Can there be anyone around Ann Arbor not familiar with bluegrass band The RFD Boys?
The RFD Boys - long considered the house band of The Ark - return to that venue for a show Saturday night. The foursome has been entertaining southeastern Michigan audiences since 1969 (anyone else recall their sets at the long-gone Pretzel Bell downtown?) with their musicianship and sly, between-song humor.
Despite the loss of fiddler and founder Dick Dieterle in 2012, the band continues on with David Mosher as its newest member. Expect a lively show, and they may even play a request or two that you can drop in their official red RDF mailbox. Chances are they’ll end with the "Orange Blossom Special,” the granddaddy of all train tunes.
With with songs recorded by the likes of the Country Gentlemen, and with performances alongside bluegrass greats like Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley, the RFD Boys are Ann Arbor’s contribution to America's bluegrass tradition.
The RFD Boys play at The Ark, 316 S. Main St., at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 13. Tickets are $11. Details at www.theark.org or 734-761-1800.