As a founding member of Mountain Rhythm, I want to start out by saying thanks to all of our fans and friends who have followed and supported us for the past two years. I must say I’ve had a lot of fun during this time but when it turns into a job and the pleasure is gone, it’s time to move on. With this band having two founding members and both are pulling in different directions, I just felt like the band has been spinning its wheels for the past year and that it’s best for everyone involved that I step out. I want to ensure everyone that there are no hard feelings between any of us in the band and we continue to be friends.

This has also been a real learning experience for me. It’s not easy trying to be a band leader, especially for a band just starting out. If I ever entertain the thoughts of doing this again, I’ll take the lessons I’ve learned through this and apply them so as not to make the same mistakes twice. I’ve also learned that there are a lot of politics in the music business. This makes me sick to my stomach! So much so that I’m not sure if I ever want to try again to make it in the music biz!

I have a lot of changes coming up in my life as well. I’ve met the lady of my dreams and we’re planning on getting married by next summer. We’ll be living in Spokane, Washington, her home town. So don’t feel sorry for me as far as leaving the band goes, because I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life! And she fully supports me and my music so she has nothing to do with me leaving the band. This was on my mind before I ever met her.

Unless something else comes up, my last show with the band will be at the Marietta Bluegrass Festival Nov. 9-10. I hope everyone can come out to see us. We had a great time there last year!

I want to publicly say to Kenneth, Robert and Eric that I appreciate and value your friendships. We’ve traveled and played music together and it’s been a blast. To other musicians who have filled in at different times, I thank you for your time and talents. At this moment I’m not sure what Kenneth’s plans are, but if he decides to carry on Mountain Rhythm, I wish him all success!

Kevin