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Making Music at Circle F Bluegrass is Plain and Simple
DATE: 04/27/2007 17:04:55 / MOOD: happy
Shut off the backhoe.Unload the deputy's service revolver.Park the DOT maintenance supervisor's asphalt truck.Put the four industry workers' pliers back in their tool belts. Replace that equipment on Saturday night with rhythm and lead guitars, a fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and stand-up bass and throw in at least three strong, harmonizing voices from a group of seven. And what you have is Plain and Simple—a bluegrass band that picks and grins on the porch of the Circle F Ranch. (Or inside during winter months and inclement weather.) Their venue is Jimmy Fowler's place in southern Cherokee County—150 Skull Shoals Road—about 20 miles from Gaffney on Highway 211. Band members Joey Guyton, Ricky Cobb, and Michael "Bubba" Sprouse began playing and singing about six years ago. Brothers Steve and Perry Crocker; Jim "Cowboy" Daniels and Benji Jones now join them. For almost three years, they have performed at Circle F Ranch and call Joey's father, Steve Guyton, their unpaid agent. But Steve said his primary role is enjoying the music. "Then, I take care of advertising the programs, arranging for two guest bands to perform with Plain and Simple monthly and cleaning up afterward," he said. It's a family event. There's no smoking inside the building, and no alcohol is allowed. The visiting performers have included Monroe Smith from Union, Chapel Road from Chester, Charlotte Grass, the Campground Boys from Spartanburg, Easy Picking, Timber Ridge and South by South. Joey said the idea of performing came after he, Cobb, and Sprouse went to a similar concert in Blackstock. "We came back saying we could do that. Jimmy said we could use his place and Circle F Bluegrass was born," Joey said. For the summer shows, those attending are invited to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the rural atmosphere. The band plays at the annual Broad River Electric Cooperative meeting and on invitation at parties and outdoor church functions. "It's not a money making venture for sure," Steve said. "At most, we get enough to give a little compensation to the visiting bands for their mileage." The entertainment draws kids of all ages.
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