Published: September 19, 2007 09:30 am      

Music, art

Series at gallery to begin Sept. 28

ASHLAND — Six big music shows are planned starting Sept. 28 at the Ann Davis Gallery at 1516 Winchester Ave.

Each show will be hosted by organizer Rob McNurlin and the Beatnik Cowboys. It was McNurlin’s idea to offer the series.

“I play all over the country and friends have found shows for me,” he said. “When Patty Blee and Bliss told me they were coming through the area, I thought I needed to organize a show.”

That show grew into a series that will continue once a month through February. McNurlin and his band will host a different performer each month.

McNurlin, an eastern Kentucky native, has studied and performed traditional music for years. He has released five CDs, including “Cowboy Boot Heel,” which was recorded at Johnny Cash’s Cabin Studio, produced by his son, John Carter Cash, and includes a duet with Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. He has performed at Fur Peace Ranch in Darwin, Ohio, the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Okemah, Okla., and The Bluebird Café in Nashville.

‰The shows begin Sept. 28 with a performance by local traditional music trio Wiley Dew is scheduled for the Sept. 28 show. The group refers to its style as folk with an Irish-Appalachian flavor. Their original songs add to the variety of music and broaden their appeal. Wiley Dew has opened in concert for such performers as Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Ricky Skaggs and Arlo Guthrie.

‰Patty Blee and Bliss will perform on Oct. 26. Singer/songwriter Blee has performed in the House of Blues and Hard Rock in Atlantic City, in Red Lion and Blaggards in New York, The Stony Pony in Asbury Park, N.J., and other venues in major cities in the United States. She has opened for Jackson Brown, Martina McBride, The Marshall Tucker Band and Delbert McClinton, among others. Members of Bob Dylan’s band perform on her second CD, “Disguise” and her third CD, “acoustic vibe,” consists of 20 songs written and performed by Blee.

‰Singer/songwriter Luna will present a show Nov. 9. The Paintsville native’s work combines traditional, rock and folk music. She performs in the Paramount Arts Center’s musical drama “Something in the Water,” singing such regionally representative tunes as “Pretty Saro,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and “Coal Miner’s daughter.”

‰Scheduled for Dec. 15 are Paul Callicoat and Sasha Colette. Carrying roots of Folk, Blues and Appalachian, Colette has performed at a number of venues and festivals along the East Coast. Whether playing the piano or banjo, she embraces her Kentucky upbringing with generous portions of honest vocals and rich lyrics.

‰The Ritch Collins Three-O will perform Jan. 25. The group plays an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, country, folk and show tunes with an emphasis on old-time string band music. Their CD is titled “Hillbilly Jazz” and features the tune written by Rob McNurlin called “Lotta Good Men.”

‰Wrapping up the series will be Sheldon Road on Feb. 23. The acoustic/vocal trio from Lawrence County, Ohio, performs an eclectic mix of music known for its powerful vocal harmonies overlaying instrumentals.

All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation for admission is $10. For more information, call (606) 324-1296.

LEE WARD can be reached at lward@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2661.