A beautiful testimonial from Rolling Stone Country kicks us off: “Appalachian music, through and through, with all the dynamism of a string band and the longing of a lovelorn country song.” Who could this be? Well, it’s Martha Spencer – a singer/songwriter, mountain musician and dancer from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia – and she is the real thing! Once again, Otter Opry has booked an incredible band to entertain you on Wednesday, September 23rd, and it’s guaranteed to be an amazing show.
Martha grew up in the musical Spencer Family, and she learned to play several instruments (guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass, dulcimer, mandolin) and flatfoot/clog at a young age. The Spencer Family is worth a special mention, because their music is so well known and highly regarded back in Appalachia. Martha will be traveling to California as part of the Martha Spencer Duo, a high-energy team that includes Lucas Pasley (fiddle, banjo, and vocals) to deliver a toe-tapping, heartwarming performance you won’t want to miss.
A final note from The Austin Chronicle: “Rolling from the mountains of Virginia, Spencer provides an update on the high lonesome sound, blending equal parts country and bluegrass with a high-flying sensibility.” This will be a very special evening, and a delicious smoked chicken dinner beforehand ($15 in advance, $20 after September 19th) will make it even more so. Online sales will end at 11am the day of the performance. Tickets will be available at the door.
7pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free). www.otteropry.org