Day 58 of our 2025 RVing Adventure with Historical & Musical Interludes

It's Saturday June 28th, day 58 of our 2025 summer adventure. I enjoyed the perfect temperature walk without any rain. Then it was coffee outside and a visit from Greg, the restaurant owner. We enjoyed some banana bread we got from Mammy's Donut Shop the other day. Rhonda pulled in just before the start of the program for today.

At noon today was the kids program. They take "finding" the next bluegrass talent very seriously here! The first group on the stage were 3 siblings and their Grandma. They call their band 'Pickin' With Grandma.' The second group was two brothers they call themselves 'The High Brothers.' They are 8 & 11 and have never played before this weekend. 

The third act was Jerry from Tennessee. He plays, Bass, Bango, a little Mandolin and he sings! He is only 12 years old. The fourth act was a 15 year old girl, named Pat. She plays the Dobro. She has been playing for 3 years now. All the kids joined in on 'How Mountain Girls Can Love' for their finale.

The first professional band up was Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass. Making their home in Marion, Kentucky, Cutter & Cash Singleton feel blessed to be a part of something that’s just so special. Not even 18-years old and they are the founding members of a rising bluegrass band. They have even performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Their newest album is produced by Grand Ole Opry legend Jeannie Seely. With a nod toward traditional bluegrass groups, the band always dresses to impress. Their fiddle player is Trustin Baker of Birch Tree, MO. He used to play with his siblings as The Baker Family. 

The second band up was The United States Navy Band Country Current. They are the Navy's premier country-bluegrass ensemble. The group is nationally renowned for its versatility and musicianship, performing a blend of modern country music and cutting-edge bluegrass. This five-member ensemble employs musicians from diverse backgrounds with extensive high-profile recording and touring experience in the music scenes of Nashville, New York, New Orleans and more. In the tradition of country music, each member is a skilled performer on multiple instruments. 

A staple of the bluegrass scene, Country Current has shared the stage with music luminaries Rhonda Vincent, Dailey and Vincent, Mountain Heart, Little Roy Lewis, Third Time Out, The Lonesome River Band, Josh Williams, The Seldom Scene, J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson, Ned Luberecki, Chris Jones and many others. Country Current routinely performs at bluegrass festivals such as Darrington, Windgap, Gettysburg, Lake Havasu and Grass Valley. In 2011, Country Current became the first military band to perform at the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas.

The unique thing about this group is there are two members that have strong ties to the bluegrass scene. Guitar and Lead Vocalist, MU1 Sally Ziesing is the eldest daughter of Rhonda Vincent, Queen of Bluegrass. Also, the Bass player, MU1 Danny Stewart Jr is the son of Bluegrass Promoter Danny Stewart. Additionally, the Fiddle and Mandolin player, MU1  Patrick McAvinue, was the 2017 IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year.

There was a change in the line-up, as Junior Sisk had bus trouble... So, the third set was Rhonda Vincent and The Rage! After a brief delay because of a little bit of rain, Rhonda Vincent and The Rage took the stage at the Remington Ryde Bluegrass Fest! She began her professional music career at the age of five, playing drums with her family's band, the Sally Mountain Show. 

She picked up the mandolin at eight and the fiddle at ten, performing with the family band at festivals on weekends. Rhonda has had deals with Rebel Records, Giant, and Rounder Records. Her band, The Rage helps her with hard-driving, high-energy contemporary bluegrass. Rhonda Vincent's daughter, Sally is the guitarist and lead vocalist with US Navy Band Country Current. She joined her mother on stage, with Rhonda's granddaughter, Faye Monroe.

Dinner break came next, giving Junior Sisk more time to arrive. At the dinner break we ran into Rich Baker and his wife! We know Rich from the Hemlock Fair and we have not seen them in years! What a small world! We learned they were here last year too and we never ran into them at all!

Junior Sisk and his band, Red Camel Collective, were the fourth act of the day. He is widely recognized as one of today's top bluegrass vocalists and is a constant reminder that traditional bluegrass is still alive and well. His bluegrass pedigree runs deep, influenced by a father who wrote songs and played guitar and a mother who sang. Sisk first learned to play around age 14. 

His early influences included The Stanley Brothers, Larry Sparks, and Dave Evans, but he often credits the Johnson Mountain Boys with inspiring him to pursue bluegrass professionally. Junior Sisk’s band is Heather Berry Mabe on guitar, Tony Mabe on banjo, Jonathan Dillon on mandolin, and Curt Love on bass. The band pays tribute to the man who brought them together with their name, taken from Junior’s song, The Man in Red Camels. It was a great set!

Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass played their second set. 

The United States Navy Band Country Current played their last set.

Larry Efaw & the Bluegrass Mountaineers played a single set today. His bass player is a 16 year old girl. She was singing a song and forgot the words... Larry gave her a good razzing... it was all in good fun!

The sunset was gorgeous!

Rhonda Vincent and The Rage played their last set. They have to drive almost 450 miles to Vermont to arrive for their set at 1:30pm tomorrow. It will be a long night for the bus driver!

Junior Sisk and Rambler's Choice finished out the 2025 Remington Ride Bluegrass Festival. Stay tuned for more Two Lane Adventures!

Day 57 of our 2025 RVing Adventure with Historical & Musical Interludes

It's Friday June 27th, day 57 of our 2025 summer adventure. This mornings walk was covered in heavy mist... some might call it light rain! This morning was the big day of the Town Wide Yard Sale. As I walked, I saw lots of cars parking along the fence to the fairgrounds. When I got close to our RV, I saw a horse head. Yes, a horse. When I got back to the RV, I saw the buggy too.

It was only 65 degrees this morning, so we did not sit outside to enjoy coffee. We did enjoy watching all the yard sale folks walk the road carrying their treasures! We truly enjoyed watching the Amish ladies bring items to the buggy parked by our rig. It was quite entertaining. 

The funniest photo was when the husband came back, saw all the stuff, took off his hat and stretched and shook his head. But, he quietly got to work, making it all fit! He did it! Thank goodness for bungee straps he had to hold it all together! 

The day began with another open mic hour. Our neighbors in our seating area are camped near 'J-Tyme" aka the Horst family Bluegrass band. They are lucky to listen to their jamming all the time! It is J-Tyme that opened the show today. Another brave couple, Don and Peggy Covey played a single song together on stage before the programed bands began.

The first scheduled band to play today was Larry Efaw & the Bluegrass Mountaineers. When Larry was seven, he started playing the mandolin and grew up watching his dad's band, Ed Efaw and the Bluegrass Mountaineers. Ed Efaw started the band in 1962. 

Larry Efaw has been known throughout his career for staying close to the traditional mountain style of bluegrass. He does this with The Bluegrass Mountaineers, a band his father Ed led for decades. Because of the support, Larry got growing up, Larry has always made a point of encouraging young people. This is evident by the ages of some of the members of his band. They are young, but they are very talented!

The second band up was Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road. We have never heard them before. We know her name, because she took over Evans Media Source's North Carolina State Bluegrass festival that was held in Marion and relocated it to Cherokee NC. Lorraine is known as the “Lady of Tradition” in the Bluegrass community, she has made an indelible mark not only on North Carolina music culture, but within the greater Bluegrass culture. 

Lorraine’s handpicked Carolina Road band is comprised of well-known musicians Ben Greene, Warren Blair, Wayne Morris, Kevin Lamm and Allen Dyer, who have played with a “Who’s Who” in the industry, including Charlie Moore, The Bluegrass Cardinals, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, James King, Lost & Found, David Parmley & Continental Divide, and Don Rigsby, to name just a few. Their stellar musicianship and versatility ensure award-winning powerhouse performances of every song. When she is not entertaining or producing a bluegrass festival, she owns and operates Lorraine’s Coffee House & Music, a popular listening hall in Garner, NC.

The third band on the schedule was The David Parmley Band. David Parmley began his musical career at age 15 and by the time he turned 17, he began his full-time career as a member of The Bluegrass Cardinals. That band featured his father, Don Parmley, and David’s lead and baritone voice was the backbone to The Bluegrass Cardinal sound. During a 25-year period The Bluegrass Cardinals recorded 18 albums and the material is considered the finest to come out of the 70’s and 80’s Bluegrass era.

David Parmely left The Bluegrass Cardinals in the 90’s to pursue a solo career leaning more towards a modern approach to Bluegrass Music. David Parmley and Continental Divide topped the Bluegrass Charts throughout the 90’s and now Parmley is back. David had very talented musicians backing him up and joining him in the crooning of these traditional bluegrass songs!

The fourth band on the schedule was Authentic Unlimited. I am pretty sure that we have heard them in person before. I am thinking it was a The Malpass Brother's festival in Denton NC, a year or two ago. Authentic Unlimited is a dynamic bluegrass band that blends rich harmonies with skillful instrumentation to create a sound that is both timeless and innovative. 

The unique facet of this band, is it is comprised of seasoned musicians, including former members of the legendary Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the band brings a deep-rooted passion for traditional bluegrass. Having earned recognition with IBMA awards, IBMA nominations, and Dove Awards nominations, the band’s talent and dedication to their craft is widely celebrated in the bluegrass community. Their heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies resonate with audiences, offering an authentic musical experience that speaks to both old and new generations of bluegrass fans. 

We went back to the rig for the dinner break and tried to get warmed up. Yesterday the AC was working overtime trying to cool the rig to 85 degrees! Today, we are running the heat! The 2nd set of performances began with Larry Efaw & the Bluegrass Mountaineers. Followed by Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road. Lorraine did a wonderful tribute to the Military, including flags and standing recognition of veteran's by branch of service. The most unique thing about the tribute was the Bango player was the one who played each service anthem on his Bango. Now, that is talented!

The David Parmley Band was up third and Authentic Unlimited was up last for the performers that had two sets. One of the songs Authentic Unlimited sang is one of my favorite. 'Little Eyes' its all about kids are watching you.... the chorus:

Little eyes and little ears; Little hands and feet; Know all we do down here; And words we speak; Watching and listening; As we daily go; Remember, our lives they learn; And surely know.

The final band for the day, was only playing one set, The Malpass Brothers. They are one of Charlie's favorites! Chris and Taylor, The Malpass Brothers, are as good as it gets. They're genuine. They eat, sleep and breathe real country music. They are incredible singers, songwriters and as entertainers, they can mesmerize an audience. 

It was a transformative moment when two young brothers discovered their grandfather's LPs collection. Chris and Taylor studied the brother-harmony bluegrass duos of Jim & Jesse, the Louvin and Wilburn Brothers and bathed in the sounds of Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, Charlie Pride, Merle Haggard. It was musical mecca to the boys—there was nothing on the radio that fed The Malpass Brothers’ soul more than the music of this bygone era--and today, they still stay to it. After 10:30 pm.... its a late night! Stay tuned for more Two Lane Adventures!

Day 56 of our 2025 RVing Adventure with Historical & Musical Interludes

It's Thursday June 26th, day 56 of our 2025 summer adventure. My morning walk was enveloped by a thick blanket of fog. But as the sun came up, it made a perfect picture!

They had an "open mic" hour, before the bands started. This "group" had jammed before, but they came together and performed on the stage during the open mic hour.

The first band up for today was The Kody Norris Show. Whatever you do, don't call them 'retro'. Because while the reigning SPBGMA Entertainers of the Year are known for the rhinestones that shine from their lapels and the fringe that hangs from their collars seem to conjure up memories of times gone by. The group is made up of front man Kody Norris, Josiah Tyree, Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, and Charlie Lowman. When we visited the Bluegrass Museum and Hall of Fame in Owensboro KY, they were the first exhibit we saw!

Kody believes there is a whole chapter of country music that's just kind of faded away. He feels that they have been instrumental in bringing back some of that nostalgia. As well as some of that classic look that country music and bluegrass used to have. The foundations of this band can be found within the roots of Kody himself. As a child, he spent hours sitting in the passenger seat of his Uncle Jack’s El Camino listening to the entirety of The Stanley Brothers 16 Greatest Hits tape, wondering if he would ever be able to match the sweet harmonies coming through the speakers. So, at nine years old, he picked up the guitar and he never put it down.

Up at 2 pm was Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys. 2025 marks the 79th Anniversary of The Clinch Mountain Boys. Ralph II began working professionally for his father in 1995 and has carried The Clinch Mountain Boys on since.

Grammy Award-winning artist Ralph Stanley II has eleven #1 singles in his career. The band includes Stanley Efaw on fiddle, mandolin, and vocals; Randall Hibbitts on the upright bass and vocals; Curtis Coleman on banjo and vocals; and Ralph Stanley II on the guitar and lead vocals. Adam Burrows was filling in today.

Just a few big drops here, but over there looks rough over by Mount Nittany!

Joe Mullins & Radio Ramblers were up next. Named Entertainers of the Year by the IBMA in 2019, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers have consistently delivered chart-topping radio hits and energetic performances. In 2025, they released a new gospel and bluegrass albums. They have been busy! 

Their latest all-Gospel album is titled 'Somewhere Beyond The Blue.' It has multiple IBMA Award nominations. The band also hosts their own bluegrass festival, Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival. It was recently named IBMA's Event of the Year. In addition to band leader duties, Joe Mullins is an award-winning radio broadcaster who can be heard daily across the globe via Real Roots Radio and is also host of the syndicated radio program Front Porch Fellowship currently on over 200 radio stations worldwide. Most recently, he produced the IBMA’s Album of the Year, Industrial Strength Bluegrass for Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. 

The Little Roy and Lizzy Show. They offer the best of bluegrass, gospel and old time music. Lizzy paired up with Little Roy Lewis from the legendary Lewis Family. Her extraordinary voice shimmers with strains of America’s musical roots. Lizzy has won “Bluegrass Song of the Year” for a several songs called “Mountain Top”, a duet with Ty Herndon called “When We Fly”, and "He Washed My Soul". Most recently at the 2015 GMA Dove awards she was awarded Best Bluegrass Song of the Year for a Duet with Rhonda Vincent called "God is There". She is one of the youngest fiddlers to be inducted into “America’s Old Time Fiddler’s Country Hall of Fame” in LeMars, IA.

Little Roy is a true banjo master, a picker's picker' Little Roy can also play the guitar and autoharp. In fact, the song 'Good Time Get-Together' was written to highlight his instrumental skills. Little Roy is multi-talented - he sings, plays many instruments, tells stories, and acts. When you see this Duo, you are sure to notice Little Roy, and he'll make you smile. He has been inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, SPGBMA Hall of Greats, IBMA Hall of Honor, and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

After the dinner break we had a different order, because several bands have engagements tomorrow and gave to drive all night!

Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys were first, because the member that is also the bus driver has a family funeral tomorrow.

The Kody Norris Show was up second. They did not bring their bus. They have a big SUV and are driving to Vermont for a festival there tomorrow. Then they drive back to Owensburg Kentucky for the ROMP festival this weekend. Yikes, that is a bunch of driving!

A few drops, before The Kody Norris Show finished their second set! But minimal delay before this festival namesake took the stage.

Remington Ryde played their one and only set at 8pm. There are rumors around that the band is no longer together. That is simply not true. They have decided to only take select dates. We are glad they are playing here! Ryan Frankhouser is the lead singer and plays guitar.  He started the band at the age of 16 in his hometown. Ryan has a passion for bluegrass music and has devoted so much time of his life to the band and the music. Richard Egolf has been playing the bass in bluegrass for many years. He has many influences in the music including JR Sisk, Lonesome River Band, And Ricky Skaggs. Those are the only 2 members of Remington Ryde playing tonight. The rest of the players are good, but filling in... including Stanley Efaw, son of the promoter of this festival now, Larry Efaw. Ryan also started the Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival at the young age of 22. The festival is on it's 18th year and has turned into one of the biggest bluegrass festival's in this area of the country.

Joe Mullins & Radio Ramblers came back up for their second set, just as it was getting dark at 9pm.  There was a great light show over by Mount Nittany. So, Charlie and I listed to half the set and then headed for the RV. 

Tomorrow is another full day of music. Prayers that it will be cooler! These 90 degree days are killing us! Stay tuned for more Two Lane Adventures!

Day 55 of our 2025 RVing Adventure with Historical & Musical Interludes

It's Wednesday June 25th, day 55 of our 2025 summer adventure. This morning included my walk, coffee outside and a trip to Mammy's Donut Shop. A true Amish gem! Our side-by-side friend, Greg, told us about it.

On our way to the shop, we had a bit of an Amish traffic jam. It was a windy road and unsafe to pass for a good mile.

There’s something about a small town bakery that has even more charm and appeal than its bigger city counterparts. Add the word Amish in front of that and the shop rises to another level. One shop that sets itself apart from all the rest is Mammy’s Donut Shop. It is located in the small quaint town of Rebersburg.

Mammy’s Donut Shop is a hidden gem that warrants a visit for some of their fresh homemade donuts, pies, or any of their other sweet and delicious offerings. You can also try breakfast and homemade hot soft pretzels on Saturday morning. Mammy’s is the perfect destination.  A simple, homemade donut shop. It is worth the drive, no matter the distance. At first, Charlie was "16-miles for a donut?" But, one bite changed his mind!

After the donut shop we stopped at the Decker Tract of Bald Eagle State Forest. The 5,900-acre Bald Eagle State Park is in the broad Bald Eagle Valley of northcentral Pennsylvania. The 1,730-acre lake laps the flanks of Bald Eagle Mountain, surrounded by forests, fields, and wetlands. The Ray F. Decker Trail is located at the Decker property on Route 192, which is within Bald Eagle State Park. The Ray Decker Trail begins at the Decker property on Route 192, and climbs the mountain to the James Cleveland Memorial, where you can continue on James Cleveland Trail to Greens Valley Road. Connect with the past via a short yet steep hike up to the monument in honor of James Cleveland, an airmail pilot who passed away in May 1931 in a plane crash on Mount Nittany between Centre Hall and Pleasant Gap.

The music started at 3pm today. The first band up was The Kevin Prater Band. They barely got two songs in before the skies opened up! 

Charlie had gone back to the RV because neither of us could remember if we pulled the awning in! He stuck it out inside the camper, and I was high and dry in our little canopy.

After the soaking was over they came back out and played without a sound system. 

The Kevin Prater Band is from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and delivers unique "Coal-Fired Pure Kentucky Bluegrass.” They have amaxing harmonies and a cappella singing. 2025 marks Kevin Prater 45th anniversary in bluegrass. Kevin began his musical voyage at the age of four. By 10, he formed his first band “Elkhorn Grass.” Elkhorn Grass enjoyed 11 years of touring together.  Kevin has moved from being one of the best sidemen in Bluegrass to leading his own talented and unique band. Kevin has been blessed to showcase his many talents throughout his amazing career. Kevin has surrounded himself with veterans of Bluegrass Music, enabling them to create their unique style of Bluegrass and Gospel Music they are famous for. 

More weather is threatened, so things are kind of on a delay. This next bit of weather skirted our area, but it looked pretty ominous!

The second band up, for an abbreviated set, was Danny Paisley and Southern Grass. Danny grew up listening to the music his father Bob played and enjoyed. Hearing the sounds of classic bluegrass like Red Allen, Mac Martin, Bill Monroe, the Stanleys, Reno and Smiley, and the Osbournes. Plus old-time mountain music and traditional country music. Once you hear Danny sing, it is no surprise that he lists George Jones and Vern Gosdin as major influences in his singing.

With Danny Paisley on guitar, Southern Grass continues the family tradition by adding Danny’s son Ryan on mandolin, the next generation of up-and-coming pickers. Southern Grass continues the rich musical heritage started by Bob Paisley and Ted Lundy with Lundy’s sons T.J. (Fiddle) and Bobby (Bass and Vocals). T.J. Lundy is a highly respected fiddler bridging the gap between old-time fiddling and bluegrass music. Bobby Lundy is also a renowned multi-instrumentalist who has gained attention for his unique bass style. Southern Grass also includes Mark Delaney on banjo, who rejoined the group after a brief hiatus.

Fast Track is a band with a musical lineage. Each of its five members evolved from a musical heritage. No strangers to the bluegrass community, they are all veterans of the stage and road. Dale Perry is a highly respected and extremely talented bluegrass veteran with a resume listing some of the greatest bands ever  known to the genre. He came to national notoriety when he joined the Bluegrass Cardinals playing bass and singing bass vocals. He went on to play banjo with The Lonesome River Band and also banjo and bass player and bass singer for the legendary Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. For the last several years he has showcased his talents alongside David Parmley in both Continental Divide and Cardinal Tradition. During Dale’s 39-year career, he has been nominated for 4 Grammy Awards, won 7 IBMA awards as both an artist and as a Producer, and countless SPBMGA awards.

Steve Day, known as The Fiddle Man, is widely regarded as one of the top fiddle players in bluegrass music. With a career spanning decades, Steve has worked with legendary acts such as David Parmley and Cardinal Tradition, Continental Divide, Ronnie Reno, Gary Brewer, and has filled in with countless other renowned artists across the bluegrass circuit. His musical journey also includes a historic performance at the Grand Ole Opry with Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, solidifying his place among the greats in the genre. Shayne Bartley has built a distinguished 40+ year career in bluegrass music. His impressive resume includes stints with legendary groups like The Lost and Found, Don Rigsby and Midnight Call, American Drive, Southern Blend, The Charlie Sizemore Band, and Dave Evans. He has also been part of Unlimited Tradition, Rarely Herd, David Peterson and 1946, The Karl Shiflett and Big Country Show, and even filled in for the renowned J.D. Crowe and the New South. His talent even took him beyond bluegrass when he toured with country music superstars Brooks and Dunn during their 2003 Neon Circus Tour, showcasing his ability to bridge genres and reach a broader audience. Duane Sparks plays guitar and sings vocals. He grew up in a family rich in musical talent coming from both sides. Duane was privileged to be a part of Gerald Evans and Paradise, The All American Bluegrass Band, and more recently with Joe Mullins and The Radio Ramblers. During his tenure with Joe Mullins, he was able to really spread his wings while traveling professionally and even earning five International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards and two SPBGMA Awards for band and band recording projects that he was a part of. 

Randy Barnes is a bluegrass veteran and an accomplished musician in lead vocals, harmony and acoustic bass. He is one of the most popular bass players in the business. Randy has earned an impeccable reputation within the bluegrass community, having worked as a band member for Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Marty Raybon & Full Circle, Lou Reid & Carolina, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, the Larry Stephenson Band and the Josh Williams Band. 

The second set began with The Kevin Prater Band. They were able to get their second set in without rain this time. But, the skies were getting darker again. So, we took a short break. The wind was coming up again, so Charlie and I helped our neighbor get the canopy off his pop-up and Charlie and I took down our sun shelter for the night. 

Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass were up after the rain delay. It looks like everybody approves! We saw a beautiful rainbow!

Fast Track came on stage for their second set. They are closing out day one of the Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival.

Stay tuned for more Two Lane Adventures!