Over the years, Copper Country residents have been fortunate to watch performances by talented musicians that have toured to the area. Venues such as the Roza, the Calumet Theatre, the Band Shell, and the Level 2 Skate-park are music houses where musicians have marveled fans. Folk is a particular genre of music that has gained popularity among Copper Country residents. Kicking off the Calumet Theatre summer music festival on June 27 is the Grammy award winning folk band, New Christy Minstrels.
“Calumet Theatre is a great venue for folk explosion,” said Calumet Theatre artistic technical director Davey Holmbo.
There is no one better to describe what New Christy Minstrels is all about other than band founder Randy Sparks.
“We are hip hop for the hip replacement generation. We are happening dudes and dudetts, and are the best thing since sliced bread!”
New Christy Minstrels started in 1961 under the direction of Randy Sparks. Today the band has a total of ten members, and eight of them will be at the Calumet Theatre performance. The lineup is the five original members, Randy Sparks, Clarence Treat, Jackie Miller Davidson, Art Podell, Dolan Ellis. Recent members are Becky Jo Benson, Buffalo Bill Boycott, and Chuck Cole. The eight piece band all play guitars and do so as they position themselves at the edge of the stage.
When Randy Sparks was told that the band will be performing in the Copper Country his reaction was positive.
“I said, wow! I love it there [Copper Country]. Years ago we worked with friends in Negaunee and they [audience] were hungry for entertainment. They tuned into our kind of music. I am grateful for coming up there again,” expressed Sparks.
This summer’s tour is about letting their fans and the world know that they are back to do what they do best, to entertain with their voices and instruments.
“The band’s goal [for the tour] is to stay alive! When you get to be our age it’s important to get up in the morning,” joked Sparks. “This time we want to do it right because in the old days we had no clue. When you are older you can look back and say what was good or bad and do it over. I was young and stupid. We all are. You have no experiences to call on when you are young,”
For those who are fans of New Christy Minstrels, can expect to see a passionate stage presence from the musicians.
“When we walk on stage we have a love affair with the people in the audience,” said Sparks.
Along with the eight musicians will be Becky Jo Benson’s companion, Vecca the Show Dog. Vecca, who has a rhinestone collar, has a hard time being away from Benson and recently has accompanied her and the band on stage. “Vecca sleeps through whole performance and wakes up during intermission and for the finale. At the end of the show she stretches out and looks out at the audience for a standing ovation,” said Benson.
Together, for 47 years, the band has traveled all over the world. They have toured to iconic cities such as New York City and Los Angeles. New Christy Minstrels have also had the privilege to perform at the White House. Together the band has grown together and learned the meaning of life.
“Everyday is exciting if you pay attention,” said Sparks. “Everything is entertaining. Some people drive by too fast and not see it and they let it run off their backs like water. We have so much going for us. Life is interesting if you pay attention. You have to live it to it’s fullest.
Fans of New Christy Minstrels will have the opportunity to meet the members for pictures and autographs after their performance. Also those who do not have their new record can purchase it at their merchandise table at the Calumet Theatre.
“We have a new record called Recycled. We recorded all of our greatest hits, and we’ve done them better. Reviewers even said that they don’t understand how old people can go in the studio and record their songs from the sixties and make them sound better,” said Sparks.
Fans of folk music will find great pleasure in listening to and watching the New Christy Minstrels.
“This is a show you don’t want to miss,” said Davey Holmbo.
The Calumet Theater’s facilities is the prime venue for you to soak in the melodies that New Christy Minstrels has to offer. Their performance will begin at 7:30 PM.
“We are living the best part of our dream and that is performing live,” said Sparks.
“Calumet Theatre is a great venue for folk explosion,” said Calumet Theatre artistic technical director Davey Holmbo.
There is no one better to describe what New Christy Minstrels is all about other than band founder Randy Sparks.
“We are hip hop for the hip replacement generation. We are happening dudes and dudetts, and are the best thing since sliced bread!”
New Christy Minstrels started in 1961 under the direction of Randy Sparks. Today the band has a total of ten members, and eight of them will be at the Calumet Theatre performance. The lineup is the five original members, Randy Sparks, Clarence Treat, Jackie Miller Davidson, Art Podell, Dolan Ellis. Recent members are Becky Jo Benson, Buffalo Bill Boycott, and Chuck Cole. The eight piece band all play guitars and do so as they position themselves at the edge of the stage.
When Randy Sparks was told that the band will be performing in the Copper Country his reaction was positive.
“I said, wow! I love it there [Copper Country]. Years ago we worked with friends in Negaunee and they [audience] were hungry for entertainment. They tuned into our kind of music. I am grateful for coming up there again,” expressed Sparks.
This summer’s tour is about letting their fans and the world know that they are back to do what they do best, to entertain with their voices and instruments.
“The band’s goal [for the tour] is to stay alive! When you get to be our age it’s important to get up in the morning,” joked Sparks. “This time we want to do it right because in the old days we had no clue. When you are older you can look back and say what was good or bad and do it over. I was young and stupid. We all are. You have no experiences to call on when you are young,”
For those who are fans of New Christy Minstrels, can expect to see a passionate stage presence from the musicians.
“When we walk on stage we have a love affair with the people in the audience,” said Sparks.
Along with the eight musicians will be Becky Jo Benson’s companion, Vecca the Show Dog. Vecca, who has a rhinestone collar, has a hard time being away from Benson and recently has accompanied her and the band on stage. “Vecca sleeps through whole performance and wakes up during intermission and for the finale. At the end of the show she stretches out and looks out at the audience for a standing ovation,” said Benson.
Together, for 47 years, the band has traveled all over the world. They have toured to iconic cities such as New York City and Los Angeles. New Christy Minstrels have also had the privilege to perform at the White House. Together the band has grown together and learned the meaning of life.
“Everyday is exciting if you pay attention,” said Sparks. “Everything is entertaining. Some people drive by too fast and not see it and they let it run off their backs like water. We have so much going for us. Life is interesting if you pay attention. You have to live it to it’s fullest.
Fans of New Christy Minstrels will have the opportunity to meet the members for pictures and autographs after their performance. Also those who do not have their new record can purchase it at their merchandise table at the Calumet Theatre.
“We have a new record called Recycled. We recorded all of our greatest hits, and we’ve done them better. Reviewers even said that they don’t understand how old people can go in the studio and record their songs from the sixties and make them sound better,” said Sparks.
Fans of folk music will find great pleasure in listening to and watching the New Christy Minstrels.
“This is a show you don’t want to miss,” said Davey Holmbo.
The Calumet Theater’s facilities is the prime venue for you to soak in the melodies that New Christy Minstrels has to offer. Their performance will begin at 7:30 PM.
“We are living the best part of our dream and that is performing live,” said Sparks.
