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RANGELEY – This week at Saddleback, concertgoers can expect an uninhibited and unpredictable trip “way back.”
The Waybacks will be in concert at the resort on Friday, July 30, showcasing their eclectic, unique brand of music, forged from a variety of country, blues, jazz and bluegrass sources.
The four-piece group was launched in 1999 around founding singer, songwriter and guitarist James Nash. Besides Nash, the Waybacks include drummer Chuck Hamilton, bass player Joe Kyle Jr. and the newest member, fiddler and mandolinist Warren Hood. The band, in its various incarnations, has toured the country and enjoyed the renown of both fans and critics, particularly for its energetic live performances. The Chicago Tribune’s David Royko praised their “near-ideal balance of irreverence, chops, discipline, and originality.” Bay Area writer Michael Miller admired their “exotic settings” and “mind blowing picking.”
It led to major festival bookings and eventually a recording arrangement with Nashville’s roots label Compass Records.
“The whole spirit of improvisation – that’s always been the cornerstone of this band for me,” said
Nash in a prepared statement. “Through all the stylistic changes and regardless of the instruments we’re playing, to me the fun of this band has always been that in someways I can do whatever I feel like doing at any moment.”
Friday’s show at Saddleback will be an appropriate lead-in for the Bluegrass Festival in August, which will feature a number of artists on August 6 through August 7, as well as a special performance by Suzy Bogguss on August 20.
“The Waybacks kick off a summer of great music here on the Mountain,” said Chris Farmer, general manager of Saddleback. “People say they’re a great band to see perform live and we’re looking forward to it. In August, you won’t want to miss our Bluegrass Festival followed by Suzy Bogguss.”
Tickets to The Waybacks are $18, with the show kicking off at 8:00 p.m. in the beautiful post-and-beam Base Lodge; an intimate setting with seating for only 200 people and plenty of room for dancing. Pre-concert dinner reservations are available in the Swig ‘n Smelt Pub from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm.
Concert tickets are sold online, or by calling 1-866-918-2225.
The Saddleback Mountain Bluegrass Festival takes place on August 6-7 and on August 20, Suzy Bogguss returns. For reservations or more information, call (207) 864-5671 or visit www.saddlebackmaine.com.
