Her Focus is on True Beauty and Real Success
by Rex Rutkoski
Once you have bluegrass in your blood, you don't get over it, promises Tim White. "That's a good thing," says the vocalist-banjoist in the Tennessee-based VW Boys, known for their blend of music, magic and comedy.
They are bringing that infectious approach to stages across America as another bluegrass festival season keeps the hills alive with one of country music's close relatives. In fact, the genre is one in which country, rock, pop and other fans of all ages can come together in agreement.
"People can 'come home' to the music they grew up with at a bluegrass show or festival," White says. Many who may have just discovered it are drawn to its simple stories and what the music represents, he explains.
Dave Vaught is the guitarist and a vocalist. He also is a veteran professional magician who weaves magic into the show. Bassist-vocalist Larry McPeak, says White, is one of the leading bluegrass songwriters, having penned tunes for the Country Gentlemen, Lonesome River Band, Seldom Scene and others.
"The energy we draw from our audience is the driving force behind a VW Boys show," he says. "It is always a tremendous pleasure to have someone walk up to us and share a story about how our music has helped them in some way along life's path. Music and laughter are great medicine for the soul. Doctors should prescribe it more. Both ingredients are healing."
Tim Graves, who leads the Nashville-based Tim Graves & Cherokee, agrees. He formerly was the full-time Dobro player for bluegrass legends and Grand Ol' Opry members the Osborne Brothers, and was a member of James Monroe and the Midnight Ramblers.
"I enjoy the live experience because you get to feel the enjoyment of the people you are playing the songs for," he says. "They will sing with you or get up and dance, or just yell for more when you leave the stage. You can't beat that feeling."
Graves loves playing festivals because of the interaction with the crowd after the show. "They come to your table and you really get to know the people you are working for," he says.
He says he and his musicians deliver hard-driving bluegrass with some Gospel and country in the mix. "I think that people relate to bluegrass music, regardless of their age, because it is pure, down-home music and that is where all people come from, regardless of where they are in life," he says.
There is not much he does not like about playing festivals, adds White. "Playing at bluegrass festivals is a great time to enjoy several different things with our work. We get to enjoy the weather, mingle with bluegrass fans, and there is always good food! It is just a great atmosphere going to bluegrass festivals," he says.
"Also, bluegrass festivals are always a good, clean family event. You really don't have to worry about bad language, foul song lyrics, fighting and so forth. It's simply a great place to enjoy time with everyone without any hassles!"
The taste that folks get from the Moron Brothers is decidedly on the humorous side of bluegrass. "We're the real McCoys. What you see when you see us is what you get: two hillbillies," says banjo player Michael Carr. He portrays "Lardo Moron" and his partner, guitarist Mike Hammonds, is "Burley Moron" in the Kentucky bluegrass group.
They grew up on the genre. Carr's informal jam sessions, between fires at the Lexington, Ky., Fire Department where he worked, led to a performance career with Hammonds.
"Some of the best moments are when someone comes up and says, 'I ain't laughed like that in a long time,' or someone says, 'You all remind me of my father,'" Carr says.
"We like meeting different people and we feel like we are doing a job that God wants us to do, bringing laughter to people. We found that most people who enjoy bluegrass music are the same."
