White Lightning Boys strike a chord

Bluegrass fans were kickin’ up their heels as they listened to the White Lightning Boys bring the night to life Friday at the Bluebird Nightclub.

The White Lightning Boys, a bluegrass band based in Brown County and Bloomington, were working with the Travelin’ McCoury’s to bring a compilation of traditional country music to town.

“We are so happy to be here with you folks,” said Dan Bilger, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist for the White Lightning Boys. “Now you all just stand up, stomp your feet and have a great time!”

The intense hype of the music kept everybody moving.

Feet tapped, legs shook and laughter filled the room as everyone came together to enjoy the uplifting bluegrass.

As the White Lightning Boys came to a finish, Bloomington-based band the New Old Cavalry played additional upbeat bluegrass to keep the night alive.

“I’m a longtime friend of the White Lightning Boys,” band member Brandon Lee said. “I enjoy their music, personality and friendship, and I hope that it will continue for the duration of our lives. I also really enjoy their name.”

Every once in a while, jokes would resound on stage as the White Lightning Boys bantered with the Travelin’ McCoury’s.

The Travelin’ McCoury’s do just as their name suggests: They travel. They are constantly on the road playing bluegrass music.

This year, they embarked on the Midwest Bluegrass Ball Run, which led them to Bloomington.

Together with the White Lightning Boys, they made the night one of festivity
and cheer.

“I came to enjoy the show,” said Jessica Woldridge, a University of Kentucky student.
“They were great at the beginning, and they were strong all the way to the end. I’ve always loved bluegrass music, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving it.”

Two other acclaimed musicians joined the Travelin’ McCoury’s outfit for the Midwest Bluegrass Ball Run.

Jeff Austin of the Yonder Mountain String Band and Bill Nershi of the Emmitt-Nershi Band played right along with the McCoury’s and the White Lightning Boys to create an exciting bluegrass event.

“I have really enjoyed working with the Travelin’ McCoury’s, and I hope y’all enjoyed the night,” said instrumentalist, songwriter and vocalist Nershi.

The Travelin’ McCoury’s plan to end their stay in the Midwest as they head back to the southern states.

While the Travelin’ McCoury’s along with Nershi and Austin plan to go to Kentucky, the White Lightning Boys and New Old Cavalry will remain at their base in Bloomington.

“We do travel a lot, playing at different festivals and such,” said IU graduate and New Old Cavalry band member Brian Chomka.

“But it’s always nice to have a place to come home to. Our band started here three years ago, so this is definitely home. We do quite a few shows here in Bloomington.”

No matter the place, bluegrass finds a way to everybody’s heart, Chomka said. When the show finally ended, people walked away still dancing to the
bluegrass tunes.