Every Friday, from June 4 through September 10, the city of Chattanooga, TN presents free concerts downtown at Miller Plaza and Miller Park. July 30, Karen and I attended our first shows at these venues and it’s safe to say, “We’ll be back.
We found a comfy spot in the uncrowded lawn close to the Miller Park stage for the 7:00 pm start.
Banjo man extraordinaire Doc Cullis, leads the current lineup of the “New Dismembered Tennesseans.” Doc is an original member of the band that’s been an area favorite for 75 years.
Another long-time band member Laura Walker, plucked the base and belted out Guy Clark’s classic, “Homegrown Tomatoes.” The opening act finished up a tad after 8:00 pm. We picked up our gear and walked across the street for the second show.
Miller Plaza’s stage is viewed from a shaded square. Formerly the house band at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery near Gatlinburg, the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys were the night’s feature. The Grammy nominated group rocks a mixture of bluegrass and gospel.
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are dedicated to spreading their authentic bluegrass sound, while roaming the backroads in a restored Eagle tour bus.
With added Boston-based fiddler and Honky-Tonk wonk Laura Orshaw, this is one awesome string band.
Mandolin player and band leader CJ Lewandowski credits bluegrass music as changing his life for the better. Lewandowski and the band want to share that magic with the world.