As the summer festival season ends and the cold winter chills approach, it’s time once again to move inside for some warm and cozy Bluegrass music.  Sunday December 4 will kick off this year series with THE PAUL ADKINS BAND, from Middletown, Maryland.  Also, just added to the show will be the PORT TOBACCO PICKERS from Charles County. 

From his signature song for being the son of a coal miner in the hills of West Virginia, “Daddy Was a Coal Mining Man,” Paul Adkins has been pleasing crowds across the country and in Canada since the 1970s. He has lent his talents to such legends as Bill Harrell & the Virginians and J.D. Crowe and the New South, replacing Country music singer Keith Whitley before Keith started his Country career.  By the mid 80’s Paul launched his own band Paul Adkins & the Borderline Band recording for Rebel Records.

After a bit of a break from touring, Paul is back with a strong traditional focus in The Paul Adkins Band, with some of the best traditional Bluegrass pickers to be found.  Joining Paul in the band is banjo whiz, Chris Warner.  Bluegrass fans will remember Chris from his years with the Legendary King of Bluegrass, Jimmy Martin & The Sunny Mountain Boys.  Adding to the traditional flavor on guitar and vocals is Jay Armsworthy, known to many fans from Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition.  Jay, who is the host of the American Legion Bluegrass series, has recently released an all-gospel album, “I Couldn’t Make It Without Him,” which has been doing great, and fits in with Paul’s well-known interest in writing and singing gospel music.  Kevin Mallow joins in with the most soulful and traditional style of fiddle playing around in Bluegrass today and acoustic bass player and tenor singer Lewis Layton rounds out the ensemble with his solid bass playing.  The Paul Adkins Band are going back to the roots of Bluegrass, and playing it like it was done in the 50s and 60s.  Paul brings an original, traditional sound of bluegrass music straight from the heart of a man who has lived the life of the songs he sings. 

JUST ADDED: Adding to the first show of the season, is Charles County Bluegrass band, the PORT TOBACCO PICKERS.  They are well known in Southern Maryland for there performances at the Charles County Fair, River Artsfest, Torpedo Grill, Lake O’Donnell and many other concerts and festivals.  Will Yeckley and the bunch will be a great addition to the show.

Other upcoming shows at the Legion include: 2011 IBMA winners, The Boxcars on Sunday January 29, 2012; 2011 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, Russell Moore and the IIIrd Tyme Out on Sunday February 12; and  back again, Larry Sparks on Sunday March 11. Sound will be provided by the one and only, Troy Jones