| Linville Ridge Band
With a bit of regret and a sense of relief, I'm announcing the end of The
Linville Ridge Band. It's been a wonderful 6 year journey with many
opportunities. And while a band is dis-banding, the friendship remains.
I have the utmost respect and admiration for my fellow bandmates and I'm
sure we'll keep in touch. The newest (and shortest tenured member) is
Shannon Slaughter, a singer who is no stranger to the bluegrass community.
We've really enjoyed these last few shows with him. Next came Barte Laney,
a quiet guy, who speaks thoughtfully and deliberately. I'll miss hearing
his fiddle. The emcee deluxe, tenor singing, magician David Wiseman has
been beside us for the past 4 years. Prior to Barte coming onboard, David
was always good for a couple of fiddle tunes along with his mandolin chores.
Perry Woodie has been playing music with me for most of the past 18 years.
There was a short period at the end of 1995 through late 1999 when we
weren't playing together, but we stayed in touch.
These are the guys who have shared time, stories, rooms, trips, meals,
cigars or pipes, and music with me. I'm a better man for the experiences
they have allowed me to share with them. There are many people I would have
never met had I not been riding around playing music with them when the
opportunities arose.
For the past 4 years we have helped to host The Red White and Bluegrass
Festival in Morganton, NC, my hometown. I will continue to help Gary
Leonhardt with this event in the future. I told him early on, that even if
I wasn't able to play at the event, how could I not try to help it along,
especially since it is in my hometown? And it is a real bluegrass festival
and we hope to try and improve upon it for the years to come.
Our last gig will be Friday, June 6th, 2008. The Carolina BBQ in Newland,
NC will be the site and there is no cover charge. The address is 700
Pineola Street (that will get you close anyway). If you see McDonald's on
Pineola Street, the BBQ is just across the street. If you can, I hope you
can come. It will be one of the last opportunities for us to sell a few
more of these CDs we have.
I'll never completely get away from being involved in music. But for now,
I'll take a break. It may be short, it may not, but there is nothing in the
plans as of this moment. I have been involved in bands for the past 25
years. It started the same year that my wife and I married. She has been
wonderful to allow me the time to participate in playing music. There's
songs to write, trout to catch, camping to do, old friendships to rekindle
and maintain and family. There's still music to listen to or play. I plan
on making good use of any spare time I have.
Thanks to one and all for the support you've shown or shared over the years.
It means more than you'll ever know.
Mike Ramsey
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well, sometimes its good to take a break too!! well good luck on whatever road you travel and keep on thumping!!
