L to R: Randy Fisher, Dodd Greer, Liz Cloward, Maria Tucker, Greg Tucker, Ben Plowman
Bluegrass Thunder was originally begun to compliment a well-known dance team, Cloggers West, a young persons group of Clog Dancers led by Terry Tucker of Orem, Utah. Since its beginnings, Bluegrass Thunder has been made up of various members of the band, and they have performed locally, nationally, and abroad representing American Folk Traditional Music and Dance (along with Cloggers West). Bluegrass Thunder's repertoire includes bluegrass, western, country, contemporary and exciting songs featuring fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass.
The Band is now made up of six singers and musicians from around the area. Band leader, singer and banjo picker is Greg Tucker, son of the late Terry Tucker. Along with Greg is his wife, Maria who is leads and choreographer for Nationally renowned dance team Rocky Mountain Express. Maria sings and plays the mandolin, tambourine, and occasionally the wood train whistle. Randy Fisher plays lead guitar, banjo, harmonica and harmonizes on vocals. Greg, Maria and Randy are from Orem. Dodd Greer of Payson plays rhythm guitar and cd's. His daughter, Liz Cloward of Eagle Mountain, plays acoustic and electric bass guitar and the big ol' upright double bass. The band's newest member is Ben Plowman who plays a red hot bluegrass fiddle. The band also features a new singer at the young age of 6, Jade Cloward, who joins the band on their version of the classic "Slewfoot".
Bluegrass Thunder has performed locally at the Galavan Center, Lagoon, Festival of Trees, NAMI Annual Banquet, Summer Festivals in Mapleton, Orem, Pleasant Grove and Cedar Hills, as well as many care facilities, senior centers, church and community benefits, private parties, dances and jam sessions. If you'd like to arrange a performance for your organization or group, please contact Greg and Maria here!
2 comments:
I'm gathering that Terry Tucker passed away. I am so sorry for the loss. I played the fiddle in Bluegrass Thunder in the summer of 2001 on the tour of Germany and Austria. Terry was a wonderful, inspiring leader and a fun and motivating person. And yes, he was always asking if I could play any faster! I admired him very much and loved my experience playing in the band. It is a treasured memory of mine.
I wish the best to your new band and hope you have many wonderful performing experiences!
Afton Call Mower
I am so glad Bluegrass Thunder is still doing their thing, aka - making amazing music. We will all miss Mr. Tucker, I danced for Cloggers West from 2000-2002, but it is great to see his memory living on in the music he loved so much.
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