Country Gentlemen concert at VHS

The Country Gentlemen Reunion Band, made up of Eddie Adcock, Tom Gray, Jimmy Gaudreau, and Randy Waller will perform at the Virginia Historical Society, 428 North Boulevard , on Thurs., Mar. 20, at 6 p.m. Band historian Martha Adcock will also be on stage exploring, through story and song, the evolution of The Country Gentlemen and […]

March 5, 2008; 1:05 PM • by FTRea

The Country Gentlemen Reunion Band, made up of Eddie Adcock, Tom Gray, Jimmy Gaudreau, and Randy Waller will perform at the Virginia Historical Society, 428 North Boulevard , on Thurs., Mar. 20, at 6 p.m.

Band historian Martha Adcock will also be on stage exploring, through story and song, the evolution of The Country Gentlemen and the group’s influence on bluegrass music over the past fifty years.

Tickets for the concert are $15 for VHS members and $20 for non-members. Tickets may be purchased online at www.vahistorical.org, or in the Society’s museum shop.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to work with the Historical Society on this concert,” said Tim Timberlake, board member of JAMinc. “The Country Gentlemen had a profound impact on widening the appeal of bluegrass at a critical time in its evolution.”

The Country Gentlemen emerged from the hotbed of bluegrass music that developed around Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., in the late 1950s. Bringing a new energy and approach to a music that was being overshadowed by the growing popularity of rock and roll, The Country Gentlemen reached beyond traditional bluegrass standards, performing works of new songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Ian Tyson, and British rockers Manfred Mann.

Humorous antics added spice and interest to their live performances, and the superb musicianship of the band members inspired thousands of young musicians. The band’s original members were Charlie Waller, John Duffey, Bill Emerson, and Larry Lahey.

Throughout the years, more than three dozen musicians have played with The Country Gentlemen, including renowned bluegrass artists Doyle Lawson, Ricky Skaggs, and Jerry Douglas. Charlie Waller remained the sole original member until his death in August 2004.

After Charlie’s death, his son Randy Waller continued with a reconstituted version of the band. In 1996, The Country Gentlemen were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Honor.

This event is presented in conjunction with JAMinc.

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For more than 175 years, the Virginia Historical Society has been the steward of our state — and often national — history.

Headquartered in Richmond, the VHS is the Official State Historical Society and features award-winning exhibitions that are entertaining and educational for visitors of all ages. In 2008, the VHS received the coveted four-star Charity Navigator rating for sound fiscal management.

This “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator differentiates the Society from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m-5 p.m. and Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. (shop and museum galleries only).

Admission: $5/adults, $4/seniors 55+, free/under 18 and free/members. Admission to the galleries is free on Sundays.

For group tour information, call (804) 342-9652. For more information, please call (804) 358-4901 or visit www.vahistorical.org. Photo from randywaller.com.

– The information above was provided by Jennifer E. Mason, VHS Media Relations Specialist

March 5, 2008 1:05 PM 0