Woodhaven West, the community concert series sponsored by First United Methodist Church of Los Gatos, presents an evening with Side-saddle & Co. on Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
The 17-year-old, San Jose-based group is influenced by the broad musical backgrounds of its five members. Sidesaddle's repertoire--much of which is original--consists of traditional American bluegrass, with country, Cajun, folk and Irish mixed in. The group also peppers its performances with sing-a-longs, novelty songs and children's numbers.
All Sidesaddle members share the lead singing, while keeping their personal styles intact. Jerry Ashford, a musician since the age of 6, strums guitar, while Beth McNamara, who has played music since age 8, plucks the bass. Hollister resident Kim Elking picks up the mandolin, Saratoga native Lee Anne Welch fiddles and David Ristrim, the group's newest member, strums the banjo.
The widely traveled band plays at national and state bluegrass festivals, county fairs, corporate functions, schools, clubs and churches, as well as parties, weddings and local events.
The First United Methodist Church of Los Gatos is located at 19 High School Court. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and youth and $2 for children under 12. For more information, call 354-4730.
This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, November 13, 1996.
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