Sometime in the crush of everyday life we lose sight of the basics, like this for instance: We've got some great musicians here in Lynchburg, musicians worth spending a Saturday night with at The Ellington. So here's what we've decided to do: Saturday, July 24th we proudly present the first Ellington Saturdays featuring The Blue Newts, Jimmy Rushing and the Prematures and a special
guest or two.

What do the Newts and the Prematures have in common to bring them to Lynchburg's best music venue? They were the highest drawing acts from last year's Ellington Fridays. This creative pairing of artists offers up The Ellington Saturday audience an exciting mix of rock and roll, 80's FM pop, roadhouse blues, a bit of jamming and a few surprises. And in the tradition of Ellington Fridays Chef Val Bolling will be preparing a sumptuous, dinner version his signature Tappas-style cocktail buffets. That's right, an Ellington Saturday features some of the areas best musicians AND dinner, all for only $20.

Jimmy Rushing has developed an evolving stasis with the Prematures that keeps them exciting and comforting, a difficult bill to fill and one Rushing does with acerbic grace. The Prematures include Jimmy Rushing, guitar and vocals; Tommy Norwood, guitar; Bob Huntington, piano and vocals; Steve Baker, drums; and Andy Aeschbacher, bass.

The Prematures include former and current members of the Dog Boys, the Nite Owls, the Bill Blue Band, the Aces, the Phantoms and others. As always with the Prematures, expect special guest artists to sit in.



The Blue Newts have established a loyal following of Newt Heads whose loyalty has been repaid generously with the bands talented new additions.

Jenny Jones, lead female vocalist is new to the band scene. She's 25 years old and was a music major at Lynchburg College. Jenny got her start singing karaoke. This is her first band. She became a Newt in January of this year. Jenny does an incredible job singing your favorites of the great chick rockers from Pat
Benatar to Heart.

Gene Temple, lead guitar & slide guitar is also a new Newt. Gene was born in Mississippi & raised in Texas. He has played in a lot of bands, including the Velvet Elvises in Texas, &
most recently the Moaning Lisas in Tidewater Virginia.

Bob Harvey, bass guitar & vocals has been playing in bands
around Lynchburg for 40 years! He played in The Precious Few, The Velvetones, The Reflections, Best of Friends, Gallery, Legacy, And Now & Then.

Tony Rini, percussionist - is from Ohio. He has performed in 10 bands in Ohio & 5 in Virginia.

Glenn McGrath, rhythm guitar & harmonica has been performing locally since the late 1980's. Has been a member of Triple Bypass, The Growlers, & The Blues Wackers. Glenn & a couple friends opened for Rick Derringer when Rick played the Ellington a few years ago.

We'll be opening the doors at 7pm. The buffet will be up from 7:00 until 8:30. The bands will start at 8:00.

Tickets are available at the usual outlets: Tom Jones Drugs, Stringfellows Music and Roberts Piano. They can also be purchased online at www.theellington.org.
See you at the Ellngton!