In concert at a Parkersburg assisted living center
By John Griffin
They're still at it, making their music as often as they can get together in band member Allen Valentine's garage up on Oil
Rock. Cold weather has changed the attire for practice sessions from T-shirts to flannel shirts and even hunting jackets, until
the space heaters can warm up the backwoods "studio".
An ever expanding repertoire (which includes at least five songs
written by band members), lots of pure talent and a loyal following are fast becoming the trademarks of a local Wirt County
band. Sometimes on the practice nights, one can hear an impromptu rendition of "Your Cheatin' Heart" of which Ol' Hank
himself would take notice.
Number 1 Fan, (Allen's dog) Bo listens attentively
in the "practice" audience
A hot summer evening practice at the "studio"
Together for almost a year now, the boys are still doing wedding receptions, class reunions, civic events, BBQ's, special
occasions and they're even "booked" for a New Year's Eve gig at Connections this year. The group was recently invited
back
to an assisted living center in Parkersburg for a second performance that was as well received as the first. Several local folks
attended, and all were very much entertained for the evening.
Bobby and Randy Villers, Mike Carpenter, Allen Valentine, Chester Lee Boggs, and tuner/technical assistant/gopher Joe
Valentine keep pooling the proceeds from the performances into the band's "kitty" for more equipment, and they anticipate
making a CD soon. Quite possibly it will be the first crack at professional recording for them all. Look for Oil Rock Country
to be performing at an event in your neck of the woods this summer!
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