By Allison Canter

Like many bluegrass bands, Rock Bottom began as a group of friends picking for fun. What started as a Thursday night pickin’ session evolved into a full-fledged band effort taking them to many different states. After 15 happy years and recording six albums, the band has decided to give it a rest and concentrate more on spending time with their families. One of Ashe County’s most dynamic bluegrass bands performed their final show on Saturday, March 28, at the Mountain Music Jamboree in Glendale Springs.

“We’ve become close after 15 years. I’ve got four sisters and three daughters and I have gained four brothers,” said Butch Barker, a member of the band. “There are a lot of good bands out there and I hope the public will go out and support them as much as they did us.”

Featuring Dale Roten on banjo and vocals, John Roten on mandolin and vocals, Butch Barker on guitar and vocals, Loyd Richardson on bass and vocals and Mack Powers on resonator guitar, the band has maintained a very busy schedule performing at festivals, concerts, corporate outings and numerous private functions. They would play a variety of old standards, progressive bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and original material.

“I grew up listening to the band and it’s sad to see them quit performing,” said Jennifer Howell, a fan of the band who attended the farewell performance on Saturday.

The band has performed numerous times at the Christmas in July Festival in West Jefferson, Ola Belle Reed Festival in Lansing, Merle Fest, Todd New River Festival, the West Jefferson Community Partnership’s BackStreet Park Summer Concert and Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival. They have made appearances with Jim and Jesse, The Lonesome River Band, IIIrd Tyme Out, Blue Highway, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage and the Kruger Brothers.

“I have known this group of men for more than 15 years and I’m excited that so many members of the community came out to support them at their final performance,” said Mountain Music Jamboree owner, Arvil Scott. “It’s sad this is their last performance.”

Rock Bottom CDs are still available for purchase and can be purchased directly from band members as well as at Warrensville Drug Store, off Hwy. 88 West in Warrensville, next to Mountain Grocery.

The Mountain Music Jamboree, located at 9331 NC Hwy. 16 in Glendale Springs, features live bluegrass and old time bands with dancing every Saturday night, weather permitting, at 7 p.m. Admission is $8 and kids up to 12 years of age are admitted free. For more information on the Mountain Music Jamboree, call (336) 384-4079 or (800) 803-4079 or click to www.mountainmusicjamboree.com.