Grange scoops ice cream while music resounds in hall

BY SHARYN CORNELIUS  | EAST VALLEY TIMES

This year’s Millville Grange Ice Cream Social and Roots Music Concert on August 25, 2013 attracted a host of hungry customers (between 180 and 200 by unofficial count) who swilled gallons of root beer floats and consumed four restaurant-sized containers of Tillamook Ice Cream Factory chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice cream, mostly in sundaes and banana splits.  For most of the three hour period, the line stretched out the door of the dining room.  And many of those who came for ice cream stayed to listen to the two bands and numerous talented musicians performing in the concert hall next door.

First to take the stage were Matthew Songmaker and the Mountain Messengers, one of the premier roots music bands in the area.  At this performance the ensemble of regulars Songmaker, George Fredson and Lloyd Raeg was enhanced by veteran bass player Kathy Dubois, but missing the sound of banjoist Don Palmer.  This gave Songmaker, who has been learning to play the banjo under Palmer’s tutelage, the chance to demonstrate his skill on this instrument as well as on the fiddle, mandolin and guitar.  This group just released their new CD “In the Middle of Nowhere.”