NEWS4U JUNE 2023 | MUSIC
THE RIDGE RUNNERS MODERN OUTLAWS: VIRTUAL SUPERGROUP OF TRI-STATE MUSICIANS SET TO DEBUT COUNTRY BAND WITH ATTITUDE JUNE 3 AT LAMASCO
I
n a non-descript home on Evansville's
at the Big O Fest in Owensboro. So, yeah,
But as the Ridge Runners blow through
east side, there's a serious rehearsal
there's a lot of talent in the room.
another run of country rockers on this
session in progress. It's early May and
pleasant May evening, absolutely blitzing
the members of the Ridge Runners - Brian
It was Mitchell who got the ball rolling
a Whiskey Myers track before grooving on
Hart (lead vocals/guitar), Mike Mitchell
nearly a year ago. Always looking to
some old school Travis Tritt and building to
(bass/vocals), Fred Hunt (guitar/vocals),
reinvent himself musically, he approached
a crescendo with McClinton's "Every Time I
Bill Sievern (keyboards) and Brad Wireman
Hunt about forming a country band with
Roll the Dice" - sure to be a showstopper -
(drums) - are dialing in the set of songs
attitude - and he specifically wanted Hart
there's no question that this band is ready
they're planning to unveil at Lamasco Bar &
to handle lead vocals. The Mudpit Poets
for primetime.
Grill in a month's time. The fledgling band
singer's gruff yet soulful delivery seemed
has only been in existence for 60 days, but
tailor-made for the "modern outlaw"
So put your cowboy boots on and don
given their veteran status as performers, it's
sound that Mitchell had in mind. Songs by
that 10-gallon hat - or just dress normally;
all coming together rather smoothly, apart
current artists such as Luke Combs, Chris
whatever you're comfortable in - and
from a few expected kinks. Considering
Stapleton, Cody Jinks, Shooter Jennings
head to Lamasco on June 3 for the debut
the résumés of the musicians involved, this
and Sturgill Simpson fit the bill, but so did
performance of the Ridge Runners. If you
could easily be termed a supergroup of
throwbacks from Travis Tritt, Hank Williams,
can't make it, don't despair - the band also
sorts - chances are you're familiar with many
Jr. and Delbert McClinton. Eventually,
has a big showcase booked for July 22
of the past and present tri-state acts with
even pop-oriented selections from Old
at KC's Time Out Lounge and more gigs
which these guys are associated, including
Dominion, Brad Paisley and Morgan Wallen
to follow, including three in September.
McFly, Nobody's Cousin, The BackBeats,
got the green light after Wireman sourced
Yeehaw!
Mudpit Poets, Hog Maw, Love Junkies and
his daughter for suggestions. After all,
BSR. Not to mention Hart previously won a
attitude can only get you so far - you still
For more info, follow The Ridge Runners on
songwriting contest that afforded him the
have to please all factions of the crowd.
Facebook.
opportunity to open up for Blake Shelton
"After all, attitude can only get you so far - you still have to please all factions of the crowd." 30 | JUNE 2023 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com