Hot Ladies Will be Heard – Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain meets Amber Collins and No Speed Limit. Two of the brightest young female singers in bluegrass in what is certain to be a memorable program. Yes, and in front of two of the hottest young bands in bluegrass. Bring your fire extinguisher! 1^st Saturday square dance with the Slate Mountain Ramblers Old-time Band with free lessons at 4:30 in the Museum breezeway. The documentary film, High Lonesome, will be shown at 5 PM in the Museum auditorium. All for $10.

 

Carrie Hassler is a native of Pikeville Tennessee, signed with Rural Rhythm Records based in California. CHHR has released their debut album produced by Jim VanCleve and have recieved great reviews!! The self-titled album came in at ..11 on Billboard it's first week of sales and has since went on to earn a spot on both the album and single chart in the Bluegrass Unlimited. Hard Rain is made up of five of the most incredible pickers around...Josh Miller on banjo,Travis Anderson on bass, Jamie Harper on fiddle, Keith McKinnon on guitar and Kevin McKinnon on mandolin. CHHR's corporate sponsor is none other than MOONPIE!!! "The only one on the planet!"

No Speed Limit came to be when banjo player, Stevie Barr started jamming with Jacob Eller on bass and 16 year old vocalist Amber Collins. They received such a great response from playing on the street during the Old Fiddler’s Convention in Galax; they decided to make their music their career. Later the band picked up the 2001 MerleFest National Guitar Champion Josh Pickett and mandolin player Ryan Blevins.

No Speed Limit has certainly been in the fast lane in regards to their musical careers. So far they have played with The Lonesome River Band, The Del McCoury Band, and have plans to tour with Ralph Stanley in Spring 2007. The newly elected Virginia Governor Tim Kaine requested No Speed Limit to play at his Inaugural Concert this past January; and even joined the band onstage, harmonica in hand, for a rendition of “The Circle Will Be Unbroken.” The band has also played the National Folk Festival and is scheduled to play the American Folk Festival later this year. No Speed Limit have released their debut cd “Bluegrass Lullaby” in July 2005--made possible with the help of the Virginia Foundation for Humanities & The Crooked Road.