MOUNTAIN MOON COFFEEHOUSE FEATURES ALLEGHENY DRIFTERS

WHEELING, W.Va. (January 16, 2009)—Oglebay Institute’s Mountain Moon Coffeehouse continues its 2008-2009 season of entertainment at 8 p.m. Saturday, February 7 at the Stifel Fine Arts Center with Pennsylvania’s “Allegheny Drifters.”

From the western foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, the “Allegheny Drifters” are one of the strongest vocal bands on the traditional bluegrass scene today. Their pure harmonies, accomplished instrumental work and deep knowledge of the roots and branches of the music gives them a unique spot in the current world of bluegrass. Seasoned entertainers, they breathe new life and excitement into many songs and styles yet undiscovered by a large part of today’s bluegrass audience.

Band members Bob Artis and Bernie Cunningham, alumni of Mac Martin and the Dixie Travelers, have shared the bluegrass stage many times over the past three decades, including several years together in Pittsburgh’s contemporary bluegrass band, the “Dog Run Boys.” Their recordings with that band include Artis’ song “Blue Ridge” (co-written with Rick Malis), which has become a modern bluegrass classic. Bernie and Bob’s superb duet blend offers the sound and feeling of the golden age of bluegrass. When joined by the high harmony of bassist Karen Artis, this band has a thrilling vocal sound seldom heard in traditional bands today. Add to that Bob’s soulful retro-Monroe mandolin and Keith Beaver’s punchy banjo, and you have an unbeatable bluegrass sound straight from the heart of the old Keystone State.

“We are very happy to have the “Allegheny Drifters” at Mountain Moon Coffeehouse,” Bob Heyer, volunteer coordinator for the series, said. “Their performance is sure to be outstanding. This is a show not to be missed.”

Reservations for the show are strongly suggested and can be made by calling the Schrader Environmental Education Center at 304.242.6855.

The Mountain Moon Coffeehouse presents several shows every year and provides toe-tappin’ music appealing to all ages. Homemade refreshments are available at each show. All performances are held at the Stifel Fine Arts Center, 1330 National Road, Wheeling.

Admission for individual concerts is $7/ $5.50 for members and $5 per person for groups of 10 or more. Proceeds from the program benefit the environmental education programs of Oglebay Institute.

For more information call 304.242.6855 or visit Oglebay Institute on the web at www.oionline.com.