The Fox Hunt, bluegrass music in West Virginia

I came across some really good bluegrass music from some guys from West Virginia who go by the name The Fox Hunt. First glimpse of the band would probably give you the idea that these guys are a rock group, influenced by 90’s alternative rock, but that isn’t exactly the case. Especially when you hear the bass, fiddles, banjos, mandolins, and bluegrass vocal harmonies. All the guys in the band range from the early to mid twenties, but don’t let their young age fool you. The bluegrass sounds coming from the band are quite mature, and appeal to country music and bluegrass fans of all ages. Their 10 track debut album “Nowhere Bound” was released back in April of this year on Skull City records. Members of The Fox Hunt include John R. Miller on guitar, bass, and vocals; Matt Metz on mandolin and vocals; Matt Kline on vocals, guitar, and bass; and Ben Townsend on fiddle, banjo, and vocal harmonies.

Visit The Fox Hunt at Myspace to download and listen to some tracks from the band.

Upcoming Shows:

Sep 30 2007 Mast General Store – Knoxville, Tennessee
Oct 06 2007 Millstone Barbeque – Burlington, West Virginia
Oct 13 2007 The Coffee Table (Matt K, John) – Frederick, Maryland
Oct 20 2007 Acoustic Brew – Lamont, Pennsylvania
Nov 09 2007 Limerick’s Pub and Grille – 21+ Show – Martinsburg, West Virginia
Nov 10 2007 Longbranch Saloon – 21+ Show – Hedgesville, West Virginia
Nov 16 2007 Floyd Country Store – Floyd, Virginia
Nov 17 2007 Gunther O’Darby’s – 21+ Show – Roanoke, Virginia
Dec 21 2007 Private Function – Martinsburg, West Virginia
Dec 22 2007 Unique Bar & Grill – 21+ Show – Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania

Cross Canadian Ragweed, new release Mission California

Now that I’m entering my most favorite time of year, it’s even better that McDonalds Monopoly will be accompanying me.  I hardly ever go to McDonalds, but I enjoy the whole Monopoly game thing, and I’m sure I’ll be visiting the playatmcd.com website a lot over the next month or so.  But anyway, this upcoming week is going to be awesome for those who enjoy some good southern rock music.  On October 2nd, Cross Canadian Ragweed will release their new album Mission California on the Universal South Records label.  These guys have their own style of southern rock and roll, some may call it alternative country, but I don’t care to brand their music with any other fancy names.  To me, it’s just music that sounds good.

Band members that make up Cross Canadian Ragweed are Cody Canada(guitar and vocals), Randy Ragsdale(drums), Grady Cross(guitar), and Jeremy Plato(bass).  The band formed out of the Red Dirt scene in Oklahoma back in 1994, and since then have gained a nice following.  Fans of bands like southern rock giants Lynyrd Skynyrd will definitely appeal to the music of Cross Canadian Ragweed.  Even metalheads might be familiar with the band, seeing that they released a song titled “Dimebag”, paying tribute to the late great Dimebag Darrell of Pantera.  Country music fans of Dierks Bentley, Pat Green, and Micky & The Motorcars probably know their music, seeing that these musicians often play shows together.  Lee Ann Womack can even be heard on background vocals of the upcoming album.  The guys are touring in support of Mission California, so check them out if they are coming through your town.

The Official Website of Cross Canadian Ragweed
Visit Cross Canadian Ragweed at Myspace

Tour Dates:

Sep 29 2007    Black River Coliseum – Poplar Bluff, MO
Sep 30 2007    Kansas Coliseum -Valley Center, KS
Oct 01 2007    George’s Majestic (CD Release Party) – Fayetteville, AR
Oct 02 2007    Hurricane Harry’s (CD Release Party) – College Station, TX
Oct 03 2007    Floore’s Country Store (CD Release Party) – Helotes, TX
Oct 04 2007    Billy Bob’s Texas (CD Release Party) – Fort Worth, TX
Oct 05 2007     Wormy Dog (CD Release Party) – Oklahoma City, OK
Oct 06 2007    American Royal BBQ Contest – Kansas City, MO
Oct 11 2007    Lonestar Arena – Stephenville, TX
Oct 12 2007    Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino – Tulsa, OK
Oct 13 2007    West Texas A&M University – Canyon, TX
Oct 18 2007    Gruene Hall – New Braunfels, TX
Oct 19 2007    Schroeder Dance Hall – Goliad, TX
Oct 20 2007    5th Annual Ziegenbock Music Festival – Houston, Texas
Oct 24 2007    Jupiter Bar & Grill – Tuscaloosa, AL
Oct 25 2007    Ziggy’s – Winston-Salem, NC
Oct 26 2007    Neighborhood Theatre – Charlotte, NC
Oct 27 2007    Centre College – Danville, KY
Nov 02 2007    Randolph Air Force Base (military personnel and family only) – University City, TX
Nov 03 2007    House of Blues – New Orleans, LA
Nov 08 2007    Hal and Mal’s – Jackson, MS
Nov 09 2007    State Fair of Louisiana – Shreveport, Louisiana

Patrick Bourque, 1977-2007

Very sad news was released by the Emerson Drive family.  Patrick Bourque has suddenly passed away in his home in Canada.  It was only a few days ago that I had mentioned a music project that Patrick was involved with.  His ability to bring light to so many people with his musical abilities will be missed greatly.

Emerson Drive recently posted a message on their website and are said to be “shocked and grieving” during this time of sadness.  Our thoughts are with the families and friends of Patrick.