Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Arts Guild presented a special performance on Tuesday night, October 14th. The event was staged at the site of the first success for the Arts Guild, the mural on the side of the Bratcher Auto Parts building, and featured Grammy Award-winning guitarist Greg Martin.

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Martin's diverse musical background includes working with some of the music industry's biggest names. He continues to record and tour with The Kentucky Headhunters, but brought his latest project, the Greg Martin Group, to Morgantown. It marked the second time Martin has played in Morgantown. Martin and The Kentucky Headhunters previously played at the Green River Catfish Festival along with Webb Wilder.

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The show on Tuesday night was presented free of charge by the Arts Guild with the help of local sponsors and contributions from private citizens. Martin accommodated the Arts Guild by scheduling the Tuesday night show between his commitments with the Greg Martin Group and the Kentucky Headhunters.

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For much of the day on Tuesday the show looked to be in doubt because of the weather. Periodic rain showers dampened Morgantown throughout the afternoon, before tapering off just a few hours before showtime. By the time for opening act Josh Mitchum and Jericho Woods at 7 the rains had given way to cloudy skies and cool and breezy conditions.

Mitchum warmed up the enthusiastic crowd of around 200 with a half-hour of songs ranging from well-known standards to his own originals. Then it was time for the Greg Martin Group to take center stage.

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Martin thanked the crowd for braving the cool weather and joked that he would have to warm up his hands before he could play. As the crowd soon found out Martin's hands were up to the task. Widely regarded as one of the world's great guitar players Martin and the rest of the Group thrilled the crowd as they played a set featuring original songs from their EP "Groovy Grub Worm," along with southern rock favorites, and some Kentucky Headhunters classics.

Despite the cold the crowd had a fine time. The group played for just over two hours as people danced, sang along with the band, enjoyed food from Shogun Express, and took time to visit with friends. The group was certainly well-received, with each song met with cheers and applause.

One patron at the event, Jim Baribeau of the North Side, summed up the feelings of many of those in attendance. "I'm here to support Greg for being good enough to come play in Morgantown, and support the people that worked to get him here," said Baribeau.

One of the event's organizers, Josh Hampton of the Arts Guild, was pleased with the turnout, and the show. Said Hampton, "Considering the weather I'd have to give this event an A+."

Story by Joe K. Morris

Photos by Jeremy Hack