New Band Ron?

Dry Branch Fire Squad

Brian Aldridge, Dan Russell, Ron Thomason, Tom Boyd

Dry Branch Fire Squad performed at Cherrydale United Methodist Church on Friday night. It seems that Ron Thomason has all new band members. Ron started this band in 1976 and naturally there have been some personnel changes over the years, but it was a disappointment not to see Suzanne Thomas this time. I'm not sure how long she has been gone but Charlie and Mary Jo Leet were still with Dry Branch in 2002 when the latest live album was recorded. Ron offered no explanation and didn't even introduce the new band members during the show. I don't know when this new incarnation occurred and I came up dry when I searched the internet looking or clues. Even the cover story on Ron and Dry Branch in the November 2005 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited simply offers, "They're touring more than ever and currently comprising a different lineup." Nevertheless, the show was mighty good, albeit a tad heavy on the Gospel selections. I guess I need to allow for that seeing as how the show was in a church!