Dick reports...

Grand Ole Opry?…

The Melody Ranch Band

…well, not quite –but a little reminiscent of “Hee, Haw”, without the straw, or Minnie Pearl. The closest to Minni was Ingrid Szauter trying out the autoharp.

But basically it was all “Country” and Daniel Szauter was “The Man”. His banjo traditionally led the guitars, but he also tried a few stints on his mouth organ.

Dany (Daniel) Szauter

He was supported by one of the best Steel Guitars I ever heard. It was unadulterated virtuosity by Rudi Beleri that really reinforced the country-sound this evening.

Rudi Beleri

His son Andrew – a chip of the old block – was the band’s base guitar. Later on, Rudi’s solo “Lay down beside me” was unquestionably one of the evening’s highlights.

Andrew Beleri
Wayne Nichols

Helping with the sounds and the vocals were John Hammon and Wayne Nichols on guitars and, making sure the timing and the rhythms were right, was Roy Foss on the drums.

John Hammon
...and Roy Foss

The performance was basically Country, Folk and Blue Gras and easy to listen to.

Country aficionados could recognize Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Way Lon Jennings, Bill Munroe, Lester Flatt, Earl Scruets and many more.

Impromptu entertainment by Rudi Beleri, Ingrid and Dany Szauter

Maybe a little more publicity might have drawn a larger audience – too bad for the one’s that missed the show – but those that were present enjoyed the performance immensely, judging by the applause.

Keep your eyes on this group! Look out Buck Owens and Roy Clark – we might just have a Canadian Nashville right here! All they need are overalls, Stetsons and straw!

As always

Dick Altermann