RT23 News

THE NEW CD IS OUT!!!

New Recording is here. The new CD captures the live sound and energy you hear on stage better than any recording ever. This CD is not one you listen to and say every song sounds alike. Traditional and country and bad-to-the-bone songs like Friday Once Again, Hangman, The Johnny Cash hit - Sunday Morning Coming Down.

ERNIE DOING SOME "SPECIAL APPERANCES"

Ernie has been doing a lot of special appearances with the legendary Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain, trying to see how well he can deal with things that he is now dealing with due to his accident. Things such as travel, learning new ways of playing his guitar in a wheelchair, and singing with half a lung. It has been a great experience, and Ernie wants to thank Melvin for all of his help and giving him the opportunity to help out with these shows. Melvin has been a wonderful influence in Ernie's life, and helped him when he needed help the most. For all that he has done he could never thank him enough.

OFFICIAL "ERNIE THACKER DAY"

It's official, April 4, has officially been declared Ernie Thacker Day in Carter County Kentucky. Come celebrate with Ernie and Route 23 April 4, at the Old Hitchens School near Grayson, Kentucky.

ROUTE 23's NEWEST BAND MEMBER:

Their is a new band member to tell you about. The newest member of Route 23 is fellow Clinch Mountain Boy Junior Blankenship. Junior will be joining the band playing lead guitar and doing some lead and harmony vocals. Blankenship has a very extensive resume' including many years playing lead guitar for Dr. Ralph Stanley, and picking up several years with Ralph Stanley II.

ROUTE 23 UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT:

Dorthy Thacker, wife of Ernie Thacker has been appointed manager of all of Route 23's bookings, contracts, CD and promotional products. Dorthy travels with Ernie full time.

GHS Strings to Endorse Ernie and the Boys!
Ernie Thacker and Route 23 were honored to be endorsed by GHS Strings! They are pleased to be able to present these great resources for all musicians of all music. You can visit GHS at their website www.GHSStrings.com

Bluegrass Talk Radio
Check out Ernie's interview on the brand new Bluegrass Talk Radio.com show. Airing around Sept. 16th

RT23, International Bluegrass Band
Ernie Thacker and Route 23 flew to Finland on June 8th along with dear friend and part-time booking agent, Chip Covington. Spending 3 days in Helsinki and 4 days in Rootsinpytaa. The band performed for the United States Ambassador, which was a great time. The band also performed in 2 night clubs in Finland, before hosting a 3 day Bluegrass festival in Rootsinpytaa. The trip was really interesting, meeting so many nice people and getting the chance to perform our music in a foreign country. An experience the band will never forget. Upon return to the United States, the band performed at 4 different festivals in 4 different states before returning home.

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United States Ambassador and wife - down town, Helsinki, Finland

America's Bluegrass Band
America's Bluegrass Band is a hit!!!!! Sunday morning Gospel show will be going state-wide on Oct. 1st on KET. The show has stayed in the top 3 Nielson ratings since airing on WSAZ. The band will be performing at the IBMA Fan Fest Sunday show in Nashville, TN.