MUSIC LEGEND RONNIE RENO HEADLINES GSC CONCERT

(10/22/2009)

Ronnie Reno, right, joined the GSC Bluegrass Band onstage at the Fine Arts Center Tuesday night. Reno is backed by Derek Vaden, left, and Josh Chapman. Photos by Drew Moody By Drew Moody Glenville State College and its bluegrass band hosted music legend Ronnie Reno at its annual fall concert Tuesday night. During intermission Reno was interviewed by GSC's Buddy Griffin, sharing stories of his long career, including touring for almost a decade with Merle Haggard. Reno, quite the storyteller, mentioned he toured with Merle when he wasn't at his "second home," San Quentin (prison). He also recalled Elvis stealing a friend's girl prompted a song about lost love, and Bob Eubanks, of the "Newlywed Game" fame being the concert promoter who brought The Beatles to America. Reno is a founding member of the International Bluegrass Music Association in Nashville, as well as BlueHighways TV. He also has program airing Monday-Friday mornings on RFD-TV. Steve Peters and WVRW-WHAW radio was on hand interviewing performers and broadcasting the show live to its audience. GSC seniors Luke Shamblin and Josh Chapman were featured as well. Josh Chapman and Luke Shamblin (front left-right) are GSC seniors in the college's bluegrass program and were featured during the show. Megan Murphy and Trish Cottrell are (left-right) backing them up. Megan Murphy, on mandolin, acted as onstage emcee during the first half of the show. She's been performing professionally with her family for several years. Also pictured is Luke Shamblin on fiddle and Trish Cottrell on bass. GSC's 'bluegrass dean' Buddy Griffin, left, and Ashley Messenger opened the show Tuesday night. They have recently recorded two CDs scheduled to be released soon. The concert included music by Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, Lester Flatt, and Don Reno. The GSC Bluegrass Band includes: Luke Shamblin, Josh Chapman, Derek Vaden, Megan Murphy, Trish Cottrell, Mary Sue Bailey and Alli Drane.

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