Fountain Express

[Fountain, NC] Rod McDonald, a mainstay in the Greenwich Village folk music renaissance of the 1980s, headlines a 4-day run of music at Fountain General Store that also includes bluegrass concerts this coming Thursday and Saturday nights.

McDonald, currently based in Delray, Florida, has released sixteen CDs. He has performed, literally, around the world.

"Jennifer Licko got us this show," said Fountain General proprietor Alex Albright. "She's performed with Rod and thought folks in Fountain would like him. We're delighted to have someone of his stature in town."

McDonald has appeared with such notables as David Bromberg, Tom Chapin, Shawn Colvin, Ani di Franco, Donovan, Jonathan Edwards, Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Fairport Convention, Steve Forbert, Emmylou Harris, Richie Havens, John Hiatt, Highway 101, Patty Larkin, Lyle Lovett, Don McLean, Odetta, Tom Paxton, Gamble Rogers, Pete Seeger, Dave Van Ronk, Suzanne Vega, Jerry Jeff Walker, Doc Watson, Jesse Winchester, Tammy Wynette, Peter Yarrow, and many others.

McDonald concerts, Folkwax magazine said, "are always an event to anticipate and savour."

Rod McDonald's July 14 concert begins at 8:00; admission is $5.

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Farm and Home returns on Thursday night for a bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music show that will also feature many of the original songs of Shorty Mooring, who plays guitar and sings with the band. Also in the band are John Booker on bass, H.C. Croom on guitar, and the Gaddis Brothers, Bob and Jim, on mandolin, banjo, and fiddle.

"Shorty puts on a great show every time," said Albright, "and he's got a good following. He's one of the best singer-songwriters in the region, and he's a fine entertainer, too." Click to hear him perform "My Poor Heart" (1.9 MB).

Farm and Home's July 13 concert begins at 7:30. Admission is $3.

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The Triangle-based bluegrass band Carolina Junction makes its Fountain debut on Saturday night. This quintet specializes in original songs and original interpretations of classic bluegrass and bluegrass gospel songs, and their debut CD, Leavin' the Station, which was recorded at Mike Rose's Audio Farm Studio in Goldsboro, has gotten good airplay on several regional bluegrass radio shows.

"They're an excellent up and coming band," said Marshall Stephenson, the Bluegrass Train host who added that he plans to attend the show. "Folks in Fountain are really going to like these boys."

Bandsmen include Scott McBride, guitar; Mark Roshelli, guitar; Tim James, banjo; Danny Knighten, mandolin; and David Sampler, bass. Their July 15 concert begins at 8:00; admission is $5.

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Sunday's Free-at-3:00 concert this weekend features singer-songwriter Melody Brown, whose narrative songs come from her deep family roots and Christian upbringing. Brown, who lives in Zebulon, has released one CD, A Voice 4 Him. "Melody's an excellent singer-songwriter," said Albright. "She's got a beautiful voice, too." Click to hear her perform "I Grew Up Cherished" (4.6 MB) from that CD.

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The July Free-at-3:00 concerts continue on the 23rd with the bluegrass gospel band Take "2" Ramblin' Rose and on July 30 with the Flat Mountain Dulcimers. All Sunday shows in July feature 2-for-1 homemade ice cream specials.

R.A. Fountain, General Store and Internet Cafe, is located in historic downtown Fountain, at the intersection of US 258 and NC 222. Its family atmosphere is smoke- and alcohol-free.

Reserved seats are available for all shows at an additional charge. Prices are always posted on our up-coming events page. For further information, phone 252-749-3228.

July Specials: Music & Homemade Ice Cream
Several special events are still upcoming in July at Fountain General Store, including the Natty Boh Duo from Waxhaw, NC, on July 22; the Atlanta-based bassist Darren Michaels in a free concert on July 27; and from upstate New York, the Homegrown String Band on July 29.

Three Fountain favorites are also slated for return performances: Steve Creech and Jerry Jolley on July 28, the Flat Mountain Dulcimers on July 30, and the monthly bluegrass jam with Jack Wrzesinski on July 20.

Melody Brown's free concert this Sunday is the second of four free-at-3 Sunday events staged during July. At at each of these, 2-for-1 homemade ice cream specials will also be offered.

Fountain General Store serves ice cream made fresh at Jones Fruit Farm in Greene County. In addition to fresh ice cream made with peaches, strawberries, and blueberries grown on the farm, Ashley Jones also makes vanilla, banana, and chocolate. With seasonal exceptions, most are in stock at Fountain General.

In addition to Melody Brown's July 16 concert, other free-at-3 concerts include Take "2" Ramblin' Rose Bluegrass Band on July 23, and the Flat Mountain Dulcimers on July 30.

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