Songfest 2011

Entertains and Inspires

The 7th IHN Songfest was enjoyed by a record audience of over 500 people in the historic 105-year-old Veteran’s Administration Theatre. This year’s event raised over $11,000 for IHN of Greater Johnson City!

The December 4th concert was opened with songs by musicians Ed Snodderly, Roger Rasnake, Lisa Pattison, Brandon Story, David Yates, and George Bottcher. Their guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass, and guitar playing included both original and traditional songs.

For the sixth straight year, the popular ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band performed at the IHN Songfest. They showed why so many in the audience are eager to hear these talented musicians who attend the music studies program at ETSU. Dan Boner, Director of Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies, is an enthusiastic supporter of IHN.

Dan brought Josh Argo (fiddle), Andy Buckner, (guitar), Zack Carter (banjo), John Goad (bass), David Mowell (mandolin), and Cara Oliphant (fiddle) to the event. As in past years, these students excelled by performing a variety of songs with great harmonies and instrumental precision.

George Bottcher, Master of Ceremonies, introduced the Darin and Brooke Aldridge Band to the stage. It was easy to see why they were nominated by the International Bluegrass Music Association as an Emerging Artist of the Year. With both exceptional instrumental work and outstanding vocals they are becoming very popular throughout the country. It was especially enjoyable to hear fiddle player Rachel Johnson Boyd return to the stage with Darin and Brooke. Rachel sang in the 2009 Songfest while attending ETSU. She was joined by another ETSU student, Dwayne Anderson, on bass.

The annual Songfest once again provided a venue to expand the awareness of IHN’s role in helping homeless families in our area. Special thanks go to all the sponsors and contributors who helped raise needed financial support through this year’s Songfest!