ANDY’S AUTOMATICS RETURNS TO VILLAGE GREEN

Ripon Pickle Co. welcomes Andy's Automatics to the Village Green Concert series on Friday June 19. Some call their music traditional country, while others refer to it as hillbilly or Americana. Whatever label you choose, one thing is for certain, Andy’s Automatics showcases a pure, unadulterated original blend of real country music.

Formed in 2002, the band got off to a rousing introduction, opening for the renowned Junior Brown and Stray Cats’ bass guru Lee Rocker. A debut, self-titled 5-song EP was released in 2003 followed by their full-length CD “Things Have Changed” which was released last summer to rave reviews.

Front man Andy Lubahn (guitarist/vocalist/songwriter) delivers catchy, interesting lyrics with flair. Experienced bassist/vocalist Jeff Verner brings the great ‘2-4 beat’ that has personified both traditional country and early rock and roll music. Playing pedal steel and guitar is Mike Soffa, a seasoned musician with a discerning ear. The backbone of the rhythm section is drummer Tom Hansen, an experienced multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. The talent and chemistry shared between these four musicians is evident both acoustically and visibly.

The Village Green Concerts take place on Friday evenings from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in downtown Ripon through the end of August and are organized by Ripon Main Street, Inc. A variety of beverages are available and participants are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on. Please, no carry-ins because beverage sales help cover entertainment expenses. Free music isn’t really free.

Next week’s performer is the Groove Hogs.

A special Thank You goes out Ripon Pickle Co. for sponsoring the summer concert series. Let them know you appreciate the financial commitment they have made to our community. Additional sponsors include the Diedrich Agency, Fat Bruce’s, Horicon Bank, M&I Bank, A&W Restaurant, Affinity Health System, Condon Oil, Miller Brewing, Piernot Dentistry, Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express, Chris Rauch D.D.S., Ripon College, Ripon Drug, Ripon Medical Center, Ripon Pickle Co., J.M. Smucker’s, Bluemkes, Ripon Window & Door, WRPN AM 1600, Yeomans - Endinger Chiropractic Center, Jane & Harland Hilke, Sue & Ron Silber, Ann Jurkowski, Derk & Paula Lesniak, and Holly & Ivy.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment in historic downtown Ripon and discover the charm of small town hospitality. Call the Ripon Main Street office at 920-748-7466 or visit www.downtownripon.com for more information.