The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE—Crossing County Lines and the Appalachian Pickers, two youth acoustic bands that form the New “Old School” Junior Virginia Opry, will open for Michael Hoover and his “Blue Christmas Tribute to Elvis” on stage at the Gleason Forum Hall at Clifton Mid-dle School Saturday at 7 p.m.
Crossing County Lines has recently returned from a week-long visit to Nashville which included a recording date at the 515 at 522 Studio and an evening performance at the Commodore Grille.
Band members Will Atkins on guitar, Isaac Blake on banjo, Tanner Lacks on bass and Eli Phillips on fiddle and mandolin recorded, played and sang five songs, three of which are their original compositions.
The band has been performing locally at a number of venues which include the Historic Masonic Theatre, Scott Hill Retirement Center, Roanoke Library, Art Squared, the Clark’s Ole Time Music Center and the Buckhorne County Store and Campground in addition to a number of benefits at various locations.
M. Ray Allen, president of Appalfolks of America, the nonprofit that founded the band, said, “Their relaxed, fun style of bluegrass, traditional country and Appalachian mountain music has become a crowd-pleaser, and the band members are looking forward to opening for Michael Hoover again.
“The Appalachian Pickers have been rehearsing with Mike Lee, a multi-instrument music teacher from Buchanan, learning special songs for the Michael Hoover’s “Blue Christmas Tribute to Elvis,” Allen concluded.
Charlotte Ivy, the director of the New “Old School” Junior Virginia Opry who will emcee the show, said, “The Appalachian Pickers are eager to get back up on the stage as a band.”
She added, “The individual members of the Appalachian Pickers are very talented and often play for solo events in the area. Playing with the band is always a treat. Along with their vocal talents, Kaeli Berry plays ukulele and mandolin; Justin Broughman plays mandolin and guitar; Nathan Fender plays guitar, and William Webb plays guitar and banjo.”
Dr. Aubrey Hall and Susan, his wife, are Silver Sponsors of the show, and Loving Funeral Home, along with Dr. Clay Morris, are Bronze Sponsors for the tribute.
Crossing County Lines is currently booking shows for 2019. To book the band, Ivy may be contacted at 915-525-6317.
Ivy concluded, “The New Old School’ Junior Virginia Opry was formed in September of 2017, and we are very excited about the future of the bands.”
Tickets are $20 in advance compared to $25 at the door for Saturday’s show. Student discounts are set up as follows: a student who presents an ID at the door receives a $5 refund off the $20 ticket purchased. Student tickets at the door are $20 rather than $25.
In Covington, tickets may be purchased at Fresh Cut Above Flower and Gift Center, Image Express and David B. Davis Law Firm.
Tickets in Clifton Forge are available at Ridgeway Music and Fisher Auto Parts. The Fast Break BP Station in Cliftondale Park and the Buckhorne Country Store and Campground near the entrance to Douthat State Park are also serving as ticket outlets.
