Marc Dykeman on guitar, Sam Guthridge on 5-string banjo and mandolin, and Nate Grower on fiddle are well known to local audiences as members of Chester River Runoff, one of the area’s most active bluegrass bands. The new group adds Mike Buccino on bass.
The band offers a rhythmic style somewhere between Western Swing and early Rockabilly over laid by harmonies in the vein of vocal duos like the Delmore and Louvin Brothers,” according to a news release. Their music “combines the nostalgic twinge of old-time folk, the laid back drive of western swing, and the raw energy of rockabilly.”
Dykeman and Guthridge are long-time members of Runoff, but both have wider interests. Dykeman has appeared with the Baltimore art-rock band Plans Plans and has played jazz and classical trombone. He’s also a sound engineer and an oral history interviewer.
Guthridge has deep roots in the traditional bluegrass banjo style, along with impressive chops. He’s been known to throw a Charlie Parker lick into a solo on a bluegrass standard like “Shady Grove,” and he has appeared with performers with styles ranging from old-timey to ska. He also writes much of the material for the Runoff, and does both lead and harmony vocals.
Grower, who sings both leads and harmonies, is the 2011 Delaware state fiddle champion. He studied classical violin before becoming a bluegrass devotee. In addition to regular appearances with the Runoff, he is a member of guitar legend David Bromberg’s quartet.
Buccino, who plays both upright and electric bass, has played regularly with local groups in a variety of styles, including the Joe Holt Trio and the Alligators. He has a music degree from the University of Northern Colorado.
Music in the Park begins at 7p.m. and runs till about 8:30. Audience members should bring something to sit on. Only limited seating is available. The rain location is Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 101 N. Cross St., across from the park.
Butch Clark is the technical director of Music in the Park. Jane Jewell is the program director.
Bring something to sit on. Only limited seating is available. Free Admission.
These free programs are sponsored by the Town of Chestertown with support from The Kent County Arts Council & Community Contributors. www.chestertown.com/events/musicpark/
Rain location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church – 101 N. Cross St. across from the park.
To help make these programs possible, please send donations . payable to the Town of Chestertown and designated for “Music in the Park,” to
Music in the Park
Chestertown Town Hall
118 N. Cross Street,
Chestertown, MD 21620.
by Peter Heck – Excerpted with permission from The Kent County News.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.