Rail Critters

Potluck Saturday May 2nd at 6:30, music around 8:30

preview of some of their new material (you really want to check this out!)
Juke Box - Ellia Jewell - 60 Years

Read a recent interview with Bill

TO RSVP:
You must be invited and RSVP in order to attend. Email info@coloradograss.org for more information/to be invited. If you’ve never been before, be sure to introduce yourself. Tell us who you are with an address and a phone number & how you found us or who sent you here.

Audiences may recognize the core of Honey Don’t –Bill Powers and Shelley Gray as one-half of Colorado favorites Sweet Sunny South. Like SSS, Honey Don’t is an acoustic quartet that plays music inspired by and tied to the roots of traditional bluegrass and old time, but stretches the limits of those genres. The overall sound revolves around Bill’s songs, Bill and Shelley’s vocals and the exceptional instrumental talents of Greg Schochet on mandolin (Expedition Quartet, Halden Wofford and the Hi Beams) and Ryan Drickey on Fiddle (The Gabrielle Louise Show, Expedition Quartet). Shelley handles the bass and Bill plays guitar, mandolin and some banjo. Honey Don’t has just recorded a full-length debut CD that will be available in May. The disc is packed with everything from rock and roll, swing, folk, bluegrass, and old time, to classic country all done the Honey Don’t way. If you’ve enjoyed Sweet Sunny South over the years you are sure to enjoy this fine new off-shoot.

Bill Powers - Guitar

As the main songwriter in the group, Bill draws from his Mississippi upbringing.  Although he grew up around a variety of music, he didn’t start playing the guitar until college.  He was originally inspired by Jerry Garcia and playing Grateful Dead songs with his friends at UT, Austin.  After moving to Colorado, music became a bigger part of Bill’s life and resulted in a variety of bands including rock-n-roll, world-beat and finally, bluegrass.  It was around this time that Bill picked up a mandolin and Sweet Sunny South was born.  Bill’s unique style of songwriting helped shape the band and the addition of his plectrum banjo adds to the bands unique sound. 2009 finds Bill busy with yet more musical projects.  His prolific songwriting has spurred him to start up “Honey Don’t” Bill teams up with his wife, Shelley (Gray) and other great Colorado musicians to perform as an acoustic duo, trio or quartet.

Shelley Gray - Bass

With tap dancing as her main musical background, and only a few months of bass playing under her belt, Shelley was invited to join Sweet Sunny South in 2003.  Born in Minnesota, she grew up dancing and listening to Latin Jazz and the loungy sounds of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Henri Mancini and Sergio Mendez.  It wasn’t until she moved to Colorado in 1994 that she was introduced to bluegrass music and was instantly attracted to the bass.  Partners together for 15 years, Shelley & Bill (Powers) also have two sons, Jobim & Rowan.  Most recently this musical team has been putting their talents together on a variety of projects ranging from performing as an acoustic duo, recording jingles for businesses, bringing music to kids in schools and starting up an electrified country inspired rock band.

Greg Schochet - Mandolin and Guitar

Greg Schochet is an integral part of Colorado’s thriving music community, in demand as a performer, producer and teacher. Equally adept on guitar and mandolin, Greg is fluent in a number of acoustic and electric styles, including bluegrass, swing, country, folk, blues, and more. Since the fall of 2003, Greg has been the full-time lead guitarist and mandolin player for the Hi-Beams, one of Denver’s most acclaimed honky-tonk and western swing bands. From raucous Bob Wills swing to Telecaster driven Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash, as well as many unique originals, the Hi-Beams are an ideal showcase for Greg’s talents. They make appearances throughout Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West, and are currently at work on their second CD of original music.

Ryan Drickey - Fiddle

Ryan is a versatile and accomplished musician living in beautiful Boulder, CO. Rooted in the rich violin tradition, he currently spends his time performing, studying and teaching both violin and fiddle, as well as singing and playing cello. Ryan has a master’s degree in violin from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and recently won the fiddle contest at Rockygrass bluegrass festival. At home in a wide spectrum of genres, he has performed professionally with the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, Boulder Acoustic Society, Jayme Stone, Grant Gordy, The Tango Camerata, Slipstream, Opera Colorado, The Denver Philharmonic, Strings of Tao, and in many other settings. He is presently playing and singing with the Expedition Quartet, the Steamboat Springs Orchestra, and various other enembles.