Passin' Thru is the name of the band known for solid, straight-ahead Bluegrass, roots and country music, and they'll be a part of the Calaveras Arts Council's free Music in the Parks concert series on Wednesday, August 12. The location will be outdoors at the elementary school in Rail Road Flat, 298 Rail Road Flat Road. The free concert starts at 6:30 pm, and the public may bring chairs, picnics, but is reminded that no alcohol or smoking is allowed on school property.
The band members of Passin' Thru combine their folk and old-time techniques,producing an intelligent, intimate sound with an abundance of twang that is
pleasant and enjoyable to listen to. Ryan Richelson, of Mountain Ranch, is a fine Dobro and guitar player, who's received many awards for his supreme talent on both instruments. Richelson has a passion for playing and it shows. Debbie Patterson is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitar player who received the MAMA (Modesto Area Music Award) in the bluegrass/country category in 2002. Jerry Patterson, bass player, adds the backbone with his solid rhythm played on his awesome vintage "64" Precision Fender Bass. Jennifer Arthur provides sharp mandolin playing and stop-you-in-your-tracks back-up vocals. Arthur and Patterson produce beautiful harmonies and leave behind great musical memories long after the band is finished Passin Thru Rail Road Flat, headed out on the road to its next gig.
In case you were wondering, Rail Road Flat never had a railroad, but in
1849, the mining operation there did move placer and quartz in mule-driven
ore carts on tracks. At 2,600' elevation, the area now is pretty much
undiscovered and sleepy, with lots of pines, oaks and meadows where
longhorned cattle and buffalo graze.
No matter what your route is to Rail Road Flat, your drive will be scenic
and beautiful. You can reach the town either from San Andreas or Mokelumne
Hill or West Point. From San Andreas go east on Mountain Ranch Road for
about 13 miles; turn right onto Rail Road Flat Rd and go half a mile to the
School, which is on the right. From Moke Hill, go east on Highway 26 for 9
miles; turn right onto Ridge Rd and go about 5 miles and you'll see the
school on the right. From West Point, take Highway 26 west; turn south on
Rail Road Flat Rd for about 8 miles.
The finale of the Music in the Parks season will be Wednesday, August 19,
in Arnold where Fishtank Ensemble will be the long-awaited last band of the
summer. For more info, call the Calaveras Arts Council at 209-754-1774 or
visit www.calaverasarts.org .
END
Mary Jane Genochio
Penny West
Executive Director(s)
Calaveras County Arts Council
PO Box 250 / 22 N. Main St.
San Andreas, CA 95249
209.754.1774
