John Denver Tribute Concert
7:30 p.m., Sat., June 28, at Salado Silver Spur Theater
Georgetown’s Back to Basics Band Hits Rocky Mt. High Notes along IH-35
SALADO, TEXAS (June 19, 2008) – The music of John Denver comes alive at the Salado Silver Spur Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 28th, when the historic venue hosts a John Denver Tribute Concert performed by the Back to Basics band, a talented group of kindred musical spirits based in nearby Georgetown
“We’re proud to showcase this band and the magic of Denver ’s musical legacy,” said Grainger Esch, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Spur, which was developed five years ago in the historic Sanford & Guest Granary and Feed Store. “I just wish we had more than 150 seats!”
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One of the world's best-known and best-loved performers, John Denver earned international acclaim as a songwriter, performer, actor, environmentalist and humanitarian. His music has spanned almost four decades, outlasted countless musical trends and influenced thousands of musicians worldwide.
For this special event, tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens (65 and over) and military personnel, and $10 for children (12 and under). Tickets are available at the Silver Spur box office, 108 Royal St. , 254-947-3456, or at Kenz Guitars & Accessories, 1102 S. Austin Ave. , Georgetown , 512-869-8064. For reservations or more information, call or visitwww.saladosilverspur.com.
One artist who admits to “listening to and playing Denver’s music now for 30 years” is Ken Covington of Georgetown, leader of the four-member Back to Basics. “John was an inspiration to me to learn to play guitar and sing songs to which I could relate.”
Covington , who owns Kenz Guitars music store, grew up in Southeast Texas before moving to Colorado to experience the “Rocky Mountain High” that John Denver esteemed in song and lifestyle. After experiencing the snow and ice, Ken returned to Central Texas in 1988 and has been selling guitars, mandolins, banjos, digital piano’s, PA systems, etc. for the past four years.
Band members include Doug Taylor, Bill “Banjo Bill” Lloyd and Dana Covington. Taylor is a multi-talented musician whose soaring tenor voice, sweet mandolin and dynamic bass playing have established him in Texas bluegrass and acoustic music circles.
Taylor, who spent his early years in Tulsa , was influenced by his Uncle Zach’s country band and wasted no time trading his high school trumpet for a guitar. Soon after, he was cruising the Texas circuit from the Checkered Flag in Austin to the 11th Door in Lubbock with the Rebels 3.
Lloyd, who was raised in Virginia and influenced by Earl Scruggs at an early age, is a retired Trans World Airlines mechanic who also plays with the Teresa Garner Band and records for Dale Allen of Cowhide Records.
Completing the ensemble is Ken’s daughter, now a senior at Georgetown High School . Dana has been singing backup harmony with her Dad for many years. She teaches guitar at her dad’s store and plans to major in music at Texas State University .
After John Denver’s death in an experimental plane crash on Oct. 12, 1997, Ken played in several tribute shows in Aspen , CO over a 10-year period. A conversation with Ron Denver, John’s brother, also “inspired me to keep this talented man’s music alive. “
The Back to Basics band was formed in 2007, but the band members have played together for several years. Ken says the name came from a conversation with a young woman in his store who discussed how hectic life can get. “We agreed how nice it would be to get back to the basics of life, not having to deal with all the technicalities that we face so much today.
“John Denver’s generosity of spirit colored his music with a pure, simple grace, casting a spell that crossed the barriers of age, economics, geography, language and politics,” Covington emphasized. “The powers of his artistry and world vision continue to touch people all over the world.”
The Silver Spur Theater strives to revive a bygone era of family entertainment, offering a trademark blend of live vaudeville acts, live music, stage plays and classic cinema. Weddings, reunions, business conferences ,concerts, field trips, dances, even customized private shows also are held at the venue, with catering available from the renowned Stagecoach Inn nearby and other area restaurants.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS:
Grainger Esch, Co-founder & Executive Director, Salado Silver Spur Theater, 254-947-3456; Cell: 254-493-7960; Grainger@SaladoSilverSpur.com
Preston F. Kirk, APR, Kirk Public Relations, Spicewood , TX , 830-693-4447;kirk@tstar.net
