Entertainment announced for firemen
The Berkeley Springs Volunteer Firemen's Carnival will run from July 16-21 at U.S. Silica grounds, north of Berkeley Springs.
Monday, July 16, Flashbacks. The Flashbacks are a band from Berkeley Springs that play vintage rock and roll, country and hillbilly music. Members of the band are Gordon MacLeod on guitar, bass and vocals; Bob Wurster on bass guitar and vocal; Matt Hahn on guitar and vocals; Jonathan McBee on guitar, bass and vocals; Angela Petry on vocals and Richard "Blinkie" Hopkins on the drums.
This band was formed when MacLeod and Wurster, formerly of Flash Gordon and the Rockets, were looking to put together al'50s rock band for an upcoming benefit concert. McBee stepped in on bass and asked Hopkins to play drums. At the same time Hahn was looking for a backup country band to play Jim McCoy classics at the same benefit.
That appearance led to more appearances. Two independent bands merged as one. Petry was then added for a new dimension in the group's multifaceted sound. Dr. Matt Hahn is in the process of producing his album of Jim McCoy originals at McCoy's studio in the Highland area.
Tuesday, July 17, Nashville recording artist Bob Plunkert and Real Country. Plunkert has gained respect and popularity in performing traditional country music. His latest release "Something Called Happiness," is a long awaited traditional country collection produced in Nashville, Tenn., by Eddie Stubbs, WSM Grand Ole Opry announcer.
Along with Plunkert on lead and harmony vocals, producer Eddie Stubbs handpicked many of Nashville's legendary recording legends to be part of this recording, including: Pete Wade on lead guitar, bass guitar and fretted dobro guitar, Hargus "Pig" Robbins on piano, Johnny Cox on pedal-steel guitar, Hank Singer on fiddle, Bryan Sutton on acoustic guitar, Dennis Crouch on acoustic bass and Gene Christman on the snare drum. Engineering credits go to Steve Chandler, Plunkert and the band.
Wednesday, July 18, Tori Anderson and Possum Holler. Hilbillygirl Recording Artists Anderson and Possum Holler possess a new look and a new show for 2007 featuring songs from their latest release "Substantially Blue." The album was honored as one of the best independent albums of the year by Indie-Music Magazine. Possum Holler has opened shows for over 50 national acts and has been described as one of the best drawing carnival and fair acts in the region.
Besides her lead vocals, the band has Wes Moats from Williamsport, Md., on drums, Greg Mills from Pectinville, Md., on bass and vocals and Greg Elwood from Winchester, Va., on lead guitar and mandolin. Michael Anderson resides in Hancock and plays acoustic guitar and the latest addition, her youngest sister Cathy Moats of Hagerstown, Md. is on harmony vocals.
Thursday, July 19, Sam and the All-nighters. Local recording artist and musician Sam Cubbage has been playing throughout the valley for years. He comes to the carnival with a newly produced recording "Dare to Dream" and with his band the All-nighter promises a great upbeat show featuring rockabilly and original music.
Special night Friday, July 20, Karaoke contest. The Berkeley Springs fireman offers what has proven to be one of the biggest and best Karaoke Talent Contest in the region. Limited to the first 30 entries, make sure to tune up vocal chords and show up for the 6:30 p.m. registration. Great prizes such as a first cash prize and a two-song demo CD at New Hope Recording Studios along with cash prizes for second and third and the special judges should make for an interesting evening. Call Bill Clark at 304-258-3449 for more information. A small registration fee is required.
The Sanders Sisters, NBT Recording Artists, will provide a warm-up to the contest starting at 7 p.m. Their album features many vocal oriented classics.
Saturday, July 21, Baby contest, registration at 6:15 p.m. ages 0 to 24 months/boy and girl categories.
The Drifting Whistle Pigs start things off at 7:15 p.m. with their own music style of traditional and outlaw country.
