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Mojo Saturday Night: The Blues, The Whole Blues, and Nothin’ But the Blues!

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A voice that good, they always want more! Even after their incredible opening set at the Waynesboro Chili, Blues and Brews Festival in September was completed, the crowd did not want her to stop… Erin Lunsford and the Smokey Bandits will bring that energy to their debut on Mojo Saturday Night on Saturday, November 17 at WTA’s Gateway in downtown Waynesboro. Joining them will be Emma Leigh and Buddy Thomas.  The performance begins at 8 pm with the doors opening at 7:30 pm.

Audiences seem to love Erin Lunsford’s original songs even more than they do her renditions of the covers of artists who have influenced her. Erin gained a reputation as an amazing singer, but she is a songwriter and musician in her own right, and an accomplished musician on guitar and piano. Erin Lunsford will release her first EP in November that will feature 6 original songs that she wrote during the past 4 years. Growing up in Fincastle, VA, Erin was born into a family of very talented musicians. She says at Lunsford family gatherings, bluegrass jam sessions frequently took place. Her mother, Cheryl Lunsford, is a full-time guitar teacher at Fincastle Guitar Dojo. Erin credits her mother with being the biggest influence in her musical career.

Backing Erin are The Smokey Bandits with Waynesboro’s own Nick Quillen on the drums, Peter Michel on the keys, and Ryan Lipps on the guitar – all of whom are currently “4th years” at University of Virginia.

Local sensation Emma Leigh will return to Mojo Saturday Night to open the November show, crossing from her mainly country roots to show off her blues chops! At 15, Emma is the youngest cast member of the “Virginia Dreams Center Stage” TV Show, currently airing on the RFD-TV cable network. She is also the youngest artist on the Virginia Dreams Record label and has completed her debut CD entitled, “I Wanna Be Rich.”

Making his debut on Mojo Saturday Night is longtime area favorite, Buddy Thomas. Buddy has been making music in the Shenandoah Valley for over thirty years. During this time, he has raised a family, given guitar lessons to literally thousands of area residents and played in countless local bands, most notably Wanda and the White Boys and Rhythm Road. He is a prolific songwriter, an insightful and inspired artist, and beloved teacher.

Mojo Saturday Night is the region’s premier blues revue, set in a “listening room” atmosphere. Tickets are $10 presale and can be found at www.waynetheatre.org. Tickets will be $12 at the box office the day of the show. Go to www.waynetheatre.org or “Like” Mojo Saturday Night on Facebook, for more information. Doors open at 7:30pm and the show starts at 8:00pm.

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