother them one bit.

Friday, April 28, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Stephenson Brothers & Linda A heapin' helping of true indigenous Carolina bluegrass talent, the Stephenson Brothers & Linda bring a beautiful show every time they hit town.

Thursday, April 27 -- 7:30 p.m.
Jarvis Street Bluegrass Band
ECU-based band featuring Jesse Iaquinto, Mark Romano, Chad Cowan, and Charlie McCanless, playing a variety of traditional bluegrass mixed with modern-day favorites and originals -- even bluegrass versions of Nirvana and Johnny Cash.

Saturday, April 22, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Second Third
An evening of jazz always makes news in Fountain! Second Third's focus is on improvisational original material and unique interpretations of cover tunes. Their explorations range from slow, meditative new age musings to funky world beat rhythms and renowned hits from all eras of jazz, blues, and pop. Featuring: Bo Lankenau, Robert Siegel, Steven Coon, and Jim Salmonson.

Friday, April 21, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bruce Piephoff
His name is pronounced "pea-off," as in Edith Piaf. His music is pronounced Americana. Bruce Piephoff is a Carolina troubadour -- a prolific singer/songwriter and studio man, with 14 CDs of original folk/blues and spoken poetry recorded on the Flyin' Cloud Records label.

Thursday, April 20, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam
Hosted by Jack Wrzesinski.

Saturday, April 15, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Carolina Sonshine
An all acoustic, bluegrass style, gospel music group, Carolina Sonshine stays busy playing festivals, churches, and parties somewhere in the Southeast most every week. Highly recommended -- see them when you can!

Friday, April 14, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
White Pine Hollow
Featuring the harmonies of the Tew Brothers -- Keith, Kelly, and Marty -- with Marshall Gray on banjo. Masters at the special art of bluegrass, performing originals and classics, these boys can really play!

Thursday, April 13, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Jerry Peterson
Jerry Peterson has been playing instruments and writing music for as long as he can remember, in a style he describes as Americana ~ Roots with traditional folk influences. Growing up in the north woods of Wisconsin, Jerry developed a love for the outdoors which he portrays through his latest release titled Deep Into The Woods.

Sunday, April 9, 2006 -- 3 p.m.
The Marlboro Boys
The Marlboro Boys' gospel concerts at R.A. Fountain always bring a crowd, and when you see one of their shows you'll know why.

Saturday, April 8, 2006 -- 8:00 p.m.
Haywire, with Alice Zincone & Rick Lafleur
With Greg Miller (formerly of the GrassCats) on guitar and Jeff Aebi on mandolin.
Led by Greenville native Alice Zincone and Canadian Rick Lafleur, Haywire brings us a rousing bluegrass show every time they visit. If you're a bluegrass fan who hasn't met Haywire, this is a group you should meet.

Friday, April 7, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Country Roads Band featuring Nancy & Tammy Dail
One of the most popular country music bands in the state of North Carolina. The mother-daughter duo of Nancy and Tammy Dail are gifted vocalists and true performers who know how to connect with an audience. Add to the mix Bowie Martin on steel guitar, Ronnie King on vocals and guitar, Glenn Speight on bass, Ken Dawson on drums, and John Akerman on keyboard, and you have a powderkeg of country-music energy.

Thursday, April 6, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Marshall Stephenson and Clyde Mattocks
Stephenson hosts the Sunday night radio show Bluegrass Train on Rocky Mount's 98.5, and he has been a local favorite since R.A. Fountain opened. Mattocks, one of the original SuperGrit Cowboys, fronts his own bluegrass band Highway 58. These fellows are two pros who deliver with flair.

Sunday, April 2, 2006 -- 3:00 p.m.
Melody Brown
A talented and beautiful singer/songwriter from Zebulon, Melody Brown always gives us a wonderful show, and her R.A. Fountain fan base continues to grow. Melody specializes in Christian-themed music wrought of everyday experience. While the stories her songs tell ring familiar to us all, they are especially moving when delivered in Melody's gorgeous, classically trained voice.

Saturday, April 1, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Watermelon Sugar
Watermelon Sugar is an indie folk duo rooted in soulful vocal harmonies, multi-instrumental musings and the twenty-year friendship of Hypatia Kingsley and Louise Bendall. Their voices, guitars, banjo, violin and mandolin blend to create original music made sweetly and felt deeply. Drawing from blues to punk, Watermelon Sugar1s music is not easily classified. The musical duo is sometimes compared to the Be Good Tanyas, Throwing Muses, Dixie Chicks, and Indigo Girls.

Friday, March 31, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
The Steve Creech Sextet
Featuring Carol-Ann Tucker performing tunes from the 40s, 50s, and 60s and hits from her new Love Me, Love Me Not.
Performers:
Steve Creech, guitar.
Carol-Ann Tucker, talented vocalist and entertainer -- has made three recordings.
Fred Moye, tenor sax -- terrific player who played for 20+ years in N. Y. before returning to Kinston to retire.
Keith Dobbins, bass -- talented player from Rocky Mount.
Larry Seigler, drums -- fine drummer from Greenville.
Larry Jones, keyboard -- longtime professional from Kenansville, made latest recording with Carol-Ann.

Thursday, March 30, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Farm & Home
These fellows really know how to entertain. Shorty Mooring is one of the region's most talented songwriters and performers. As for the rest of the boys -- they're bluegrass veterans who never miss a lick.

Sunday, March 26, 2006 -- 4 p.m.
Marty Silverthorne & Shelby Stephenson read original poems.
Marty Silverthorne has just released a new book of poems titled No Welfare, No Pension Plan. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from St. Andrews Presbyrterian College and a Master's Degree from East Carolina University. He studied with Ron Bayes and is greatly influenced by Shelby Stephenson and other North Carolina writers. His poems have appeared in Pembroke Magazine, Tar River Poetry, St. Andrews Press, Cold Mountain Review, Cairn, Words and Witness, 100 Years of North Carolina Poetry, and others.
Shelby Stephenson is the author of eight books of poetry and is a professor of English at UNC-Pembroke, where he has edited Pembroke Magazine since 1979. He was honored in 1999 as writer of the year by the North Carolina Writers Conference, and in 2001 he received the North Carolina Award in Literature. Stephenson and his two brothers Marshall and Paul, and his wife Linda, have attracted large crowds to R.A. Fountain for their bluegrass shows. Shelby and Linda, who live on the family farm where Shelby was raised in rural Johnston County, have also released a Hank Williams tribute CD.

Saturday, March 25, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Marshall Stephenson & SuperPickers
Tim Smith, champion fiddler, headlining the SuperPickers, an all-star bluegrass band assembled by Marshall Stephenson for a Saturday night concert in Fountain.

Friday, March 24, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Carolina Still
"Not your traditional bluegrass," Carolina Still is an acoustic band with a new sound and an old time look, drawing influences from blues, old-time, bluegrass, rock-n-roll, and rag-time.

Thursday, March 23, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam
Hosted by Jack Wrzesinski.

Sunday, March 19, 2006 -- 3 p.m.
6th annual celebration of Saint Patrick's Day in Fountain with
Bill Redding & Friends
Bill Redding has been performing for us at R.A. Fountain since long before we opened our venue to the public. He brings an encyclopedic knowledge of Irish folk music, and he has a great voice with which to present the many, many verses he remembers. He usually brings along some fine guest musicians, too.

Saturday, March 18, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
The Boohers
What a wonderful bluegrass gospel band! All the way from Johnson City, Tennessee, this quintet is one of the most popular family bluegrass groups in the southeast, and they gave us a beautiful show in Fountain. Bookmark their web site and keep an eye on the Boohers. They're going places.

Friday, March 17, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
String Poppers
Dennis and Karen Modlin of Bath team up with Jeff Winegar of Charlotte to form the Stringpoppers for a show of oldtime, bluegrass, and blues music -- "oldtime good time music," Karen calls it.

Thursday, March 16, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bill Hicks
One of the original Red Clay Ramblers, Bill Hicks is a great performer -- innovative, energetic, original, witty, and wry -- and his shows are always a real treat.

Sunday, March 12, 2006 -- 3 p.m.
The Marlboro Boys
Splendid bluegrass gospel out of Farmville.

Saturday, March 11, 2006 -- 8:00 p.m.
Lightnin' Wells
With an astounding command of early blues classics, Lightnin' Wells is taking his place as one of the nation's preeminent Piedmont Blues artists, and his performances are simply unforgettable.

Friday, March 10, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
J.R. Stafford and the Mountain Boys
J.R. Stafford of Greenville, a frequent guest at our Bluegrass Jams, with his own band for a Friday night bluegrass concert.

Thursday, March 9, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam
Hosted by Jack Wrzesinski.

Saturday, March 4, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Unknown Tongues
A Cajun/Zydeco band right here in the Tar Heel State, formed in 1989 by husband-wife duo Bryan and Barbara Blake, Unknown Tongues has become a popular club and festival act throughout North Carolina.

Friday, March 3, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Grass Cats
The Grass Cats bring lively foot-stomping fiddle and banjo music, bluegrass classics, tight vocal harmonies, acapella gospel quartets, and chart-topping original songs. In fact, the band has had a song and/or CD on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Survey each of the last three years, including the #1 hit "Bluegrass Man."

Thursday, March 2, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
The Revelators
Organized by Raleigh native and occasional Greenville/Maury resident David Turner, the Revelators promise an eclectic show of old time blues, folk, country, and American roots music. "This is a one-time show for a one-time band," said Turner, who uses the Revelators name for a loose aggregation of musicians he performs with in New York. "Completely organic, completely down home." Members include the Reverend Bob Clyde, recently retired ECU minister at the Baptist Student Union, on harmonica and vocals; Mike Hamer, ECU English professor and long-time veteran of the Greenville music scene, on hammer dulcimer and vocals; Jim Watson, a Maury resident and technician with ECU's Geology department, on accordion and piano; and Bill Redding, the Greenville-based healthcare professional who has in recent years begun establishing his own reputation as a solo artist, on guitar and vocals.

Sunday, February 26, 2006 -- 3:00 p.m.
Joyfull Praise
Jeanette Holland and Paula Peritte form Joyfull Praise, "a Southern bluegrass gospel group from the Selma, NC area," making their second appearance on our stage.

Saturday, February 25, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Untravelled Road
This trio from Raleigh has played many functions, from pig pickins' to weddings, public vineyards, and legislative parties, always with the aim of entertaining with "uncommonly good acoustic music."

Friday, February 24, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Roby Huffman & the Bluegrass Cutups
This stellar Carolina bluegrass band, first formed in the early 60s, executes beautifully on classics as well as Huffman originals -- some of which are themselves now classics.

Thursday, February 23, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam
Hosted by Jack Wrzesinski.

Sunday, February 19, 2006 -- 3 p.m.
Flat Mountain Dulcimers
Nancy Galambush of Snow Hill and Margit Roberson and Dave Roberson of Goldsboro form this group. Most of the dulcimers played by the Flat Mountain Dulcimers were built by Nancy's husband, J.C. Bradshaw, of Calico Possum Dulcimers.

Saturday, February 18, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Allan Thompson & Friends
Twenty-year Nashville veteran Allan Thompson, in league with friends like mandolin wizard Frank Harrison, gives a gloomy winter's day warmest memories.

Friday, February 17, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
The Malpass Family
One of our biggest draws and most talented ensembles, the Malpass Family brings in followers from miles around. The Malpass boys have been honing their skills since grade school -- at festivals and state fairs, in concert halls...and even on the Arthur Smith Show. An evening with the Malpass Family is time well spent and all too fleeting.

Thursday, February 16, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
The Tar River Boys
Together in various forms since the early 1970s, the Tar River Boys were featured in the February, 1998 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited and they played before more than 10,000 people in April 2001 during President Bush's visit to Greenville, NC.

Sunday, February 12, 2006 -- 3:00 p.m.
Marlboro Boys
Beautiful bluegrass gospel out of Farmville.

Saturday, February 11, 2006 -- 8:00 p.m.
Haywire with Alice Zincone & Rick Lafleur
With Greg Miller (formerly of the GrassCats) on guitar and Jeff Aebi on mandolin.
Great bluegrass led by Greenville native Alice Zincone and Canadian Rick Lafleur.

Friday, February 10, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bill & Libby Hicks
Bill Hicks, one of the original Red Clay Ramblers, returns with his wife, Tarboro native Libby Hicks, for an evening of original folk and premium oldtime music. It's always a treat when we can get a talented fiddler in the house, and Bill and Libby recently took 2nd place in old-time fiddle at the Mt. Airy Fiddlers Convention.

Thursday, February 9, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam
Hosted by Jack Wrzesinski.

Saturday, February 4, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Mac & Tammy McRoy Band
This versatile band performs original songs and oldtime bluegrass gospel favorites. The McRoys began their performing careers as members of Mary's Chapel Christian Church in Aurora, where they both are active members. Mac plays banjo, bass, dobro, mandolin, and guitar; Tammy plays fiddle and bass. Other members include Chuck Williams on banjo, Don Batten on mandolin, and Brian Batten on Dobro.

Friday, February 3, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Jennifer Shelton Licko
Primarily a Celtic and Gaelic singer, Jennifer does not always stick to one genre, but ventures onto wider ground: witness her new singles hitting the beach music charts in the Southeast US, and her nomination in the 2004 Cammy Beach music awards as Favorite New Artist of the year. Jennifer's spellbinding performances at R.A. Fountain have brought repeated requests for her return, and we were thrilled to oblige.

Thursday, February 2, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
The Steve Creech Quintet
featuring Jerry Jolley
With special guest Tamalyn Torrecilla, singing several of her hits.
When the place is packed on a Thursday night you know we've got real talent in the house. What a great show of old-time jazzy, bluesy classics! Creech and Jolley were joined by bassist Keith Dobbins, drummer Larry Seigler, keyboardist Larry Jones, and the wonderful vocalist Tamalyn Torrecilla for a fun evening our crowd won't soon forget.

Sunday, January 29, 2006 -- 3 p.m. -- FREE
Black Creek Bluegrass Gospel
Bluegrass gospel band from the Benson area, playing a range of music from traditional hymns to a smoother bluegrass sound. The group includes Craig Allen on guitar, banjo, dobro, and vocals; Scott Johnson on mandolin, guitar, and vocals; Tracie Rhodes Johnson on acoustic bass and vocals; and Danny Allen, sound engineer.

Saturday, January 28 -- 7:30 p.m.
Nancy & Tammy Dail & the Country Roads Band
This fast-charging ensemble is making itself one of the most popular country music bands in the state of North Carolina. The mother-daughter duo of Nancy and Tammy Dail are gifted vocalists and true performers who know how to connect with an audience. Add to the mix Bowie Martin on steel, Ronnie King on vocals and guitar, Glenn Speight on bass, Ken Dawson on drums, and John Akerman on keyboard, and you have a powderkeg of country-music energy.

Friday, January 27, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Jon Durham and the Forlorn Hope
"Singer/songwriter Jon Durham has the uncanny ability to make you feel like he's singing your own thoughts. Jon is a traveler whose songs are without emotional boundaries. His ability to fold one lifetime into a song and never lose the story is uncommon."
- Newberry Opera House

Thursday, January 26, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Dan Frechette
At age 28, Dan Frechette, from Pinawa Manitoba, has written more than 1,300 songs. His publicist calls Dan "a walking and living encyclopaedia of folk and country music," adding, "He knows music like a person twice his age and when you combine his unabashed enthusiasm and confidence with his writing skills, his knowledge of music and his performance know-how, watch out." Greg Quill wrote in the Toronto Star that Dan is "blessed with an enormous talent and a facility for adapting elemental folk forms -- bluegrass, Celtic airs, country, ragtime, country blues -- to his own purpose, the likes of which I haven't heard since Dylan's first recordings."

Saturday, January 21, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
In The Tradition
This 6-piece band from Lynchburg, Virginia, specializes in the traditional style of bluegrass music their name suggests. Formed in 1996, the band performs throughout the mid-Atlantic area and has released seven recordings.

Friday, January 20, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Highway 58 Bluegrass Band
Clyde Mattocks may be more famous as a Supergrit Cowboy but wait 'til you hear him make music with his bluegrass buddies in the Highway 58 Bluegrass Band.

Thursday, January 19, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam
It's a twice-monthly affair at R.A. Fountain -- we open up the floor and invite all comers whose grass grows blue. Bring your favorite instrument and don't be bashful. Folks need a place to play, and we love it when newcomers play for us at R.A. Fountain.

Sunday, January 15, 2006 -- 3 p.m.
Melody Brown
Christian-themed singer/songwriter from Zebulon.

Saturday, January 14, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
GrassStreet
Five-member bluegrass troupe.

Friday, January 13, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Chet Nichols
Powerhouse live performer whose music flows straight from an eastern Carolina heart.

Thursday, January 12, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Steve Creech Sextette
Featuring Carol Ann Tucker performing jazz standards.

Sunday, January 8, 2006 -- 3 p.m.
Marlboro Boys
Monthly free afternoon concert of the warmest bluegrass gospel you can find anywhere.

Saturday, January 7, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
George Higgs
Playing Piedmont and Delta style blues, folk songs, and popular jukebox songs from the 1940s and '50s, all done in his unique Eastern North Carolina style.

Friday, January 6, 2006 -- 8 p.m.
Russ Varnell & the Too Country Band
Russ & his Too Country Band always bring a Honky Tonkin' Good Time! Hear Russ do Whoop Dee Do (2.4 MB) from his CD Playin' Every Honky Tonk in Town.

Thursday, January 5, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
First Bluegrass Jam of the New Year.
People need a place to play, and they've got one at R.A. Fountain.

Wednesday, January 4, 2006 -- 7:30 p.m.
Staber & Chasnoff
Performing together since 1993, Staber and Chasnoff have toured Europe twice and represented the USA at the 2004 European World of Bluegrass festivals and concerts.

Sunday, December 18, 2005 -- 3 p.m.
Mike Hamer, Sue Luddeke & Friends 2nd Annual Christmas Show

Saturday, December 17, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Farm & Home
These fellows know how to entertain. Shorty Mooring is one of the region's most talented songwriters and performers. As for the rest of the boys -- they're bluegrass veterans who never miss a lick.

Friday, December 16, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Stephenson Bros. & Linda Christmas Show

Wednesday, December 14, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night
Hosted by Jessica Gardner

Sunday, December 11, 2005 -- 3 p.m.
Marlboro Boys

Saturday, December 10, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Ted and the Tar Heel Boys
Young Ted Jones keeps getting better and better, writing bluegrass tunes and tearing it up on that mandolin. Also featuring legenday fiddler Les Sandy.

Friday, December 9, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Redemption with the Batchelor Family
With Frank Harrison standing in on mandolin for teenage sensation Lindsay Batchelor, who is temporarily sidelined with an arm injury.

Thursday, December 8, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam with Marshall Stephenson

Wednesday, December 7, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night

Sunday, December 4, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Lily Holbrook
Lily Holbrook arrives in Fountain from Los Angeles, where she settled after beginning her musical career on the streets of Boston, busking at subway stations and around Harvard Square. Her two CDs have earned critical acclaim across the U.S., and she has been compared to Tori Amos, Jewel, and Ani DiFranco.
also on Dec. 4, at 3 p.m.
Joyfull Praise
A Southern bluegrass gospel group out of Selma, NC.

Saturday, December 3, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Charlie Flowers & International Harvesters
Classic, contemporary, and original Wilson-based country. Singer-songwriter/guitarist Flowers is joined by Darren Lee on drums, Larry Hilliard on bass, and Sonny Hughes on guitar.

Friday, December 2, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Boys from Carolina
140 years of Bluegrass picking!
Wright Young from Durham
Chuck Shutte from Raleigh
Lindy Brown also from Raleigh
Larry Nunnery from Benson
Bob Wilkerson from Smithfield

Thursday, December 1, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Chet Nichols
An evening of original songs that R.A. Fountain proprietor Alex Albright says are "narrative with an edge."

Wednesday, November 30, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night

Saturday, November 26, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Nancy & Tammy Dail & the Country Roads Band
This is a flat-out, high-energy group. It's easy to see how they've become one of the most popular country music bands in the state of North Carolina.

Friday, November 25, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Roby Huffman & the Bluegrass Cutups
One of the Tar Heel State's best bluegrass bands.

Sunday, November 20, 2005 -- 3 p.m.
The Turners
Family bluegrass band hailing from Arkansas.

Saturday, November 19, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Big Medicine
Playing string band music of the rural South: old-time melodies (older than bluegrass) and mountain harmonies, ancient ballads and archaic fiddle tunes, heart songs, hollers, hymns, and a touch of early bluegrass.

Friday, November 18, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Russ Varnell and the Too Country Band
Russ is a country singer's country singer.

Thursday, November 17, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Melody Brown
Christian and traditional themes permeate Melody's music -- stories of home and of the promise of salvation -- and she sings like an angel, too.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night

Sunday, November 13, 2005 -- 3:30 p.m.
Marlboro Boys
with Melody Brown opening.

Saturday, November 12, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Grass Cats
The Grass Cats bring lively foot-stomping fiddle and banjo music, bluegrass classics, tight vocal harmonies, acapella gospel quartets and chart-topping original songs. Though careful never to lose their traditional bluegrass footing, the Cats also perform cleverly arranged "covers" of songs from artists as diverse as Eric Clapton, Duke Ellington and Johnny Cash.

Friday, November 11, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Billie Joyce and Toni Catlin
Two of the best new solo acts coming out Nashville, they've both recently completed European tours, and their CDs are highly polished products of the best studio musicians in Nashville working with a couple of the best new singer-songwriters.

Thursday, November 10, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam with Marshall Stephenson

Wednesday, November 9, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night

Sunday, November 6, 2005 -- 3:30 p.m.
Flat Mountain Dulcimers
Beautifully done mountain dulcimer music by three eastern Carolina flatlanders.

Saturday, November 5, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Someone's Sister
With Laura McLean opening.
Georgia celebrates her birthday in Fountain before she and Katherine head north for some bookings in the Big Apple.

Friday, November 4, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Black Creek Bluegrass
Bluegrass gospel group from the Benson area, playing a range of music from traditional hymns to a smoother bluegrass sound.

Thursday, November 3, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bill Hicks
A second-place winner in old-time fiddling at the Mt. Airy Fiddlers Convention, Bill can get your feet tapping in a heartbeat.

Wednesday, November 2, 2005 -- 7 p.m. sign-up, 7:30 music starts
Open Mic Night
Hosted by the amazing Williamston guitarist Eddie Lilley.

Saturday, October 29, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Ted and the Tar Heel Boys
Ted Jones is an up-and-comer on the Carolina bluegrass scene, and his band invariably attracts a crowd. On this occasion, the Boys had their new CD available for purchase.

Friday, October 28, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Lightnin' Wells
Whether you look to performers for inspiration, education, virtuosity, or sheer entertainment, Lightnin' Wells delivers all the above, every single time.

Thursday, October 27, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Michael Holland
His recording "Independent Dreams" was nominated as best record of the year by the very hip weekly the Independent of Durham, and Holland himself was nominated as best folk artist. His music defines a part of North Carolina and Southern culture, but it is broad enough to reach across global boundaries. Based in tradition, yet modern in its translation, it draws on the wellspring of American music and the rhythms of everyday life to create an original and inspired musical experience.

Wednesay, October 26, 2005 -- 7 p.m. sign-up
Open Mic Night
Hosted by Jack Wrzesinski.

Saturday, October 22, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Second Third
Big news: it's a night of jazz in Fountain!
Bo Lankenau: 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, harmonica
Robert Siegel: alto sax, flutes, harmonica and kalimba
David Criswell: acoustic and electric bass, electric guitar
Jim Salmonson: percussion

Friday, October 21, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Malpass Family
With steel guitar legend Don Helms.

Thursday, October 20, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
4-Way Grass
We're talkin' bluegrass orchestra here, folks!
Don Dunn, Winterville, mandolin & guitar, vocals
Wayne Bullock, Ayden, bass guitar
Clay Bullock, Ayden, mandolin
Robbie Johnson, 4-way Crossroads, Greene Co., banjo
Dan Vause, Hookerton, guitar, fiddle, vocals
Adam Child, Greenville, fiddle
Gene Garris, Hookerton, mandolin, vocals
Bruce Newcombe, Pikeville, guitar, vocals
Carl Richard Blizzard, 4-Way Crossroads, banjo
Roy Smith, Falkland, guitar, vocals

Wednesday, October 19, 2005 -- 7 p.m. sign-up
Open Mic Night
Hosted by Tony Whetstone.

Saturday, October 15, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Unknown Tongues
A Cajun/Zydeco band right here in the Tar Heel State, formed in 1989 by husband-wife duo Bryan and Barbara Blake, Unknown Tongues has become a popular club and festival act throughout North Carolina.

Friday, October 14, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Walking by Faith
This six-member ensemble, hailing from towns in North Carolina and Virginia, will bring a concert of bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, folk, and contemporary music.

Thursday, October 13, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam with Marshall Stephenson

Wednesday, October 12, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Lauren Sheehan
She sings powerful interpretations of songs learned directly from some of America's greatest folk and blues artists. The Port Townsend Country Blues Workshop says Lauren Sheehan is "an American roots guitarist...able to capture the real spirit of the music, nestling in a territory where black and white music meet without prejudice and restriction." We are pleased to bring Lauren to the R.A. Fountain stage.

Sunday, October 9, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Spike Ivory
...for a return to basic rock and roll.
also October 9, at 3:30 p.m.
The Marlboro Boys
Whether you see them live or kick back for some private time with one of their excellent CDs, the Marlboro Boys bring tight, professional performance and pure class to gospel bluegrass music. See what we mean -- listen to them perform Talk It Over and Prayer Bells of Heaven.

Saturday, October 8, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Jon Durham & the Forlorn Hope

Friday, October 7, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Tim Smith
A Marshall Stephenson production, this show will feature champion fiddler Tim Smith and an all-star band of bluegrass masters, including Clyde Mattocks, Hessie McMillan on banjo, Kelly Tew on tenor vocals, and Mike Langdon on bass.

Thursday, October 6, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Adam Stone

Wednesday, October 5, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night
Hosted by novelist & bluesman Donald Underwood Thompson.

Saturday, October 1, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Jennifer Licko
Licko, one of our most popular acts, returns for another evening of exquisitely rendered Celtic and Gaelic songs. Says Alex, "She makes this place feel like a concert hall."

Friday, September 30, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
White Pine Hollow
This Triangle-based bluegrass band features the harmonies of the Tew Brothers -- Keith, Kelly, and Marty -- with David Hamlet on dobro and Marshall Gray on banjo. White Pine Hollow has been a popular attraction in Fountain at two previous shows. "They're one of the best bands we've had," R.A. Fountain proprietor Alex Albright says, "and they're always a lot of fun."

Thursday, September 29, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Country Music Jam hosted by International Harvester
Led by Charlie Flowers, I-H also includes Darren Lee on drums and Larry Hilliard on bass. "This is a great chance for a singer to get to work with a band," said Flowers. "We've had some mighty good singers out here lately, too."

Wednesday, September 28, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
Open Mic Night
Hosted by Les Sandy. It's a CD release party for Les, who recently finished the premier recording of Les Sandy and His Other Band.

Saturday, September 24, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bill & Libby Hicks

Friday, September 23, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Highway 58 Bluegrass Band

Thursday, September 22, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Gene and Gina
This Greenville-based duo specializes in original interpretations of contemporary classics by the likes of Van Morrison, Wilson Picket, the Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead, Phish, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, Willie T, Joe Cocker, Boz Scaggs, the Drifters and a host of others. Guitarist Gene Gilliken studied music at NC Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount. Gina Gerard studied music at ECU and accompanies Gene on flute. She's been a member of the Tar River Community Band, and together, they are half of the popular local band The Missing Ingredient. When not playing music, the pair are often at work at the Upper Crust Bakery in Greenville.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005 -- 7:00 p.m. sign-up, 7:30 music
Open Mic Night
Hosted by veteran Greenville performing artist John Benson.

Saturday, September 17, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
George Higgs
Eastern NC's most-traveled musician, Higgs has been trotting the globe in recent months. We're glad he's still finding time to play Fountain. Lightnin' Wells says George is playing the best he's ever played right now.

Friday, September 16, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Melody Brown

Thursday, September 15, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Kenny Roby

Wednesday, September 14, 2005 -- 7 p.m. sign-up, 7:30 music starts
Open Mic Night
Hosted by Jack Wrzesinski.

Sunday, September 11, 2005 -- 3:30
Marlboro Boys
"Everybody who's seen them knows how good they are," says Alex Albright, R.A. Fountain proprietor, "and this regularly scheduled concert is getting for them a bigger and bigger following.

Saturday, September 10, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Alice Zincone & Rick Lafleur
Led by Greenville native Alice Zincone and Canadian Rick Lafleur, Haywire performed in June to a packed house at R.A. Fountain. The Triangle-based quartet is traveling to promote its first CD, which is getting good airplay on bluegrass radio shows throughout the region. Three songs off that CD, "Moma's Voice," can be heard via the internet from R.A. Fountain's electronic store. Zincone, the daughter of veteran bluegrass performer Buddy Zincone, says she and her band are excited about returning to Fountain General Store, which she calls "the best little cafe east of Raleigh...this place is great," She added, "It has the listening atmosphere that all musicians yearn for in a gig."

Friday, September 9, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
New Gospel Grass
In their R.A. Fountain debut, this versatile band will present a concert of original songs and oldtime bluegrass gospel favorites. New Gospel Grass consists of Mac and Tammy McRoy, Marvin Walker, and Elton Ipock. The McRoys began their performing careers as members of Mary's Chapel Christian Church in Aurora, where they both are active members. Mac plays banjo, bass, dobro, mandolin, and guitar; Tammy plays fiddle and bass. Walker, who grew up in Hiddenite but has lived in Kinston since 1988, plays his own homemade banjos. Ipock, from Washington, plays guitar, bass, mandolin, and fiddle.

Thursday, September 8, 2005 -- 7:00
Bluegrass Jam with Marshall Stephenson
"We're kicking this one off with an old-fashioned gospel sing-along," says proprietor Alex Albright, "with most of the choir from Falkland Presbyterian Church to lead us."

Wednesday, September 7, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Nick Pags
Nick Pags, winner of "the Best Unsigned Singer/Songwriter Award" in a recent Readers' Poll for Nashville Scene, is touring the Southeast to promote his single "If I Die," from the compilation CD This Is America, which also includes cuts by Willie Nelson, Allison Krauss, Lucinda Williams, Johnny Cash, and the Jay Hawks. Pags (whose real name is Nick Pagliari) has opened for REM, Blue Merle, and David Rawlings.

Saturday, September 3, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Black Creek Bluegrass Band
Bluegrass gospel group from the Benson area, playing a range of music from traditional hymns to a smoother bluegrass sound.

Thursday, September 1, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m. -- FREE
Country Music Jam hosted by International Harvester

Wednesday, August 31, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
Open Mic Night hosted by George Higgs

Saturday, August 27, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Russ Varnell & the Too Country Band
Russ is one of the best country music entertainers in the region. He recently returned from a 2-day engagement with Buck Owens at his Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California.

Friday, August 26, 2005 -- 8:00
Osbert Osborn

Thursday, August 25, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Gary Vick
Original and classic country from Rocky Mount

Wednesday, August 24, 2005 -- sign-up at 7 p.m., music at 7:30
Open Mic Night
Hosted by Russ Varnell.

Sunday, August 21, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Jerry Oliver
Another traveling troubadour finds Fountain a fun place to play. We're the last scheduled stop on Oliver's "Twitchin' Earth" tour before he heads back to Nashville.

Saturday, August 20, 2005 -- 7:30 p.n.
Allan Thompson & Friends
Allan grew up in Windsor and spent 20 years working Nashville, including the Grand Ole Opry, and now lives in Mt. Pleasant, SC, where he teaches folk, bluegrass, Celtic, and other music styles. Allan plays 5-string banjo, dobro, fiddle, mandolin, and harmonica. He's joined in his Fountain concert by long-time friend Frankie Harrison on mandolin.

Friday, August 19, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Nancy & Tammy Dail & the Country Roads Band
One of our region's most popular country music shows finally makes it to Fountain for a great night of family fun.

Thursday, August 18, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Country Music Jam
Charlie Flowers & the boys of International Harvester are looking for players. "If you fancy yourself a country music singer," says Flowers, "I don't know where else you can find a place that's got a band all ready to back you up. You ought to come on out to Fountain and show us how good you really are."

Wednesday, August 17, 2005 -- sign-up at 7 p.m., music at 7:30
Open Mic Night
Hosted by poet & folk singer Jim Clark of Wilson, who performed at R.A. Fountain with the Near Myths back in April.

Sunday, August 14, 2005 -- 3:30
Marlboro Boys

Saturday, August 13, 2005
Just Us
Blues great George Higgs' jazz-singing daughters debut their complete show.

Friday, August 12, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Roby Huffman & the Bluegrass Cutups
A legendary North Carolina bluegrass band, the Cutups have been jamming for 40 years -- all over the U.S. and even in Europe!

Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 7 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam with Marshall Stephenson

Wednesday, August 10, 2005 -- sign-up at 7 p.m., music at 7:30
Open Mic Night
Hosted by Tony Whetstone, Greenville-based blues and folk musician.

Sunday, August 7, 2005 -- 3:30
Flat Mountain Dulcimers
Mountain Dulcimers grew out of the Appalachian Mountains but their sound can be found in the flat land of the east. Nancy Galambush of Snow Hill and Margit Roberson and Dave Roberson of Goldsboro form this group. Most of the dulcimers played by the Flat Mountain Dulcimers were built by Nancy's husband, J.C. Bradshaw, of Calico Possum Dulcimers.

Saturday, August 6, 2005 -- 7:30
Bluegrass Redemption & the Batchelor Family
One of the best bluegrass bands in eastern North Carolina, Bluegrass Redemption features Johnny Batchelor on lead vocals and guitar, his 14-year-old daughter Lindsay on mandolin, Keith Gaster of Bailey on banjo, and Skylar Smith from Rocky Mount on upright bass. Brooke, Batchelor's 9-year-old daughter, also joins the band for several songs. Gaster and Johnny Batchelor also perform with Les Sandy's Other Band, whose first CD will be released in August.

Friday, August 5, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
International Harvester
This country music band was formed earlier in the summer and has been a popular attraction in Fountain at recent country music jams. Harvester is headed by Charlie Flowers, who lives in Wilson and teaches English at Elm City Middle School. He is is joined in the group by drummer Darren Lee and bass/steel guitarist Larry Hilliard.

Saturday, July 30, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Les Sandy's Other Band
This fabulous bluegrass and traditional band comes supercharged with talent. They wowed a standing-room-only house when they debuted at R.A. fountain May 14, and our regulars agreed it was one of the most compelling performances they had witnessed on our stage. For the unlucky who missed it, July 30 is a golden chance to make things right.

Friday, July 29, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m. -- canceled
Springreen Grass
CANCELED -- Frankie Harrison, the band's stellar mandolin player, recently injured his hand and it hasn't quite healed yet. The proprietor of R.A. Fountain, Alex Albright, said he hopes Springreen Grass can fill in for a recent cancellation later in August, and Harrison still hopes to be able to play a tune or two with Les Sandy and His Other Band at Fountain General Store on Saturday night. But locals counting on a family night out needn't worry: there'll still be music in Fountain Friday night. "We'll break out our old 78s," Albright said. "I've been wanting to try a free night with the big bands and old rhythm and blues records we've got."

Thursday, July 28, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Country Music Jam
Eastern North Carolina boasts an exceptionally rich musical heritage. We urge the many musicians walking among us -- you know who you are -- to come ready to jam in a friendly, informal setting. People need a place to play, and they have one in R.A. Fountain.

Monday, July 25, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Earl Teel
Winner of the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Trophy at the 2004 NC Folk Festival staged at the NC State Fair last October, Teel brings to our coastal plains a real mountain sound, derived for the most part from his extensive journeys into the Appalachians of Tennessee and Kentucky. He's a hidden treasure of original musical talent, and we're delighted to have him coming back to Fountain.

Sunday, July 24, 2005 -- 4 p.m.
Michael Holland
Michael Holland of Carrboro will present his "Folkbomb" show at 4 p.m. Former lead songwriter and frontman for the band Jennyanykind, Holland has recently been performing with the traingle-based bluegrass band Big Fat Gap, which opened at Alltel Pavillion in April for Reba McIntyre. Jennyanykind released 8 CDs before disbanding in 2003. Holland's solo recording, "Independent Dreams," was nominated as best record of the year by the Independent, and Holland himself was nominated as best folk artist. His music defines a part of North Carolina and Southern culture, but is broad enough to reach across global boundaries. Based in tradition, yet modern in its translation, it draws on the wellspring of American music and the rhythms of everyday life to create an original and inspired musical experience. Doors open for Holland's concert at 3 p.m.; music starts at 4.

Saturday, July 23, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Lightnin' Wells
The King of the Blues returns. All hail! See this consumate performer in concert, up close and personal.

Friday, July 22, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Malpass Family

Thursday, July 21, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
clueLess
A New York sound from a New York ensemble: Clueless is Stephen and Joe Pla, two brothers who describe their music as a mix of middle eastern, Celtic, funk, pop, and rock.

Saturday, July 16, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
String Poppers
Dennis (banjo) & Karen (guitar) Modlin and Jeff Winegar (fiddle) play old time and old favorite music.

Friday, July 15, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Stephenson Brothers & Linda
House favorites return at last.

Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 7 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam with the legendary Marshall Stephenson
Stephenson, host of the Sunday night Bluegrass Train on 98.5 FM the Big Dawg, has been keeping bluegrass alive in eastern North Carolina since the 1960s. He's played with all the biggest names in the business, but he likes nothing better than finding a new talent.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 -- 7 to 9
Open Mic Night

Sunday, July 10, 2005 -- 3:30
Marlboro Boys
These Farmville fellows pack the house every second Sunday for a dynamic old-time bluegrass gospel show. Come early if you want a seat.

Saturday, July 9, 2005 -- 8:00 p.m.
Ted and the Tar Heel Boys
Primo bluegrass quartet.

Friday, July 8, 2005 -- 8:00 p.m.
Eddie Lilley
The "one-man blues band" from Williamston knocked our socks off when last he came. A real pro, Lilley's a must-see for those who appreciate powerhouse guitar virtuosity.

Thursday, July 7, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
R.A. Fountain Country Music Jam

Saturday, July 2, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Farm & Home
Bluegrass featuring Shorty Mooring on vocals and guitar; Jim Gaddis on mandolin and vocals; Bob Gaddis on banjo and vocals; and Paul Copeland on Dobro. Mooring, from Stantonsburg, has written hundreds of songs and will perform many of them in his own inimitable style.

Friday, July 1, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Jennifer Shelton Licko
Traditional Celtic music.

Monday, June 27, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Alex Iceberg opens for Dustin and the Furniture
Dustin and the Furniture is the solo project of Dustin Goldklang, whose CD Aimless Turtle is on Oh!Map Records. Both Iceberg, the opening act, and Dustin, play original alt-folk music.

Saturday, June 25, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Walking by Faith
It's the the R.A. Fountain debut of this bluegrass gospel band, although several of its members have played at our house bluegrass jams. The Walking by Faith roster: Mike Sugg of Snow Hill, guitar and mandolin; Ted Trent of Madisonville, Va., guitar and banjo; Daniel Baldwin of Keysville, Va., guitar, dobro and mandolin; Gene Lee of Farmville, Va., guitar and bass; Bob Johnston of Goldsboro, bass; Dickie Gunther of LaGrange, guitar, flute, and harmonica. "We've got too many band members living in too many different places to get together very often," said Sugg, "so we're really looking forward to having a good time in Fountain."

Friday, June 24, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
The Highway 58 Bluegrass Band
Says Clyde Mattocks of Highway 58, "With us, you won't hear anything else but straight-ahead bluegrass."

Thursday, June 23, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
First R.A. Fountain Country Music Jam
Celebrating home-grown talent!

Saturday, June 18, 2005 -- 8:00 p.m.
Springreen Grass
Greenville-based bluegrass band.

Friday, June 17, 2005 -- 8:00 p.m.
Alice Zincone & Rick Lafleur & Haywire
Bluegrass performers celebrating release of their CD titled Moma's Voice.

Sunday, June 12, 2005 -- 3:30 p.m. -- FREE
Marlboro Boys
Very popular bluegrass/traditional/gospel group out of Farmville.

Saturday, June 11, 2005 -- 2 p.m.
Remembering Linda Flowers
-
Also June 11, at 7:30 p.m.
White Pine Hollow
Triangle-based Bluegrass band.

Friday, June 10, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Frank "the Deacon" Jones
Guitar master from Greenville.

Thursday, June 9, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam with Marshall Stephenson

Friday, June 3, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Osbert Osborn

Saturday, June 4, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Chet Nichols
Singer/songwriter from Wilson Couty

Saturday, May 28, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Malpass Family
A top-notch bluegrass & gospel attraction, the Malpasses leave audiences happy every time.

Saturday, May 21, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Landy & John
A pair of R.A. Fountain favorites.

Friday, May 20, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Melody Brown Returns
Acoustic folk.

Monday, May 16, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
Marjorie Hudson
Author event: "Mosaic Writing and the Search for Virginia Dare"

Sunday, May 15, 2005 -- 4 p.m.
Tony Whetstone
Original blues & folk

Saturday, May 14, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Les Sandy's Other Band

Friday, May 13, 2005 -- 7:30
Charlie Flowers
Original acoustic country from Elm City.

Thursday, May 12, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam with Marshall Stephenson

Saturday, May 7, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Redemption
The "singing plumber" Johnny Batchelor and his talented family delighted R.A. Fountain audiences at our last two Bluegrass Jams, so we asked the Batchelors to come and make an evening of it with us.

Friday, May 6, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Eddie Lilley
The one-man Blues Band.

Sunday, May 1, 2005 -- 4 p.m.
Donald Underwood Thompson
Acoustic blues, folk, and country

Saturday, April 30, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Ted & The Tar Heel Boys
Bluegrass, traditional country & gospel from Smithfield.

Friday, April 29, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Unplugged Exiles
Steve Quinney and Jay Rusnak play classic rock and folk. This duo has a big sound: inimitable vocals and exquisite guitar.

Sunday, April 24, 2005
Store closed from 2 until 5 for a private recital...
but please attend the free Poetry Reading with Robert Morgan and James Applewhite at the Fountain Public Library at 4 p.m. It's a rare chance to rub elbows with two of North Carolina's premier writers.

Saturday, April 23, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Osbert Osborn
A one-man band, Osbert specializes in classic R&B and soul music.

Friday, April 22, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Jennifer Shelton Licko
Traditional Celtic music.

Saturday, April 16, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
George Higgs
Last time, Higgs was returning from Paris, France for his R.A. Fountain gig; this time, he's just home from a 10-day tour of Australia. Higgs is the last of his generation of bluesmen still active in eastern North Carolina. Once again, his daughters, performing as Just Us, will open.

Friday, April 15, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Smith/Cobb Duo
Original alt-country and acoustic.

Thursday, April 14, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
Bluegrass Jam with Marshall Stephenson

Saturday, April 9, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Someone's Sister with special guest Annette Warner.

Friday, April 8, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Frank "the Deacon" Jones
For his second engagement at R.A. Fountain, the Deacon packs his electric guitar.

Tuesday, April 5, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
The Swash Improv
Comedy comes to Fountain!

Saturday, April 2, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
An Evening of Film: The River and The Dam
with Duke film historian Tom Whiteside, PTRF Riverkeeper Heather Jacobs, and Neuse Riverkeeper Lawrence Baldwin. Music by Tony Whetstone.

Friday, April 1, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Andy Coats Returns, this time with Eric Zogry.
Andy's touring his home state for a couple of weeks, so we snagged him for a quick return & a totally different show from the March 25 gig, this one with special guest Eric Zogry, who was recently appointed North Carolina's first juvenile defender.

Saturday, March 26, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Lightnin' Wells
Another R.A. Fountain favorite, virtuoso & local hero Lightnin' Wells in a three-hour tour de force.

Friday, March 25, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Andy Coats
Traditional & original blues, from one of California's best young bluesmen.

Sunday, March 20, 2005 -- 5 p.m.
Melody Brown
Acoustic Folk & Christian

Saturday, March 19, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Stephenson Brothers & Linda
R.A. Fountain favorites return for an all-gospel bluegrass show.

Friday, March 18, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Landy & John
R.A. Fountain's general manager Landy Spain returns with his good buddy John Benson for another evening of outstanding acoustic music.

Saturday, March 12, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
Bill Redding and Friends
sing classic Irish songs for our 6th annual St. Patrick's Day Party.

Friday, March 11, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Highway 58 Bluegrass
Clyde Mattocks' life when he's not the Supergrit Cowboy.

Thursday, March 10, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
R.A. Fountain Bluegrass Jam
Hosted by Eastern North Carolina's own master of bluegrass Marshall Stephenson.

Saturday, March 5, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Tony Whetstone
Original & traditional acoustic music

Friday, March 4, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
The Malpass Family
Bluegrass & traditional.

Wednesday, March 2, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
Bob Clyde & David Turner
Harmonica and acoustic guitar and some friends.

Sunday, February 27, 2005 -- 5 p.m. -- FREE
Jacob Twarog
Classical piano concert

Saturday, February 26, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
@Risk
Mixing the sounds of classic and alternative rock, this band comes equipped to rock the ol' R.A. Fountain rafters.

Friday, February 25, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Ted & the Tar Heel Boys
Bluegrass, traditional country & gospel from Smithfield.

Sunday, February 20, 2005 -- 3:30 p.m.
The Marlboro Boys
from Farmville perform old-time bluegrass gospel.

Saturday, February 19, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Chet Nichols
presents original alt-country from Wilson County.

Friday, February 18, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
White Pine Hollow
Triangle-based bluegrass band celebrates their new CD.

Sunday, February 13, 2005 -- 3:30 p.m.
Mike Hamer & Sue Luddeke
sing classic & original love songs for Valentine's Day.

Saturday, February 12, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Unplugged Exiles
Two metal legends -- Steve Quinney from the rock group Cirkus and Jay Rusnak from Iron Horse -- form the Unplugged Exiles and assure a powerful show.

Friday, February 11, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Smith/Cobb Duo
singing alt-country and a variety acoustic tunes.

Thursday, February 10, 2005 -- 7 p.m.
The First R.A. Fountain Bluegrass Jam
Hosted by Eastern North Carolina's own master of bluegrass Marshall Stephenson.

Saturday, February 5, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
George Higgs
The famed bluesman from Tarboro returns from Paris, France in time for his second engagement at R.A. Fountain.
The evening's opening act: Just Us, Higgs's three jazz-singing daughters.

Friday, February 4, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Landy, John, and Friends
Eclectic folk, blues, blues/rock & some jazz

Thursday, February 3, 2005 -- 7:00 p.m.
Poet/author/professor/bluegrass artist Shelby Stephenson
Reading his poem "Possum" in celebration of Possum Day.

Saturday, January 29, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Mya & Will
Original accoustic music.

Friday, January 28, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Frank "the Deacon" Jones
Guitarist and singer from Greenville.

Saturday, January 22, 2005 -- 8 p.m.
Duke film historian Tom Whiteside presents An Incomplete Retrospective of Film in the 21st Century.

Friday, January 21, 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
The Will Holman Trio
Bringing their original comedic songs.

Sunday, 16 January 2005 -- 5 p.m.
Jacob Twarog
Piano concert by Fountain's own rising star featuring music from Bach & Beethoven to Billy Joel.

Saturday, 15 January 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
Stephenson Brothers & Linda -- bluegrass & old-time music, gospel & country.

Friday, 14 January 2005 -- 7:30 p.m.
The Near Myths

Wednesday, 22 December 2004, 4 p.m.
Aileen Higgins on her Hammond organ leads the R.A. Fountain community Christmas sing-along.

Sunday, 19 December 2004, 3 p.m.
Mike Hamer on his hammer dulcimer with Sue Luddeke singing folk & jazz with a few Christmas standards.

Saturday, 18 December 2004, 7:30 p.m.
George Higgs -- authentic Piedmont Blues from Tarboro.

Friday, 17 December 2004, 7:30 p.m.
Stephenson Brothers & Linda
Bluegrass & old-time music, gospel & country.

Thursday, 16 December 2004, 7:30 p.m.
Adam Stone and Charlie Flowers
Original and traditional country songs.

Tuesday, 14 December 2004, 4 p.m.
Shelby Stephenson reads Possum, his recently published ode to the much-maligned critter.

Saturday, 11 December 2004, 8 p.m.
Chet Nichols Band
Original alt-country from Wilson, with special guests Adam Stone & Anna Jane Murray.

Friday, 10 December 2004, 8 p.m.
Lightnin' Wells -- intense, dynamic blues & ragtime.

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