Ronnie Bowman at the Station Inn

Each year for the past seven years storied bluegrass singer/songwriter Ronnie Bowman has hosted a pre-IBMA party and show at the Station Inn.  Along with his fine band, he brings friends on stage to sing with him and Garnet in a lively and festive evening of song, many of which were written by him or been hits for him.  A performer since early childhood, Ronnie joined Lost & Found in his teens and then became a part of The Lonesome River Band where he teamed with one of the great musical combinations in bluegrass history.  Along the way he became IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year three times and two of his songs were voted Song of the Year.  He has also written #1 hits for Brooks & Dunn as well as Kenny Chesney while his song "The Healing Kind" was included on Lee Ann Womack's multi-platinum selling album "I Hope You Dance".  Through all his success in country music, Ronnie Bowman has maintained his love for and loyalty to bluegrass music, where he is a well-loved and much sought after performer.

Ronnie and Garnet Imes Bowman

Garnet

Garnet Imes Bowman brings a quick smile and marvelous harmony singing to the band.  The obvious affection between these two singers contribute a loving quality to the band that permeates its entire performance.  Mandolinist Chris Harris, blessed with rugged good looks and a killer smile also makes significant contributions on mandolin and vocal harmonies along with an occasional vocal solo.

Chris Harris

Old Flames by Ronnie Bowman

 

Jeremy Boling

Greg Martin - Bass

Special Guests

Ronnie and Garnet welcomed several guests to the stage who all contributed to the musical delight of the evening.  Perhaps the big hit was Jimmy Stewart's rendition of his song (with Shawn Camp and Chris Stapleton) "Naked" about getting locked out of his hotel room without a stitch of clothing.  John Scott Sherrill is, according to Jon Weissberger the writer of "Wild and Blu." as well as a "billion" other great songs. Randy Kohrs and Rob McCoury stood in on Dobro and banjo respectively, each bringing his unique style and sound to the stage. Paul Gray also contributed a song.  One of the real pleasures about an evening at the Station Inn is that you never know who's likely to show up to perform with the featured band.  In a city so crowded with talented musicians, such visits always add to the fun and the variety.

Jimmy Stewart

Randy Kohrs

Rob McCoury

John Scott Sherrill

The Audience

The Station Inn is the only place in Nashville where bluegrass music is played on a regular basis, although that's not the only genre one finds there.  Regulars and tourists like us enjoy hearing bands frequently formed by groups of the very accomplished sidemen who live and work in Music City.  Touring bands stop there for a performance on their way through town, and they often use the venue for release parties when they have a new CD coming out.  It's an exciting place where you don't know who might show up on any given night.  With the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) beginning its week long World of Bluegrass convention on Monday, the house was sold out and there were many reunions, meetings, and greetings going on as well as the regular crowd in attendance for a performance of one of their favorites.

Beth Lawrence

 

Tony Watt

 

Shay Sparks and Meredith Bub

Archie Warnock

 

Lisa McCoury

At the Bar

And many more.....

Rise Above

 

 

 Ronnie Bowman