When I was a kid, Uncle Charlie used to sit me at his work bench where he had a record player set up and he’d say “Dan, listen to this. It’s Bill Monroe. He invented bluegrass…”

Through several of these tutorials Uncle Charlie turned me on to the likes of Ralph Stanley, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Jim & Jessie…. on & on the list it goes. Honestly, at the time I was just a kid and I didn’t know what to think. (Probably something like - “Cool banjos. OK, can I get back on my bike now!?”)

But fast forward to my early 20s when I attended my first Fiddle Festival & experienced the community. People traveled near and far from different backgrounds, lives and families congregated to not only watch and listen, but also gather in the periphery to ‘pick’. Players of all skill levels, standing side by side in circles, taking turns leading old bluegrass standards, passing solos around and singing along. Strangers supporting each other joyfully, without judgement. (Kinda reminded me of a good church!)

The whole scene was magnetic and infectious. And somehow, also, I KNEW THE SONGS! Thanks Uncle Charlie! I was in. Hook, line, and sinker.

I started the Manatawny Creek Ramblers in 2001 with a vow to always have a working bluegrass band in my tool belt. It’d be only a matter of time until my deep dive into the genre yielded its rich wellspring of gospel songs and hymns.
I recognized the songs from my early Sunday school years but heard them in a whole new light. The Gospel Bluegrass tradition is a bold ingredient in most live shows from any band donning a banjo or fiddle.

On July 4th, under the glow of an illuminated Philly skyline fireworks display, I watched a 91-year-old Willie Nelson close his show with his infamous Gospel Medley. Look it up, and you might get some deja vu this Sunday when Manatawny Creek Ramblers return to St. Matthew’s for the 3rd Annual Gospel Bluegrass Concert. If we can bring even a teaspoon of that magic and jubilation, it’s gonna be one joyful morning.

Thank you for letting us give it our best shot. I hope you and the Good Lord enjoy!

-Daniel Bower

Ministries
Worship & Music