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| Photo by Louise Vore |
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Rum River Blend, based in Troy, Ohio bill themselves as 'Unprofessional Entertainment'! The band takes its name from the Rum River that flows through Linda's hometown of Milaca, Minnesota. They perform a blend of traditional bluegrass, folk, Gospel and children's songs. The audience is encouraged to join in on the fun as kazoos, spoons, washboards, and various other noise making instruments are often passed out to the crowd.
Linda Tatarian, the 'leader of the band' plays 5-string banjo and sings like a good Minnesotan should. Chris Tatarian plays rhythm guitar and sings back-up vocals in a California style that only he knows. Chris and Linda are the "roots" of Rum River Blend and have played together since 1992. After moving to Ohio in 2000, they have played with a variety of talented musicians. The bass beat for the band is provided by Mr. 'Smiling' Bill Benning, playing acoustic/electric bass guitar. Bill plays with a flair developed over time playing a wide variety of musical types with many different bands. Mr. Carl Phillis joins us on fiddle. Carl has years of professional musical experience, having played with most bands and orchestras in the area at one time or another. He is the 1948 Ohio State Fiddle Champion, and is a professor of Bluegrass Fiddle Music at Sinclair College in Dayton. His fiddle playing brings a new level of energy and a host of new songs to the band. On special occasions, RRB is joined by Mark Acton with harmonious vocals and Mandolin. Put 'em all together and the result is music that makes you want to tap your foot and sing along!
Rum River Blend appears regularly at the Hotel Gallery in Tipp City, and the 2nd Street Public Market in Dayton. In addition, they play at various local events including the Troy Strawberry Festival, private parties, schools and retirement homes. Rum River Blend can be contacted by phone at: 937-440-9834.
Rum River Blend produces and Hosts the Annual Tunes In The Trees Festival held at the Brukner Nature Center in Troy, OH.
Linda and Chris also play in an additional band with Mary Jo and Charlie Leet.... True Life Travelers (TLT). With their years of experience touring with the Dry Branch Fire Squad, Mary Jo and Charlie bring professionalism and vocal harmonies that won't fail to make you smile.
Email: Music@rumriverblend.com Last Updated: 07/01/2009
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