UNION VALLEY BLUEGRASS SATURDAY NIGHT AT BEAR FORK

(03/26/2009)

Union Valley, a new bluegrass band from the Parkersburg-Marietta area, will be playing Saturday night starting at 7 p.m. at the Bear Fork Trading Post.

The group plays a variety of music, ranging from old-time and gospel to more contemporary bluegrass works. The group also performs a number of original songs.

Gene Burgy from Newark, WV plays mandolin and sings lead for Union Valley. He contributes a great deal to the group by keeping the band organized, planning events, composing original songs, and keeping everyone in contact. Gene also does the recording for the band, as he has a recording studio.

In addition to his contributions to Union Valley, Gene also builds fine mandolins in his spare time. His handmade "Auburn Mandolins" are of very fine quality and are held in high respect by professional bluegrass musicians.

John Barnett resides in South Parkersburg, WV and plays doghouse bass for Union Valley. He has played with the other members of the group for a while now. He has very good rhythm and his strong vocals offer a broader range of tone color and styles to the group.

Becky McClung from North Parkersburg, WV plays fiddle and sings for Union Valley. She is a classically trained violinist who has recently decided to play bluegrass and she doesn't regret it at all.

Becky is new to the world of bluegrass, but luckily she has the support of many helpful local musicians who offer their wisdom and patience generously. Her classical training makes occasional appearances in her performances, for example, "Orange Blossom Special."

Eric Chichester lives in South Parkersburg, WV. He plays guitar and sings in the band. Eric is a new member but it is evident that he brings some strong skill to the group.

Danny Murray, from near downtown Parkersburg, is also a new addition to the band. He is a very skilled banjo player and we are very excited to have him playing with Union Valley.

Admission to Bear Fork Trading Post, located 16 miles West of Glenville on Rt. 33/119 at Stumptown, WV, is $6, for an evening of family entertainment. Refreshments available.