Packway Handle Band 10/08/2005

The Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon, Georgia is a fairly new facility constructed to honor many famous Georgia musical acts. Pictures and memorabilia of The Allman Brothers Otis Redding, James Brown, and many other musical talents line the halls of the museum. So it seemed only fitting that Athens, Georgia’s best kept secret, The Packway Handle Band, would bring their version of mountain bluegrass to the hallowed ground of the museum. They performed as part of the “Live at Five” series, showcasing up and coming area artists.

Packway Handle Band kicked things off with "Short Mountain," a fiddle tune by fiddler, Andrew “Fiddlin Heatwave” Heaton, and they didn’t let up steam for the rest of the show. Throughout the night, they mixed their sets up with original tunes from their album ,Chaff Harvest, and traditional gospel tunes from their recent gospel inspired album ,(Sinner) You Better Get Ready, along with some traditional bluegrass numbers.

From the talented picking and harmonies of banjoist, Tom Baker, and guitarist Josh Erwin, to the powerful vocals of mandolinist, Michael Paynter, these guys have no limitations. Their tight harmonies on "Talk It All Over with Him" and "There’s Something Going On In the Graveyard (Like You Ain’t Never Seen)" made many traditional bluegrass and gospel fans in the audience come alive. While their expertise shined through on "Strap that Leather Down" and "Hangman," highlights of the show were hearing Michael Paynter’s tunes "Totz, Kentucky," and "Mac, The Weatherman," as well as the Andrew Heaton's fierce fiddle.

The Packway Handle Band has a way of mesmerizing their audience while making new fans along the way - it's amazing they don’t have a following the size of some other larger bluegrass acts on tour. But having only been together since 2002, leaves them plenty of time to spread their gospel of bluegrass to the masses.

Set I

Short Mountain, Talk it All Over With Him, Scissors, Strangers,

Throw Away the Key, Shelva Ann, Time in World, Somebody Touched Me, Totz, Kentucky, Nestled in the Pine Trees, There’s Something Going On In the Graveyard (Like You Ain’t Never Seen)

Set II

Mac the Weatherman, Strap that Leather Down, In the Pines, Midnight Train, Cold Jordan, Whiskey, Old Camp Meeting Time,

Cryin’ Sorrows, Sinner, You Better Get Ready, Hangman

For more info see: packwayhandle.com

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