ETSU’s bluegrass and country music program participated in its third Rhythm and Roots Reunion Saturday in Bristol, Tenn.
The ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band played for the crowd at the Piedmont Outdoor Stage.
The group is comprised of five students: Darrin Beaton, Daniel Boner, Aaron Jackson, J.P. Mathes and a visiting scholar from Japan, Takehara Kunimoto. Assistant Director Raymond McLain performed with the students.
“I am particularly excited to have the opportunity to work with talented, dedicated, sincere students as these,” he said. “They’ve worked very hard to pull together a very polished performance.”
The program itself was initiated in 1982. Since then, students have been performing around the region and abroad. There are eight performing groups this semester.
One spectator said, “I have heard them on TV. I came down specifically to see them.”
Beaton, the only bass player registered in the program this year, said, “I’m thrilled to be playing with these guys. When you play with better musicians they bring you up to their level.”
The performance was a special one because “this is the last tribute in celebration of Bristol’s 75th Anniversary,” said Mathes, the five-string banjo player.
Jackson, the band’s mandolin player from Texas, said, “This is the first bluegrass festival I’ve ever played in.”
Boner, the group’s guitar player, is a senior and came to ETSU from New Jersey. He has represented ETSU in performances across the United States including at the White House.
The Pride Band’s set included “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and “Jack Row.” They also played a tune called “Leaving,” written by Jack Tottle, the program director.
The ETSU Bluegrass programs have traveled to many different regions of the world representing the university and the music’s heritage.
The ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band has CDs, DVDs and videos available for sale through the program. All songs are original and written by alumni and current members.
For more information, log on to the ETSU web site or call 439-5348.

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