During the '70s there was a band making the rounds, playing country rock music, whose trademark was tight vocal harmonies and excellent musicianship. The band, New Riders Of the Purple Sage, was formed in 1969 by singer/songwriter/guitarist John Dawson and Jerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead. Mickey Hart (drummer) and Phil Lesh (bass player) also of the Dead, used to sit in with them frequently.
NRPS released its first album on Columbia in 1970, and has since released eleven more, including its gold record, "The Adventures Of Panama Red." This year, 1989, NRPS' 20th anniversary, will see the release of their thirteenth album, and will provide an opportunity to enjoy them in person at Uncle Pleasant's, 2126 S. Preston, Louisville, on Thursday, October 19. Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 day of show.
In this latest incarnation of NRPS, Dawson is joined by Russ Gauthier on guitar, violin, mandolin and banjo. His credits include stints with Elvin Bishop, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Delbert McClinton, Doug Kershaw and The Ozark Mountain Daredevils. Rounding out NRPS' three-part harmony is one of Northern California's finest guitarists, Keith Allen. Allen, a much-in-demand guitar instructor, has played with Sara Baker, Billy C. Farlow and Norton Buffalo.
So, if you're a fan of "Panama Red," "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (and Loud, Loud Music)," "Dead Flowers" or "Gypsy Cowboy " head on down to Uncle Pleasant's and join in the celebration. If you're not a fan, now's your chance to hear the old made new again and see and hear why they're celebrating.