By R. David Shew
The Richmond Area Arts Council kicked off the 2025 season with an “Evening with Ole Friends” this past Saturday evening. Greg Austin, Wanda Barnett, Owen Grise, and Mike Howard entertained the packed house.
Greg Austin opened the show with a few songs and his version of “Somewhere in Kentucky” written by Greg Austin and Kenny Rice was well done to say the least and brought back good memories. The melodies that Wanda and Owen added to this song were some of the night’s best.
Next up was Wanda Barnett who thanked Owen Grise for teaching her to play the guitar. Wanda teaches fiddle and guitar lessons fulltime in Richmond and was an original member of the New Coon Creek Girls band. She opened with “Old Man at the Window,” a song that she wrote.
Then if you closed your eyes, you may have thought Buffalo Springfield had come to Richmond when Mike Howard played “For What It’s Worth.” His voice and guitar licks are perfect for this song. Mike’s version of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s “Sixteen Tons” was another crowd favorite.
Owen Grise followed Mike with his version of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “American Dream.” For the record, Wanda and Owen played and sang at my father’s funeral and will always be two of my favorites. Owen then paid tribute to Jimmy Buffett with “Pirate Looks at 40.” Most of the crowd had experienced looking at 40.
The next round had Greg Austin singing an original “Kentucky Woman” with Wanda Barnett playing fiddle and singing harmony. Then, Wanda played a Carole King favorite “It’s Too Late” for the music lovers in the crowd. Mike followed with his version of “Summertime.” Owen closed out the first set with “Roller Derby Queen,” a Jim Groce favorite.
Twelve-year-old Mattie Caudill sang four songs when the musicians took a short break and was quite impressive with her powerful voice. She even dedicated “Tin Man” by Miranda Lambert to her great uncle, Wesley Graves. This writer enjoyed “Landslide” by Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac.
Greg opened the second set with “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” sung by The Byrds. Wanda followed with her version of “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” Mike Howard threw in a little blues music with “Sweet Home Chicago” and another favorite “People Get Ready.” Owen Grise sang “Tupelo Honey” by Van Morrison and “Bring It on Home to Me” by Sam Cooke which the crowd enjoyed.
Wanda also played “The Tennessee Waltz” and told a story of dancing with my father who lived in Tennessee during his youth. She said that she could not look at my sister or me while she was playing and singing this song.
Greg, Wanda, Owen, and Mike closed the show with a gospel melody. Before closing the show, Greg Austin told the story of meeting Willie Nelson in Texas. Willie’s advice to Greg was “always play a little gospel at your shows.” Greg took Willie to heart and ended an “Evening with Ole Friends” on a wonderful note.
Thank you, Randy Westbrook, for opening the doors to the Richmond Area Arts Council and to Greg, Wanda, Owen, and Mike for a fabulous night.
