June 13 on Main Stage
10:00 PM - Hal Ketchum
At the age of 15, Hal Ketchum began performing in clubs as a drummer with a rhythm
and blues trio. In 1981, Ketchum moved to Austin, Texas where he began to visit
Gruene Hall, a small dance hall near his home. This influenced him to try his hand at
singing and songwriting, and by 1985 he was playing at small Texas clubs. In 1986,
Ketchum recorded 11 of his self-penned songs under his full name Hal Michael
Ketchum. This album, Threadbare Alibis, was released in 1988 under the small Texas
label Watermelon Records.
Ketchum then moved to Nashville, Tennessee and signed a record deal with Curb
Records. In 1991, Ketchum released his Curb debut album Past the Point of
Rescue, with both his debut single "Small Town Saturday Night" and the title track
"Past the Point of Rescue" reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles &
Tracks (now Hot Country Songs) charts, launching him to stardom. This album was
later certified Gold by the RIAA.
and blues trio. In 1981, Ketchum moved to Austin, Texas where he began to visit
Gruene Hall, a small dance hall near his home. This influenced him to try his hand at
singing and songwriting, and by 1985 he was playing at small Texas clubs. In 1986,
Ketchum recorded 11 of his self-penned songs under his full name Hal Michael
Ketchum. This album, Threadbare Alibis, was released in 1988 under the small Texas
label Watermelon Records.
Ketchum then moved to Nashville, Tennessee and signed a record deal with Curb
Records. In 1991, Ketchum released his Curb debut album Past the Point of
Rescue, with both his debut single "Small Town Saturday Night" and the title track
"Past the Point of Rescue" reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles &
Tracks (now Hot Country Songs) charts, launching him to stardom. This album was
later certified Gold by the RIAA.
He released the album Sure Love the following year, with the title track reaching #3 on the country charts, scoring another #2 with
"Hearts Are Gonna Roll", and "Mama Knows the Highway" charting at #8.
In 1994, Ketchum released the album Every Little Word, generating several more hits, including the Benmont Tench-penned "Stay
Forever" which reached #8. Hal was also inducted as the 71st Member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1994, after his first three Curb
records sold over one million copies collectively.
While Ketchum's subsequent albums have not achieved the same commercial success of his first three, they have been well
received among critics and fans alike. In 2007, One More Midnight was released only in the UK. In 2008, it was announced through
Ketchum's MySpace, that a new album, Father Time, would be released September 9, 2008.
Ketchum appeared in the 1988 film Heartbreak Hotel. Ketchum also made a cameo appearance as a bank robber in the 1994 film
Maverick.
Dave Desmelik has established himself as an accomplished and rising singer/songwriter
whose music might best be described as Americana or Alt/Country. Drawing upon influences
from country to bluegrass to blues to rock n' roll, Desmelik writes and performs a unique blend
of songs.
Growing up in Alpharetta, GA, music affected Dave early. He started playing bass guitar in his
high school jazz band, as well as cello in his high school orchestra, while also learning the guitar.
Playing guitar, writing music, and singing songs became a part of Dave's life, but it wasn't until he moved west to Flagstaff, AZ that
his songwriting would really take hold. During his time in AZ, Dave played and wrote songs with such acts as The John Treitor
Band, Big Jim and the Twins, and Onus B. Johnson. Onus B. Johnson has released two CDs, "Johnson Family Jewels" (1998),
and "Box of Moonlight" (2000) on which Dave's songwriting is a key ingredient. Dave has released five independent CDs, "Move On"
(1998), "Have Another" (2001), "Afterthoughts" (2003), "When Your Eyes Are Closed" (2005), and "Unheard Of" (2007).
Dave returned to his southeastern roots in 2003, and is currently living in Asheville, NC, where he has been performing regionally
as a solo artist and with his band "the HillBilly Cadavers". At the present time, Dave Desmelik continues to write songs and play
music that is consistent and identifiable to all of his growing fanbase.
Some Career Highlights and Awards
-"Unheard Of" voted #16 favorite new regional release of 2007 by listeners of WNCW.
-"UnHeard Of" reached #16 on the EuroAmericana chart (June 2007)
-"Best of 2006" local artist (Alt/Country) Mountain Xpress readers' poll
-"When Your Eyes Are Closed" reached #6 on the EuroAmericana chart (Jan. 2006)
-"When Your Eyes Are Closed" reached #12 on the FreeForm American Roots chart (Jan. 2006)
-"When Your Eyes Are Closed" reached #19 on the Roots Music Report (Folk Airplay) for the weeks of Jan.17th and 24th, 2006.
-"When Your Eyes Are Closed" voted by listeners of WNCW radio in the top 100 new releases of 2005 and #13 best regional.
-Featured artist on "The United State of Americana" Vol. 2 compilation CD (Shut Eye Records)
-Included on "Crowd Around the Mic" Vol. 9 compilation CD (WNCW)
-Winner of the 2004 Asheville "Make a Wish" Foundation songwriter shootout.
-Winner of the 2002 FAME (Flagstaff Awards for Music Excellence) award for best singer/songwriter.
-Onus B. Johnson voted Flagstaff's best band 3 times.
-Onus B. Johnson was a band finalist at the 2001 Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition.
whose music might best be described as Americana or Alt/Country. Drawing upon influences
from country to bluegrass to blues to rock n' roll, Desmelik writes and performs a unique blend
of songs.
Growing up in Alpharetta, GA, music affected Dave early. He started playing bass guitar in his
high school jazz band, as well as cello in his high school orchestra, while also learning the guitar.
Playing guitar, writing music, and singing songs became a part of Dave's life, but it wasn't until he moved west to Flagstaff, AZ that
his songwriting would really take hold. During his time in AZ, Dave played and wrote songs with such acts as The John Treitor
Band, Big Jim and the Twins, and Onus B. Johnson. Onus B. Johnson has released two CDs, "Johnson Family Jewels" (1998),
and "Box of Moonlight" (2000) on which Dave's songwriting is a key ingredient. Dave has released five independent CDs, "Move On"
(1998), "Have Another" (2001), "Afterthoughts" (2003), "When Your Eyes Are Closed" (2005), and "Unheard Of" (2007).
Dave returned to his southeastern roots in 2003, and is currently living in Asheville, NC, where he has been performing regionally
as a solo artist and with his band "the HillBilly Cadavers". At the present time, Dave Desmelik continues to write songs and play
music that is consistent and identifiable to all of his growing fanbase.
Some Career Highlights and Awards
-"Unheard Of" voted #16 favorite new regional release of 2007 by listeners of WNCW.
-"UnHeard Of" reached #16 on the EuroAmericana chart (June 2007)
-"Best of 2006" local artist (Alt/Country) Mountain Xpress readers' poll
-"When Your Eyes Are Closed" reached #6 on the EuroAmericana chart (Jan. 2006)
-"When Your Eyes Are Closed" reached #12 on the FreeForm American Roots chart (Jan. 2006)
-"When Your Eyes Are Closed" reached #19 on the Roots Music Report (Folk Airplay) for the weeks of Jan.17th and 24th, 2006.
-"When Your Eyes Are Closed" voted by listeners of WNCW radio in the top 100 new releases of 2005 and #13 best regional.
-Featured artist on "The United State of Americana" Vol. 2 compilation CD (Shut Eye Records)
-Included on "Crowd Around the Mic" Vol. 9 compilation CD (WNCW)
-Winner of the 2004 Asheville "Make a Wish" Foundation songwriter shootout.
-Winner of the 2002 FAME (Flagstaff Awards for Music Excellence) award for best singer/songwriter.
-Onus B. Johnson voted Flagstaff's best band 3 times.
-Onus B. Johnson was a band finalist at the 2001 Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition.
6:35 PM - Dave Desmelik
5:00 PM - Possum Jenkins
It is rare that any band plays more than once at the RibFest, rarer yet to have one play
two consecutive years, but Possum Jenkins is that good. Last year they risked life and
limb to play on a wet stage after a thunderstorm blew through the festival
Since coming together during their final year at Boone, North Carolina's Appalachian
State University in 2004, rising Americana quartet Possum Jenkins has toiled and
triumphed in bars, clubs and at festivals across their home state, as well as venturing
into South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
A sonic Southern recipe of simple but effective melodies married to boundless,
off-the-rails energy find the tight-knit group zeroing in on a sound that seamlessly
incorporates
two consecutive years, but Possum Jenkins is that good. Last year they risked life and
limb to play on a wet stage after a thunderstorm blew through the festival
Since coming together during their final year at Boone, North Carolina's Appalachian
State University in 2004, rising Americana quartet Possum Jenkins has toiled and
triumphed in bars, clubs and at festivals across their home state, as well as venturing
into South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
A sonic Southern recipe of simple but effective melodies married to boundless,
off-the-rails energy find the tight-knit group zeroing in on a sound that seamlessly
incorporates
strains of the timeless mountain music of Appalachia, the compelling alt. country of East Nashville and Austin, a touch funky Memphis
soul and a helping of unabashed Southern rock.
It's not hard to see why Possum Jenkins is just as comfortable sharing stages with outlaw legend Billy Joe Shaver as they are with
blues rockers the North Mississippi Allstars. Fans of Shaver's raw, heartfelt country as well as those of the Allstars' brand of hill country
boogie have both identified with the hard-driving and passionate Americana of Possum Jenkins that finds common ground in both
traditions.
With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Possum Jenkins named their new CD On Time. With production on the seven song mini-album
beginning last fall, On Time has suffered numerous delays, taking nearly a year to complete. Though anything short of a four-disc boxed
set might seem inadequate, the band's sophomore effort confidently features a maturing band sporting a more
refined brand of Americana than that of their successful 2005 release, To What's Her Name, Wherever The Hell She Is.
Relying on a classically simple guitar-bass-drums underpinning, On Time is fleshed out considerably by the tasteful keyboard and
organ work of project engineer and co-producer Aaron Burleson. Also featured on the release is former Emma Gibbs Band harmonica
player Brent Buckner, whose harp textures breathe life into songs "Stranger's Heart" and "Kraut Creek."
Though it's evident that Possum Jenkins is not trying to reinvent the wheel stylistically, the band is certainly trying to kick it into high gear
and carry their music to the next level.
soul and a helping of unabashed Southern rock.
It's not hard to see why Possum Jenkins is just as comfortable sharing stages with outlaw legend Billy Joe Shaver as they are with
blues rockers the North Mississippi Allstars. Fans of Shaver's raw, heartfelt country as well as those of the Allstars' brand of hill country
boogie have both identified with the hard-driving and passionate Americana of Possum Jenkins that finds common ground in both
traditions.
With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Possum Jenkins named their new CD On Time. With production on the seven song mini-album
beginning last fall, On Time has suffered numerous delays, taking nearly a year to complete. Though anything short of a four-disc boxed
set might seem inadequate, the band's sophomore effort confidently features a maturing band sporting a more
refined brand of Americana than that of their successful 2005 release, To What's Her Name, Wherever The Hell She Is.
Relying on a classically simple guitar-bass-drums underpinning, On Time is fleshed out considerably by the tasteful keyboard and
organ work of project engineer and co-producer Aaron Burleson. Also featured on the release is former Emma Gibbs Band harmonica
player Brent Buckner, whose harp textures breathe life into songs "Stranger's Heart" and "Kraut Creek."
Though it's evident that Possum Jenkins is not trying to reinvent the wheel stylistically, the band is certainly trying to kick it into high gear
and carry their music to the next level.
2:00 PM - The Pranksters
The Pranksters began their journey in the summer of 2003, known as Ten Strip.
The founding members, Clark Huneycutt, Kevin McInturff, Robert Blakemore and
Tom Abbott, played mostly around the city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, or at
parties or private functions. After new members being added and others lost, the
band then changed their name to August West. However, The Pranksters officially
emerged in 2005. Members have changed thorough the years, but Clark, Robert
and Kevin have remained the foundation of the group. The group tries to focus on a
more professional portrayal of the Grateful Dead, while still remaining true to the
Dead’s ideals.
The Pranksters began their journey in the summer of 2003, known as Ten Strip.
The founding members, Clark Huneycutt, Kevin McInturff, Robert Blakemore and
Tom Abbott, played mostly around the city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, or at
parties or private functions. After new members being added and others lost, the
band then changed their name to August West. However, The Pranksters officially
emerged in 2005. Members have changed thorough the years, but Clark, Robert
and Kevin have remained the foundation of the group. The group tries to focus on a
more professional portrayal of the Grateful Dead, while still remaining true to the
Dead’s ideals.
12:00 Noon - Freeport
We're going to ease into Saturday with some jazz from Freeport
In 1981, in Philadelphia, Scott Marvill assembled a group of musicians eager to
play the music they enjoyed. Jazz. They soon discovered a certain "chemistry" and
musical affinity that led to their formation of "Freeport". After much song selection, the
group would flourish playing for a decade together. Some of the highlights were
recording and performing with Tower Of Power, The Temptations, The Four Tops,
Special EFX, and Grover Washington Jr. to name a few.
Then Scott moved to North Carolina. He decided to continue the band taking the
opportunity to bring the New York/Philadelphia jazz feel to the South. He assembled
players and instrumentation that would provide a unique sound. Doing this has
We're going to ease into Saturday with some jazz from Freeport
In 1981, in Philadelphia, Scott Marvill assembled a group of musicians eager to
play the music they enjoyed. Jazz. They soon discovered a certain "chemistry" and
musical affinity that led to their formation of "Freeport". After much song selection, the
group would flourish playing for a decade together. Some of the highlights were
recording and performing with Tower Of Power, The Temptations, The Four Tops,
Special EFX, and Grover Washington Jr. to name a few.
Then Scott moved to North Carolina. He decided to continue the band taking the
opportunity to bring the New York/Philadelphia jazz feel to the South. He assembled
players and instrumentation that would provide a unique sound. Doing this has
opportunity to bring the New York/Philadelphia jazz feel to the South. He assembled players and instrumentation that would
provide a unique sound. Doing this hascreated a very full and flexible sound allowing Freeport to play all types of jazz. This is
evident by the numerous instruments on stage including three keyboards, multiple saxes (Alto, Tenor, Soprano), flute, drums,
guitar and basses.
Since re-entering the jazz community several years ago Freeport has found themselves as busy as they want to be performing
with artists like Bob James, James Cotton, Bob Baldwin, Eric Mintel, Matt Marshak, Dee Lucas, Marcus Johnson, and the list
goes on. During a recent radio interview on 88.5 WFDD Marvill says "we found that drawing from multiple music styles such as
Contemporary Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Jazz standards, and R&B gives everyone what they want. Plus there are no self-imposed limits
within the band. Our performances are always fresh not knowing what influence will creep into that particular song. Our
arrangements and performances are impacted by dynamic changes and influences from all styles of jazz. In fact, what we hear
most is the enjoyment of these influences we apply in our songs." This infusion helps with communicating and connecting to the
audience. Freeport pays close attention to how and what the audience reacts to and in turn providing them exactly what they want
at the same time not forgiving musical exploration and feel.
Freeport offers a combination of Smooth Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, and Jazz Standards. The four piece Jazz group consists of
Steve Thornton on saxes, flute, percussion, Malik Graham on keyboards, Herman Sanders on drums, and Scott Marvill on guitar
and basses.
Audience reactions have been great and they seem to not be able to get enough. They are hungry for Freeport's versatile styles
of jazz. Freeport self-described slogan is "Jazz For All People". And that's just what they deliver. Come see what the buzz is about.
provide a unique sound. Doing this hascreated a very full and flexible sound allowing Freeport to play all types of jazz. This is
evident by the numerous instruments on stage including three keyboards, multiple saxes (Alto, Tenor, Soprano), flute, drums,
guitar and basses.
Since re-entering the jazz community several years ago Freeport has found themselves as busy as they want to be performing
with artists like Bob James, James Cotton, Bob Baldwin, Eric Mintel, Matt Marshak, Dee Lucas, Marcus Johnson, and the list
goes on. During a recent radio interview on 88.5 WFDD Marvill says "we found that drawing from multiple music styles such as
Contemporary Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Jazz standards, and R&B gives everyone what they want. Plus there are no self-imposed limits
within the band. Our performances are always fresh not knowing what influence will creep into that particular song. Our
arrangements and performances are impacted by dynamic changes and influences from all styles of jazz. In fact, what we hear
most is the enjoyment of these influences we apply in our songs." This infusion helps with communicating and connecting to the
audience. Freeport pays close attention to how and what the audience reacts to and in turn providing them exactly what they want
at the same time not forgiving musical exploration and feel.
Freeport offers a combination of Smooth Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, and Jazz Standards. The four piece Jazz group consists of
Steve Thornton on saxes, flute, percussion, Malik Graham on keyboards, Herman Sanders on drums, and Scott Marvill on guitar
and basses.
Audience reactions have been great and they seem to not be able to get enough. They are hungry for Freeport's versatile styles
of jazz. Freeport self-described slogan is "Jazz For All People". And that's just what they deliver. Come see what the buzz is about.
8:10 PM - Hillbilly Delux
From Skynyrd to Merle and Waylon, like honky- tonk prophets, their words linger on
thru this outlaw band Hillbilly Delux. With twin guitars screaming and hard pounding
Waylon- esque bass and drums, Hillbilly Delux’s sound comes to life. It is best
described as “Dirty” Rocking Country. The term “Dirty” refers to the distorted guitars
they play and to the “Swamper” feel of their style of country. Hillbilly Delux was
formed in August 2006.
This Muscle Shoals, AL based band is consistently turning people’s heads with
sharply written original songs combined with the best covers from the past and
present. They are able to grab the crowd’s attention with their rocking country groove
and Craig’s high-flying stage antics.
thru this outlaw band Hillbilly Delux. With twin guitars screaming and hard pounding
Waylon- esque bass and drums, Hillbilly Delux’s sound comes to life. It is best
described as “Dirty” Rocking Country. The term “Dirty” refers to the distorted guitars
they play and to the “Swamper” feel of their style of country. Hillbilly Delux was
formed in August 2006.
This Muscle Shoals, AL based band is consistently turning people’s heads with
sharply written original songs combined with the best covers from the past and
present. They are able to grab the crowd’s attention with their rocking country groove
and Craig’s high-flying stage antics.
Hillbilly Delux is embarking on a national tour in 2009 including the upper mid-west, Texas, the Southeastern US, and others.
When asked about their fan base, front man Craig Putman responds “you know if it wasn’t for the fans there would be no Hillbilly
Delux. Our fans are like our friends so that’s how we treat them.
Hillbilly Delux has also done many radio and newspaper interviews. It’s obvious they are on a mission to make sure as many
people as possible get to hear them and that they get the opportunity to have a positive effect on someone’s life or if at least only for
a couple of hours. Great songs always come out of great road stories, along with new friends in great cities. With many shows on
the horizon, countless miles to be driven, songs to be written, and albums to be recorded,
Hillbilly Delux will bring their “dirty country” sound and high energy performances to the
world of music and fans nationwide.
When asked about their fan base, front man Craig Putman responds “you know if it wasn’t for the fans there would be no Hillbilly
Delux. Our fans are like our friends so that’s how we treat them.
Hillbilly Delux has also done many radio and newspaper interviews. It’s obvious they are on a mission to make sure as many
people as possible get to hear them and that they get the opportunity to have a positive effect on someone’s life or if at least only for
a couple of hours. Great songs always come out of great road stories, along with new friends in great cities. With many shows on
the horizon, countless miles to be driven, songs to be written, and albums to be recorded,
Hillbilly Delux will bring their “dirty country” sound and high energy performances to the
world of music and fans nationwide.