All Feature Articles

Ricky Skaggs: Bluegrass & More at the Ryman

by Rich and Laura Lynch

For years the Ryman Auditorium has honored the fact that it is regarded as the birthplace of bluegrass music by hosting their popular Bluegrass Nights Summer Series sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms. The pickin' party started on June 21st and joyfully concluded on July 26, 2018 with the renowned Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder.


Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder get rolling at the Ryman.

This annual event is a nod to the Ryman's past. Back in 1945 during a Grand Ole Opry show a young banjo player named Earl Scruggs joined Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys on the Ryman stage for the first time. Scruggs added his revolutionary three-finger picking style to Monroe's signature close harmonies, quick tempo, and "high lonesome sound." It was a new and nuanced form of country music that energized listeners and left them wanting more of what would became known as "bluegrass music."

Ricky Skaggs is a direct link to that important part of music history. As the story goes, when the esteemed Bill Monroe came to Martha, Kentucky for a concert, the crowd wouldn't let up until "Little Ricky Skaggs" got up to play. The Father of Bluegrass called six-year-old Skaggs up and placed his own mandolin around his neck, adjusting the strap to fit his small frame. No one could have anticipated what a significant moment that would be in the life of the young prodigy. Within a year, Skaggs would perform with Flatt & Scruggs on their successful syndicated television show, for which he earned his first paycheck. Ricky's course had been set. Decades later Skaggs is an awarding winning artist who will be adding a few more to the list this year.


For Ricky Skaggs 2018 might be his biggest year yet.

It was announced at the Ryman that in 2018, Mr. Skaggs will be inducted into the Bluegrass and Country Music Hall of Fames. We were reminded that Ricky has helped maintain the traditions of both genres "he breathers it ... he preaches it" declared the MC before the man himself walked out on stage to a warm welcome. After the show Skaggs was available to say hi and sign his books etc.

"Glad you are here," greeted Ricky as he and Kentucky Thunder kicked things off with a fast and fluid "How Mountain Girls Love" (The Stanley Brothers) with the Thunder shining on their solos as is the custom in mountain music. Between tunes Skaggs would chat often mentioning Bill Monroe whose songs such as "Bluegrass Breakdown" were covered as part of the group's expansive set-list. After a particularly animated run Skaggs joked that bluegrass should be an Olympic sport as it takes a lot of energy to present the more peppy pieces. For much of the night, Skaggs strummed a mandolin but he also played an acoustic and even a bright red electric guitar made an appearance.

The show also had its serious moments that included the moving "I Heard My Mother Call My Name In Prayer" in tribute to the woman who taught Ricky the love of Jesus. He also thanked his father who gave him the gift of music. After a short intermission Kentucky Thunder were joined by a few more musicians as Skaggs presented a set of country favorites. Fans did not seem to mind the departure as they were treated to "Crying My Heart Out Over You, "I'm Tired" along with other hits from Ricky's country periods.


Another season of the Bluegrass Nights Summer Series is successfully in the books.

Thursday was a night of tributes and the next person to be recognized was Buck White. A number of mandolin players joined Ricky to honor the man who had influenced them. This part of the concert featured "Down Home Waltz", "Old Man Baker" and more. Other high points of the career spanning concert showcased the compelling "Can't Shake Jesus" followed by the barn storming "Old Barnes" flowing into "Black-Eyed Susie". For the encore, Ricky was joined by his wife and sister. He asked the crowd to stand so we could be the chorus for the gospel medley of "Nothin But The Blood", "On Christ The Solid Rock" and "Blessed Assurance." The acoustics of the Ryman were ideal for these vocal numbers. Kentucky Thunder "ripped it up" on the bluegrass classic and closer "Rawhide" with accompaniment from guest Buddy Green to end the night and series on a joyous note.

The Ryman Auditorium aka the Birthplace of Bluegrass is considered one of the best sounding rooms in the States. The hall continues to pay tribute to its past but it is very much in present with the following upcoming events - Dave Barnes, Alejandro Escovedo, Gordon Lightfoot and Joe Bonamassa.


There's chicken and pickin' on the plaza before the show.

Related Links: For more information on RICKY SKAGGS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Ricky Skaggs | Ryman Auditorium


.







Do you like SP.net??? Did you know that the easiest way to support this site is to BUY our founder's pair of DEBUT ALBUMS on BANDCAMP? At check out you can even throw in a bit more to really say "we appreciate you"! Thanks!!!










Vince Gill Opens Four-Night Stand at the Ryman Auditorium in Fantastic High-Flying Fashion



Award-Winning Blues Guitarist Albert Castiglia Was In Righteous Form at the City Winery in Nashville



Alan Parsons Project - Third Time Is the Charm at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville



Stryper Strips It Down Just a Bit at Tour Finale in Franklin



Quinn Sullivan Brings Salvation to the City Winery in Nashville



Celebrating 15 Years of Darius & Friends Benefitting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville



Kevin Gordon Emerges From The In Between at Music Makers Stage in East Nashville



Amos Lee Plays the First of Three at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville



Alejandro Escovedo Resonates in Return to Music City



Eric Church Preaches to the Choir at Chief's on Broadway in Nashville



Carter Vintage Guitars Makes a Big Move in Nashville



Taj Mahal Remains a Blues Wonder of the World at Grimey's in Nashville



John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band Cruise Into with Nashville with a Memorable Debut Fifty Years in the Making



Interview: Talking Power, Glory and An Incredible Comeback Story with Rocker Benny DiChiara



Celtic Woman: Third Time's a Charm at the TPAC in Nashville



Interview: Talking History with Christian Rock Legend John Schlitt and What Keeps Him On the GO at NRB!



John Oates Delivers Songs and Stories with a Smile, Some Tears and a Few Laughs in Franklin



Interview: New Jersey Rocker Jason Didner Preps His Digital Carnival That Promises to Be One Wild Ride!



The Tina Turner Musical Is Simply Terrific at the TPAC in Tennessee



Girl From the North Country Lights Up the Nashville Skyline at the TPAC





Music Review: Emerson, Lake & Powell: The Complete Collection



Music Review: Hugo's VOYAGE: Inception



Music Review: Rolling Stones: Hackney Diamonds





• Meet Rich and Laura Lynch.

© 2024 SoundPress.net
All Rights Reserved