Fountain Express

Big Bluegrass, Country Shows This Weekend in Fountain
Two of the region's best known bands, one bluegrass and the other country, are Thanksgiving weekend's musical attractions at Fountain General Store.

Roby Huffman and the Bluegrass Cutups, Friday night's entertainers, are popular features at bluegrass festivals throughout the United States. Nancy and Tammy Dail and the Country Roads Band, who perform on Saturday night, have established a loyal following of fans throughout the region.

Roby Huffman and the Bluegrass Cutups were formed in the 1960s and have been through several incarnations, always with the inimitable Roby Huffman up front. "Roby's got that classic high lonesome bluegrass voice," said Marshall Stephenson, who hosts Fountain General Store's monthly bluegrass jam. "If you haven't seen him perform, you're going to be in for a real treat."

Based in Smithfield, the Cutups have included a number of performers who have gone on to establish themselves as solo acts, including Wayne Benson, Hershel Sizemore, Les Woodie, Al Batten, and Jim Eanes. The current lineup includes Huffman, who plays rhythm guitar and sings lead; Travis Johnson, lead guitar; Daniel Casey, banjo; Mike Rose, mandolin, and Ray Bridgers, bass. "And with Roby," added Stephenson, "you never know who else might show up to play."

Roby Huffman and the Bluegrass Cutups' Nov. 25 concert begins at 7:30; general admission is $7; reserved seats are $10.

Huffman has been releasing records since the 1960s. He currently has 3 CDs in print.

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Nancy and Tammy Dail and the Country Roads Band are at the forefront of Wilson's talent-rich country music scene. "Their performances are a high energy mix of showmanship and excellent musicians," said Alex Albright, Fountain General Store proprietor. "They put on a show like you might expect to see in Branson or Myrtle Beach -- very theatrical and highly polished."

Fronted by the mother-daughter vocals combination of Nancy and Tammy Dail, the band specializes in traditional and contemporary country classics. Lead male vocalist is guitarist Ronnie King; Glenn Speight plays bass; John Ackerman, keyboards; Ken Dawson, drums; and Bowie Martin, steel guitar.

Country Roads has released one CD, Country Music Bill Ellis Style, and Martin has also released a solo recording of his favorite steel guitar selections. "Bowie's one of the best musicians we've seen in Fountain," said Albright. "A lot of his work is understated, but he always manages to work in a few really fine solos."

Nancy and Tammy Dail and Country Roads' Nov. 26 show begins at 7:30. General admission is $7; reserved seats are $10. [First three rows are sold out.]

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.

No music this week on Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday. Entertainment in Fountain returns to the regular Wednesday - Sunday dates on Nov. 30.

Listen to Roby Huffman & the Bluegrass Cutups sing "Love Don't Live Here Anymore."

Listen to Nancy & Tammy Dail & the Country Roads Band sing "Til I Gain Control."

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Fountain General Store Musical Lineup through December 2005
Nov 30 -- Open mic -- 7:30 -- FREE
Dec 1 -- Chet Nichols -- 7:30 -- $3
Dec 2 -- Boys from Carolina -- 7:30 -- $5
Dec 3 -- International Harvesters, w/ Charlie Flowers -- 7:30 -- $5
SUNDAY Dec 4 -- Joyfull Praise -- 3:00 -- FREE
SUNDAY Dec 4 -- Lily Holbrook -- 7:30 -- $3
Dec 8 -- Bluegrass jam, w/ Marshall Stephenson -- 7:00 -- FREE
Dec 9 -- Bluegrass Redemption -- 8:00 -- $3
Dec 10 -- Ted & the Tar Heel Boys -- 7:30 -- $5
SUNDAY Dec 11 -- Marlboro Boys -- 3:00 -- FREE
Dec 14 -- Open mic, hosted by Jessica Gardner -- 7:30 -- FREE
Dec 15 -- TBA
Dec 16 -- Stephenson Bros. & Linda -- 7:30 -- $5
Dec 17 -- Farm & Home -- 7:30 -- $5
SUNDAY Dec 18 -- Mike Hamer, Sue Luddeke & Friends 2nd Annual Christmas Show -- 3:00 -- FREE

No music Dec 19-Jan 3. Music returns Jan 4 with great bluegrass, from upstate New York, by Staber & Chasnoff. For winter 2006, we will present live music Thursday through Sunday weekly. For other 2006 bookings, see our events page.