THE WHITEHEARTS
Members: Barefoot Bob, the Nashville Slob (Robert Bartell/ fiddle & mandolin), Sam Miller (upright bass), Ernie Fred (Ernie Howard, banjo), Bonnie June (Bonnie Lotspeich, autoharp), Fat Gary (Gary Lotspeich, guitar). We all sang leads and harmonies, depending on the songs.
Genre(s): The band was in a bluegrass configuration (banjo, guitar, fiddle/mandolin, bass, plus autoharp. Our music was a bit eclectic; bluegrass, some pop covers, and many original songs. Each of us wrote tunes we played.
Some of the high points at that time were the many opportunities we had to entertain. Our weekly gig at a local auction house on Saturday evenings was a cherished event, for all the friends and contacts we made there. Also, lots of private house parties and local events and festivals we played. Plenty of clubs/bars were hiring at that time.
Low points, although few at that time, came from having low-quality transportation and, being from California and never experiencing snow before, inexperience with winter driving conditions. The drives to and from gigs, at times, could be fraught with dangers. But mainly, we were "All for One and One for All."
Active: 1972 - 1976
Venues: Hundreds of clubs, ski resorts, private gatherings, and weddings throughout Vermont and New Hampshire, .
Recordings: Recorded at Longfellow Studio in Marshfield/Northfield, VT.
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