Utah Westerners

March Announcement for the Utah Westerners

March 5, 2014 at 2:16 pm kenttschanz Leave a comment

A EUPHONIOUS EVENING

RED DESERT RAMBLERS

We are in for a real treat this month as we change direction a bit by not having a speaker and by just asking you to come, relax, and have fun as you listen to the harmonious sounds of a superb regional band, The Red Desert Ramblers. The band plays Bluegrass, Classic Country, Celtic, and Swing music with a style all their own. The Ramblers, whose members hail from Salt Lake and Summit Counties, have achieved national recognition and have participated in numerous regional and national festivals including the International Bluegrass Music Association FanFest in Nashville, Pickin’ in the Pines (Arizona), Memorial Day Bluegrass Festival (Grand Junction, CO), Bluegrass in the Barn (Nampa, ID) Red Rocks Bluegrass Festival (St. George, UT), Windwalker Ranch Bluegrass Festival (Spring City, UT), and more.

The Red Desert Ramblers have been honored by the International Bluegrass Music Association by being the first Utah band to ever be hired for an IBMA performance and were the only bluegrass band featured at the Mountain West Conference of the Arts. Members have won several awards including band leader, Sharon Mitchell, as best Utah hammered dulcimer player and Rick Martinez as best banjo player for the Intermountain Acoustic Music Association (IAMA). The Salt Lake Tribune says, “When it comes to locally produced bluegrass bands, it’s hard to do better.”

Sharon Mitchell (hammered dulcimer, harmony vocals) is the band leader/manager and has played the dulcimer since 1989. She is the first hammered dulcimer player ever to be hired for an IBMA performance. Sharon also plays with the Public Domain String Band and The American Irish Duo. In addition, she runs the IAMA Local Concert Series. She’s considered the “roots and branches” of the Red Desert Ramblers.

Steve Hewson (lead vocals, guitar, and mandolin) is best known as the host of the Rockport Dam Jam and is the former manager of Rockport State Park. After “going electric” with the country band “Desert Skies,” Steve returns to his first love of acoustic music with the RDR. He also plays with Detour Utah.

Rick Martinez (5-string banjo) has a style of 30 years steeped in traditional and progressive bluegrass music. His clean, precise, and dynamic playing reinforces the authentic sound of the band. Rick has played with the Rick Martinez Band, Holdin’ Out, and the Prairie Dogs.

David Bates (upright bass) has been a mainstay in the SLC/Summit County communities for many years. He has been or is a pilot, bus driver, and farmer. He helps mentor teenagers and youths as they seek to become proficient musicians. Dave also plays with the Silver Creek String Band.

Richard Schmeling (lead/harmony vocals, mandolin) adds to his impressive vocals with impressive guitar and piano playing. His ballads are amazing and no one can belt out traditional heart-wrenching songs like Richard. He also performs with the band, Bluegrass Rising.

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