A full house of bluegrass lovers filled the Reed Room on January 18 to sway and tap toes to the joyful music of Southern Rail. The group’s four members, virtuosos all—Jim Muller on guitar and lead vocals, with harmony vocals by Sharon Horovitch on double bass, Richard Stillman on banjo, and John Tibert on mandolin—delighted us with their harmonies and expert musicianship.
The band’s playlist was an appealing mix featuring everything from Bill Staines’s beloved “River”; Stephen Stills’s moving “Find the Cost of Freedom”; Muller’s loving tribute to his wife, Sharon, “I Never Asked”; to the humorous “Polka on a Banjo.” The warmth among the band members was palpable, and their corny jokes between tunes elicited guffaws from the audience.
Bedford TV filmed some of the show, Bedford Florist provided incandescently colored tulips, and Prince Street Café & Bakery served rich, dark coffee and mouth-watering desserts.
Mark Zelermeyr did a fantastic job of welcoming the crowd and previewing New Song’s coming attractions. The volunteer squad made setting up, assisting, and closing up shop look easy. Mark shared that Sharon Horovitch wrote to him post-performance to thank New Song for inviting Southern Rail to our premier season. She reported that the band members “had a blast,” described the audience response as incredible, and complimented New Song’s “amazing staff of volunteers.” With an effort like this, she predicted that we’ll sell out all our shows this season.
A few attendees came up to us after the show to thank us for what we’re doing and to say how great the series is. It was an evening to remember.