Pictured from the left to right are Gary Dygert, Lori Thompson, Chris Pepe and Cathy Martin.
(Sherrill, NY – March 2015) Cincinnati Creek, a blue grass band known throughout New York State, will be performing at Christ Church United Methodist Community Coffee House in Sherrill on Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m.
The church is located at 417 Park St., Sherrill.
Coffee and dessert will be served. The Christ Church Community Coffee House is open to the community.
A free will offering will be accepted. Children as well as adults are welcome.
Now in their seventh season together, Cincinnati Creek offers the listener an acoustic variety of bluegrass, original compositions, and gospel. There are several new songs in the works, many of them Lori’s original compositions. No doubt, you will also hear some songs from their 2010 release, “Doing As We Please.” This CD and the 2005 release, “Little Bit of Love,” are often featured on WKTV’s local TV program “Mohawk Valley Living.” Cincinnati Creek performs songs about life, love, and local folklore. Live performances include traditional bluegrass instrumentals and songs with three and four part harmonies, sprinkled with some history and fun too.
Cincinnati Creek features seasoned musicians who have performed in New York State for many years. In 2008, Lori Thompson, Chris Pepe, and Gary Dygert, previous members in the Stump Hollow Band, formed this new configuration, along with Cathy Martin, to carry on their tradition of great music. Based in the Adirondack foothills, they took their name from the creek that runs through the area. They have performed at venues including MWPAI, Bluegrass festivals, The Remsen Barn Festival, Utica Monday Night, The Adirondack Railroad, and numerous coffee houses and outdoor festivals.
Lori Thompson learned how to play instruments and sing from her family. Her father, Art Sutton, and brothers, Warren and Ron, were established bluegrass musicians in the Hudson Valley area since the mid-1960s. Lori got her start with the family band in the 1980s before moving to the Mohawk Valley. She has been writing songs for several decades as well. Currently, Lori plays mandolin, guitar, and sings both lead and harmony vocals for Cincinnati Creek. Her songs are inspired by her family, friends, and historical events. “The Ghost of Wash Loomis” was written about the infamous Loomis Gang from the Sangerfield area. She performed her song about the 19th century Forestport breaks called, “Where the Black River Flows,” on WKTV’s program, Mohawk Valley Living in 2007. The Civil War tune, “Home to You,” explores the tragic experience of family fighting on opposite sides.
Chris Pepe began playing instruments in high school. He was inspired to play banjo at a local bluegrass festival. He also sings harmony on a few tunes as well. His fancy picking and good humor are a great addition to the band. Chris began playing the banjo in 1992. He and Lori have been performing together for over 20 years.
Gary Dygert plays the guitar, dobro, and mandolin. He also sings lead and harmony vocals. Like Lori, Gary has family ties to music as his father played the guitar and his grandfather was a fiddler. Every group needs an official musicologist, and Gary adds many interesting tunes to the group’s repertoire. Gary has performed in many other local bands over the years such as Midnight Flyer and Keeping it Country.
Cathy Martin also is multitalented. She learned to play several instruments at a young age including the piano. The bass is her latest endeavor. Cathy also adds tenor harmony to the group. She has been a performer for many years with the Remsen Community Choir and the Steuben Players as well.
For more information, please call 725-0974 or 363-1061. The church website is www.christchurchsherrillny.com.