Larry Keel returning to Apple Atcha Cider
Even though I’m an audiophile, Larry Keel was unfamiliar to me until a couple decades ago. It was then that a good friend suggested I go see him at a notorious private Barn Party held near Remington. Even then, Larry’s band at the time (McGraw Gap) was starting to headline the larger bluegrass and roots music-type festivals — Watermelon Park, for example. Having grown up nearby in Fauquier County, it seems that he gives special attention and energy to shows where a large number of friends and family might be in the audience.
The several times I’ve seen him, there are always folks I know in the audience. Larry has become known as an original and spectacular Appalachian player and songwriter. He has played with many great and wellknown players in various genres from the top bluegrass folks in the country (Peter Rowan, Tony Rice) to elds like funk, jazz and rock. He is known to do one-o versions of rock or pop songs with a wonderful ‘Larry’ treatment.
The personnel for the ‘LKE’ has been, for maybe eight years: Larry on guitar, Jared Pool on mandolin and Jenny Keel on upright bass. It’s amazing the amount of sound they get from just the three of them. They travel the county touring almost constantly with their sound man Steve. For many years they have also done lots of interesting side/studio projects.
I consider myself lucky in the fact that I got my foot in the door early by hiring Larry back in the day. Now that I have seemingly an ideal musicoriented place for him to perform it’s a cinch, I’ll ask him on occasion. He has a rather large and loyal following, commensurate with his dazzling style of play, so unless there is a severe storm people will indeed come, perhaps even if! I’ve heard folks say, “If you ever have a chance to see Larry Keel — DO IT!” Here is your chance.
IF YOU GO
Larry Keel Experience at Apple Atcha on Friday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. $25/person, Please call (540) 423-8717 for tickets. Fearless Eats Food Truck arriving late a ernoon