By Dave Parsons
The third day of the Old Washington Music Festival at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds in Old Washington, Ohio, was one for the books, but not for the reasons many had initially expected. With a lineup that included country music stalwart Craig Morgan, Southern rock legends the Marshall Tucker Band, the rising duo War Hippies, the tribute band Silver Stallion, and local favorites Hoard & Jones, the day promised to be a showcase of diverse talents and musical styles.
However, in a dramatic turn of events that underscored the unpredictable nature of live music. The morning brought the announcement that Craig Morgan would not be performing. Stranded in Alaska due to a widespread computer glitch that had shut down airlines across the country, Morgan was unable to make it to Ohio. Adding to the challenge, the War Hippies found themselves without their drummer, who was stuck in Denver due to the same issue. Despite these setbacks, the day pressed on, with the remaining acts rising to the occasion and delivering performances that left a lasting impression on the festival-goers.
The Guernsey County Fairgrounds had already proven itself as an ideal setting for the Old Washington Music Festival. On this Friday, the fairgrounds were once again transformed into a vibrant hub of music and community. While the news of Craig Morgan’s absence was met with some initial disappointment, the festival’s atmosphere remained upbeat, with many excited to see a legendary band like the Marshall Tucker Band, whose reputation as live performers had preceded them, move up to the closing spot.
The day’s musical journey began with Hoard & Jones, a local duo comprised of Roger Hoard and Dan Jones. Having graced festival stages in this area for decades, it seemed almost required to have them kick off this day of music. Combining with some of the area’s best musicians to round out the band, Hoard & Jones delivered a set of country music the way it should be done with harmonies that were spot-on, chemistry on stage, and each complementing the other’s strengths.
Hoard & Jones had set the bar high for the rest of the day, leaving the stage to a chorus of cheers and desire for them to return in years to come.
Following Hoard & Jones was Silver Stallion, a tribute band dedicated to honoring the music of the Highwaymen, the legendary country supergroup comprised of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. Silver Stallion, named after one of the Highwaymen’s most iconic songs, has built a reputation for delivering faithful renditions of the group’s greatest hits, capturing the spirit and energy of the original performances while adding their own flair.
The crowd, many of whom were longtime fans of the Highwaymen, greeted Silver Stallion with eager anticipation. The band did not disappoint, launching into their set with a rousing rendition of Highwayman, the song that defined the supergroup and became their anthem. The lead vocalist’s deep, resonant voice bore an uncanny resemblance to Johnny Cash’s, and the band’s tight instrumentation brought the song to life, transporting the audience back to the days when the Highwaymen ruled the country music scene.
Silver Stallion took the audience on a journey through the Highwaymen’s extensive catalog, performing hits like Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys, Me and Bobby McGee, and On the Road Again. The band’s ability to capture the essence of each of the original members’ styles was impressive, with the lead guitarist channeling Willie Nelson’s distinctive picking style and the rhythm section locking into the groove that was a hallmark of Waylon Jennings’ sound.
One of the highlights of Silver Stallion’s performance was Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down, a song written by Kris Kristofferson and popularized by Johnny Cash. The song’s melancholic lyrics and somber melody were delivered with a sincerity that resonated deeply with the audience.
As the set continued, the band kept the energy high with performances of Good Hearted Woman and Folsom Prison Blues, both of which had the crowd on their feet, clapping and dancing along. The band’s musicianship was on full display, with each member contributing to the overall sound in a way that was both cohesive and dynamic. The chemistry between the band members was evident, and their passion for the music of the Highwaymen was contagious.
The third act of the day was War Hippies, a duo comprised of veteran musicians who have made a name for themselves with their unique blend of country, rock, and Americana. Normally a trio, War Hippies were forced to perform as a duo due to their drummer being stranded in Denver because of the airline shutdown. Despite the absence of their drummer, the remaining members—guitarist and vocalist Donnie Reis and vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Scooter Brown—delivered a performance that was both stripped-down and powerful.
The duo took the stage with a determination to make the most of the situation, and wprked their way through an 80 minute set, just like this was their usual stage show. At times the absence of the drums allowed the vocals and instrumental work to take center stage, creating a raw and authentic sound that drew the audience in.
The crowd responded enthusiastically to War Hippies’ performance, with many fans appreciating the opportunity to hear the songs in a more intimate setting. The duo’s storytelling between songs added to the overall experience, as they shared anecdotes about their time on the road, the inspiration behind their music, and the challenges of life as a touring musician.
The War Hippies performance was the perfect lead in to the defacto headliners of the evening, the Marshall Tucker Band. Having been on the road over 50 years, the exciement was in the air to see them. Founded in 1972 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the Marshall Tucker Band has a reputation for delivering high-octane performances. The opening chords of Heard It in a Love Song instantly drew the audience into their musical world. The song’s infectious melody and catchy refrain set the tone for an evening filled with classic Southern rock.
From the outset, it was clear that the Marshall Tucker Band had come to deliver a performance that would be both a tribute to their past and a celebration of their enduring legacy. The band’s lineup, still featuring original members was in top form, with each musician bringing their own distinctive flair to the performance. The interplay between the guitarists, the smooth slide guitar work, and the dynamic rhythm section created a rich, full sound that was both nostalgic and fresh.
The Marshall Tucker Band’s setlist was a well-curated journey through their extensive catalog, featuring both timeless classics and deeper cuts that delighted longtime fans. One of the standout moments of the set was their performance of Fire On The Mountain, a track that perfectly encapsulates the band’s signature sound—a fusion of Southern rock and blues with a touch of jazz.
One of the most notable aspects of the band’s performance was their ability to create a sense of intimacy despite it being a festival. The Marshall Tucker Band has a knack for connecting with their audience on a personal level, and this was evident in their interactions with the crowd, sharing anecdotes about the band’s history, their inspirations, and their experiences on the road.
The Marshall Tucker Band’s performance at the Old Washington Music Festival was a testament to their status as Southern rock legends. Despite the challenges posed by the festival’s disrupted lineup, the band delivered a performance that was both captivating and celebratory. Their set was a reminder of the power of live music to create unforgettable experiences and bring people together, even in the face of adversity. As the final notes of their encore faded into the night, it was clear that the Marshall Tucker Band had once again proven why they remain a beloved fixture in the world of Southern rock. Their performance was a fitting highlight of the festival, leaving the audience with memories that would last a lifetime.
Photo Gallery : War Hippies – Old Washington Music Festival (07.19.2024)
Photo Gallery : Marshall Tucker Band – Old Washington Music Festival (07.19.2024)
Photo Gallery : Silver Stallion Highwaymen – Old Washington Music Festival (07.19.2024)
Photo Gallery : Hoard & Jones – Old Washington Music Festival (07.19.2024)
