Deck 51 at Twigs this Saturday
Classic rock trio returns to the High Country

By Jeff Eason

Rock and roll bands, by necessity, usually end playing their fair share of gigs that are under less than perfect circumstances. There will always be that unfortunate venue where the audience is more interested in the football game on television than they are with the live music on the stage. That’s why it’s always great to take a break from the road and play in front of a welcoming hometown crowd.

Classic rock and blues trio Deck 51 returns to Twigs in Blowing Rock this Saturday, May 10.

Local classic rock band Deck 51 had a gig last week in Lenoir at a bowling alley that they termed “madness, pure madness.” Now they are returning to the friendly confines of Twigs in Blowing Rock this Saturday for a concert under more ideal conditions. The band will perform starting around 10 p.m.

“It’s a mystery to us, but they love us up there,” said drummer L.A. Freeman. “It’s an experience you’ll not want to miss.”

In addition to Freeman, Deck 51 features bassist and vocalist Eric Biter and guitarist Don Norman. The band gets its name from a pack of cards that is “one card shy of a full deck.”

Deck 51’s specialties are cover versions of blues artists such as B.B. King, Robert Cray, Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Allman Brothers, and classic rock covers of artists such as Dire Straits, the Doobie Brothers, Santana, Steppenwolf, the Four Tops and the Doors, to name a few.

Among the three musicians, the guys in Deck 51 have shared the stage with acts ranging from Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat, Billy Idol and George Jones. They have played with legendary artists such as The Drifters, Ben E. King, The King Biscuit Trio and Chicago Bob Nelson.

For some good time rock and roll in one of the coziest bars in the High Country, be sure to check out Deck 51 at Twigs this Saturday. For more information, call Twigs at (828) 295-5050.