The Faded Travelers Band opened the 2018 Mingle at the Market concert series on June 9 at the Vinton Farmers’ Market, playing their original music and some popular covers.
Members are Andrew Nicely (vocals, rhythm guitar, piano), Brent Dickerson (lead guitar, mandolin, ray gun), Mitch Ferguson (pedal steel, dobro, harmonica), Kevin VanDyke (drums, percussion), and Austin Nicely (bass, saxophone, and vocals).
Faded Travelers got their start in Vinton at Bob’s Restaurant about three years ago and have become well known throughout the region and beyond, with their own record label— Railroad Town Records, located in Vinton. They released their first full-length album, “Restless Souls,” last summer at Twin Creeks Brewing Company’s first annual Creekfest celebration and have been featured at the Harvester Performance Center.
The bluegrass band New Habit opened the concert. This band is part of the Railroad Town Records label and recently released their first single, “Back of My Hand.” They are scheduled to release their full-length debut album in 2018. Members include: Josh Marlowe (guitar), Brandon Dickerson (banjo), Brent Dickerson (mandolin), Andrew Nicely (snare and vocals) and Dillon Clements (bass).
The Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce (VACC) sponsors the Mingle events on the second Saturday of each month through November.
“The Mingle season kicked off literally with folks kicking to some bluegrass to start the night,” said Chamber President Justin Davison. “It was great to have some local talent on the stage to start the season off. I want to give a big thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers— without them these great events wouldn’t be possible. I also want to thank all the vendors that came out and gave the attendees some great things to enjoy throughout the event! We are moving right along and can’t wait for the next Mingle already!”
Other Mingle sponsors include: Roanoke County and Vinton Roofing, Gold Level; the Town of Vinton and the Vinton War Memorial, Diamond Level; Carilion Clinic, Vertex, Magnets USA, Grand Rental Storage, PFG, Twin Creeks Brewing, GCR Tires and Service, Lotz Funeral Home, Pinnacle Bank, BB&T Bank, Cox Communications, First Team Auto, Berkshire Health Care Center, and ServPro of Roanoke County, Silver Level; and The Vinton Messenger, Boxtree/Braeloch, Winter’s Storage, and Member One FCU, bronze level.
“Thank you so much to our sponsors, Blue Ridge Beverage, New Habit and Faded Travelers, C&L Creations, Mountain Grille, and the Kettle Korn folks for making our first Mingle of the season such a success,” said VACC Executive Director Angie Chewning. “And, of course, all the folks that came out to enjoy the beautiful weather, cold beverages, good food, great music and lots of fun! See you on 14th.”
Mingle at the Market concerts continue on July 14 with Low, Low Chariot and Rutledge, on August 11 with Uptown Band, and on September 8 with Seven Mile Ford.