Ronnie Campbell Hosting July 18th Front Porch Picking

Last October we were so privileged to have Ronnie Campbell, star of stage and syndicated traditional country music and gospel shows, Host and MC our Front Porch Picking at the Depot. In talking with him, he has indicated that he would love to join us again for our July 18th event! When he returned from hosting our event last year, he published the following in the Music City News:

"Recently a trip back to my hometown of Belton, SC was a real thrill for me. The Traditional Country Music Association of the Upstate staged a "Front Porch Picking" at the Belton Train Depot. Remembering the old Depot from my days of youth there, it was exciting for me to actually go and work there. The (Belton Depot) group had received some grants to renovate various historic places in Belton and the old Depot came alive again. (For that day) I was their MC and the program featured all kinds of Traditional Country Music.

First on the program was a gracious and talented guy, Bill Lowe with Connie Lowe from the South Carolina Upstate. Bill performs with his group the old songs and ole style of music, from the Carter Family time to other types of real country. Bill Lowe worked in California for a long time, doing studio work and fronting shows for the big artists. He moved to SC to continue his love of the Traditional Country and Blue grass style of music. His performance was both professional and educational, and I hope to see him again.

Next on this special and historic day, the band from South Carolina, JD Brown and the Rowdy Friends featured the famous cowboys songs of yesteryear, like those performed by Gene Autry and others of that era. Songs like, Be Honest with Me, and many other graced the stage at the old Belton Depot. The afternoon show featured a great group from the Upstate, Joe Berry and the Berry Pickers, with Joe on keyboard. They featured other traditional songs of the sixties and seventies like Don Gibson and Ronnie Milsap. The speakers spilled out on the street and more people came in to enjoy the music. It was a great show and I am proud to be a part of it. Thanks to the Brown's, Alda and Norma Smith and many others, it was a great event for all and traditional country music."

Ronnie's support is sincerely appreciated, and we so look forward to seeing him again in July! RJ