Q: What makes the Surly Gentlemen a good act to open the series?
A: The Surly Gentlemen are comprised of Grammy-winning guitarist Clay Hess, formally of Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, and veteran bluegrass singer Tim Shelton of New Found Road. Since the Miami Valley Brewgrass Festival has had two start-up years of rain, I thought this would be good opportunity to cultivate the bluegrass fans together in a great local brewery, operating in the same location as the festival, and feature a different artist each month. We had our first show back in November. It was sold out so we decided to go forward with the series.
Q: What makes Star City a good venue for the series?
A: Star City's a great venue for live music. They have a wonderful beer selection and staff. The music is set in the large, lodge-style, heritage dining room. The room holds 150 to 200 people and provides the opportunity to see some of your favorite artists in an intimate setting. The winter months are particularly cozy with two roaring fireplaces in the room. Star City is also very good about either having a food truck for the evening, or you can order from any restaurant in downtown Miamisburg and they'll deliver free of charge.
Q: How does this series tie into your annual festival and what’s next for that event?
A: Surly Gentlemen and upcoming acts Branded Bluegrass and Nightflyer are all on the lineup at the 2017 festival. We're making several changes this year. It's a retooling, really, in hopes of salvaging the festival. As mentioned before, two years of rain in the formative years has been very hard on the initiative.
Q: What will be different?
A: We decided to go all out this year. The lineup hasn't been announced officially, but this will be a free concert to the public, under a new name, The Miami Valley Bluegrass Heritage Festival. It'll be a one-day event featuring six to seven national bluegrass acts, beer tastings and sales, and craft, and food vendors. I'm really excited to bring the king of bluegrass country soul, and Lebanon native, Larry Sparks in to headlining the day!
WANT TO GO?
What: The Star City Bluegrass Concert Series presents the Surly Gentlemen.
Where: Star City Brewery, 319 S 2nd St, Miamisburg.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21.
Cost: $15.
More info: www.facebook.com/earlydriveproductions
About the Author