July 4th 2008 Ripley Road climbed aboard a tractor trialer and performed for a private party out in the sticks for the first time. Fast forward to July 2nd 2009. Ripley looked back on a year of making music and creating memories for the band and fans alike. Since that day on the tractor trailer Ripley Road has performed over 150 shows, covering over 25 diffrent venues. Along the way we have met many talented musicians, great club owners, managers and event organizers. We have been fortunate enough to be sponsored by Budweiser and most recently WiregrassLive.com and Jagermeister.
When we decided to celebrate we could think of no other way but with friends and other musicians from the area. Last night was a first for the Wiregrass area. Only at such an event would you see 5 different bands share one stage at t he same time. At one point we could have been called SherryMcCormick and Vic George and the DoubleBeerRoad band.
We cannot express our gratitude enough for these fine musicians who came out to celebrate with us. Each weekend bands and singers step on stage to entertain the audience. Last night as we where talking over beer and jager shots everyone remembered why we do what we do..for the love of music and performing. Although the audience and fans created the energy it seemed at times all of us where lost in the moment of just making music with friends.
For those of you who are not in a band or a musician , you would be suprised at how many bands and musicians bad mouth other performers and bands simply out of jealousy or to ensure they don't get bumped from a gig. Last night proved that regardless of background, genre, ambitions and goals there are some people who respect each other and all the hard work that goes into the fun that each band presents to club owners and it's patrons each weekend. We have made friends for life and can't wait to do this again. We would like to say thank you to the following people who has made this past year so wonderful.
**Jerry , Daphne and Linda of Idle Hour in Andalusia we love yall
**Sherry and Mike of Gaskin Lounge we love yall
**Susan of Bootleggers(formerly O Suzannahs) a great friend
**Jen of Becky's Bar in Daleville you are a true friend
**Tracy bartender at Sportsmans Lounge
**Jamie of the Double Branch you believed in us and we did it!!!!
**Pat and James you mean the world to us
**Terry, Candi and Butch ya'll are crazy
**Adam such a gentleman and friend (until the Jim Beam goes down) love you
**All of the club owners who have opened your doors for us and we are proud to say we have never played a gig where we where not rebooked thank you so much.
**Vic George and Double Cross for your motivation and dedication
**Michael James Band for staying true to your dreams
** Smiley and Greg of the Beer Money Band for all your support
**Sherry McCormick for giving Charles his dance moves and energy
**Hal Cobb and Kevin from Southern Strutt you guys are family and we appreciate all the help and music made together.
**Brian and Denise Edburg for suffering every Tuesday night through hours of loud music at THE BARN. Sorry about the electric fence issue LOL
**To MandaLou who has stayed on Myspace nonstop, booked every venue we have played argued with us over sound, running the sound, and paying us at theend of every show. You Rock.
And last but not least to Tina, Candi, Brandie, Kristen and MandaLou the wives of each member of Ripley Road. Thanks so much for allowing us to do what we love. We owe you more than we can ever repay