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Byrom to bring some blues to the Buckaroos
| Thursday, Apr 5 2007 5:05 PM
Last Updated: Thursday, Apr 5 2007 5:45 PM
Bakersfield vocalist and guitarist Monty Byrom has landed a gig that will keep him on his toes through the fall.
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Byrom is booked to play Buck Owens' Crystal Palace with the Buckaroos one weekend a month through November, starting with a one-nighter April 20.
It's a chance for Byrom, 48, to work with the musicians who backed the late country legend and bring a bit of soul to the country flavor at the Crystal Palace.
"It's a dream come true," said Byrom.
"Ever since I was a little kid, I've always known I could sing those songs and make them my own.
"The world's greatest country band and a bluesy singer -- I think that's a pretty good combination."
The material Byrom and the Buckaroos will cover will likely include some of Owens' hits along with many other classics, but it won't be strictly straight-ahead country, he said.
"Everything from Elvis to Mavis," he said.
Owens' son Buddy Alan Owens will continue to front the Buckaroos a couple of weekends per month. Jerry Hufford, promotions director at the Palace, said the addition of Byrom will add a new dimension to the venue's entertainment offerings.
"We're just trying to mix it up a little," Hufford said.
"We're trying to keep the Crystal Palace fresh."
Byrom fronted Bakersfield-born "soul country" band Big House in the late 1990s.
The group played an energetic "reunion" show at the Palace in March.
He said he'll start rehearsing with the Buckaroos today.
"The coolest thing is, I get to play Buck's guitars and amps," he said. "I get to pick one out."
All shows start at 7:30 p.m., and admission is $5.
• Dates: April 20; May 18-19; June 15-16; July 20-21; Aug. 17-18; Sept. 14-15; Oct. 19-20; Nov. 9-10;
• All shows start at 7:30 p.m., Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.
• Admission $5
• Details: 328-7560