Fountain Express

Big Bluegrass Weekend Upcoming at Fountain General Store
The return of Highway 58 Bluegrass Band on Friday night and the eastern Carolina debut of In the Tradition on Saturday headline the upcoming weekend's lineup of music at Fountain General Store.

Highway 58 was formed 8 years ago as an outlet for Clyde Mattocks' passion for what he calls "straight ahead bluegrass." Mattocks, an original member of the SuperGrit Cowboy Band, is generally considered to be one of the best steel guitar players in the South, and he is equally adept at banjo and dobro.

"We named the band because two of us live on NC 58," said Mattocks, of Kinston, "and another lives just off of it." He is joined in the band by John Booker of Greenville on bass; Danny Morris of Vanceboro on guitar; Tim Myatt of Snow Hill on banjo; and Don Batten of New Bern on mandolin.

Mattocks also is a popular studio artist, having recently worked on CDs by Two Dollar Pistols, P.J. O'Connell, Steve March, and the Malpass Family with Don Helms. He has released two CDs on Supergrit's Hoodswamp label, "Hugging the Hound" and "Over My Shoulder." His songs frequently make Mike Gross's monthly Top 10 listings for his Singin' West radio show out of Texas.

Highway 58's January 20 concert begins at 7:30. General admission is $5; reserved seats are $7.

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In The Tradition, a 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.

"We have a solid commitment to give audiences an entertaining bluegrass show," said Donnie Mason, one of the band's founders, who plays mandolin, sings, and emcees their shows. Also in the band are Chris Hart, dobro; Ray Green, vocals, guitar; Scott Mason, banjo; Ron Padgett, fiddle, mandolin, vocals; and Tammy Mason, vocals, bass.

One reviewer noted that audiences could expect "a blend of music, comedy, showmanship and some unexpected stage antics -- a new and creative bluegrass show with tributes to the legends of the past."

In the Tradition's January 21 show begins at 7:30. General admission is $5; reserved seats are $7.

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Also this week, Fountain General Store hosts a free bluegrass jam at 7:30 on Thursday, January 19.

No live music on Sunday, January 22, but we'll be open 1-5.

R.A. Fountain, General Store and Internet Café, is located in downtown Fountain, at the intersection of US 258 and NC 222. Its family atmosphere does not permit smoking; alcohol is not served.

For further information, phone 252-749-3228 or visit our home page.

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Winter hours
Thursday 5-10
Friday & Saturday noon-10
Sunday 1-5
or by appointment, by calling 252-749-7974
Live music Thursday through Sunday. Friday and Saturday nights are booked into June, with entertainers coming to Fountain from Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington DC, New York, Manitoba, and England, as well as all parts of North Carolina. For details, visit our "upcoming events" page.