Border Bash, a monthly concert series in historic downtown Bristol will begin its Summer 2008 series on May 16, 2008 in the 500 block of State Street. The evening’s events will start with children’s activities, crafters, concessions and local music at 6:00 PM with entertainment provided by Aaron Dowdy and continues with performances by The Near Misses and Bombadil at 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM respectively. Admission is free and it’s a great event for everyone!
Aaron Dowdy, a sophomore at Virginia High School, will be performing at 6 PM during the youth activities. Aaron, 15, is a singer/songwriter who says his music is inspired by folk music. In addition to playing acoustic guitar, he plays piano, harmonica, ukulele, bass, and "anything else around". He has recorded his 200+ song repertoire in his own studio and enjoys playing for live audiences.
The Near Misses are an all-female quartet featuring some of
The Near Misses create a layered and varied musical experience, unfolding lush arrangements of voices and instrumentation for a performance that is by turns playful, poignant and challenging. Their songs feature unforgettable melodies made complete by layers of gorgeous harmony. Original compositions in styles from contemporary folk to country rock to pop are tastefully woven with delightfully unpredictable vocal arrangements. Each member switches off songwriting duties and lead vocals while utilizing a range of instruments that includes acoustic and electric guitar, djembe, bass and mandolin. Together, the Near Misses create a whole that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. The group has been the recipient of the “Best New Band” Award in the Arts & Entertainment category of the Creative Loafing Readers’ Choice Awards, and in 2006, Creative Loafing named the group the “Best Band” (Readers’ Choice) in its “Best of Charlotte: International Edition.” In 2007, the band won "Best Vocal Harmony" in the Best of Charlotte Awards.
With a sound all their own and a stage show to match, Bombadil is, if nothing else, one of the freshest bands to emerge in a long time. Formed by Daniel Michalak, Bryan Rahija and Stuart Robinson, this band draws on a unique mélange of influences to create a sound that is unclassifiable. The group Magnet Magazine deemed “a drunker, circus-reared version of The Band,” was born in Bolivia, where Michalak and Rahija first met. The folk music indigenous to the region lit a creative spark and inspired the two to begin writing songs that incorporated international instruments and styles. That influence, paired with their collective backgrounds in Piedmont blues, psychedelic rock and Robinson’s background as a classical pianist, stands as the driving force behind the band’s unique sound. Their songs range from straightforward rock to Bolivian waltzes; from heartbreaking, piano-driven laments on loss of life to swashbuckling, raucous marches; and the appeal of their live show is undeniable. Border Bash features live music on the third Friday of every month from May through August, showcasing musicians who will perform later this year at the 8th Annual Rhythm and Roots Reunion. Every month during Border Bash, Arts Alliance Mountain Empire (AAME) will host local artisans and their wares in tents on State Street. “We hope that individuals, families, and visitors will come downtown to experience Bristol’s cultural heritage” commented Bill Hartley, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance. Hartley added that between the youth activities, artist’s exhibits, and musical fare offered that there should be something for everyone. For more information, visit www.believeinbristol.org [1], www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org [2], www.bristolrhythm.com [3] or call (276) 645-0111 or (423) 423-573-2200.