Lovesick Drifters

Location: R.A. Fountain

Garrett Newton channels a young Hank, Sr., like you won’t believe–unless you’ve seen this show before. 

He’s also got an all-star band backing him up: Clyde Mattocks on pedal steel; Alan Hicks, bass; Steve Shannon, guitar; Lizzy Tobell, drums; and Keith Thomas, fiddle.

We first enjoyed Garrett when he was picking banjo in front of his own bluegrass band. Then he brought this band to town in January for an SRO concert, one of the best we’ve ever hosted. His new act is breaking out–look for them upcoming on PBS’s Song of the Mountains.

Garrett started out picking banjo with Lorraine Jordan’s Carolina Road. At 22 and a fine guitarist himself, he released his first CD, Young Heart, Old Soul, on Pinecastle Records when he was but 17. In addition to an extensive repertoire of Hank, Sr. songs both familiar and obscure, he’s got the between-songs banter that’ll make you think you’re on a Louisiana Hayride, circa 1950.

Clyde Mattocks’ stellar career as band leader, session man, and mentor is legendary. He founded Super Grit Cowboy Band in 1974 and has fronted several outstanding bands whose performances we’ve enjoyed at RAF, including Without Further Ado and Highway 58. 

Alan Hicks played bass for Super Grit for a decade and has also toured with David Alan Coe. From Wisconsin, Steve Shannon came out of retirement to join the Drifters. Lizzy Tobell started playing drums when she was 2! Now 12 (and under the guidance of Mattocks), she’s fronting her own band. Keith Thomas fiddled with the Bluegrass Experience for over 30 years. 

Advance purchase of seats is recommended for this show. Links for reserved & general admission are below the photos.

Tags: classic, Concert, country, honky-tonk, original