Oakhurst brings “Rocky Mountain Guerilla Grass” to the Buckeye State

By Jimmy Cummings

The excitement was building as we arrive at Stanley’s Pub in Cincinnati. Stanley’s is a Cincinnati landmark and has long been a favorite for bands and fans. Cincy’s own Rumpke Mountain Boys are scheduled to play their regular Tuesday night set at the Pub; joining Rumpke on stage is Oakhurst. Oakhurst hails from Denver, Colorado and the band has a great fan base that luckily stretches all the way to the Buckeye State. This is my first time experiencing the band live, so I was pumped to see what was in store. The night promised to be special as everyone in attendance was ready to celebrate the 70^th birthday of rock legend Bob Dylan. Happy Birthday Bob!!! Rumpke gave fans a special treat by adding the talents of Mike Hennel from Grooveshire on drums, giving the band an entirely new element for fans who are used to seeing the band as a string quartet. By the end of their set, the Rumpke Mountain Boys had worked the crowd into a frenzy, (including myself) and set the stage for what was to come.

Stanley’s was packed and everyone was enjoying their beverage of choice when the pub erupted. All eyes were on the five musicians from Denver; and as the band took the stage it was evident why. Oakhurst is: A.P. Hill (Flat Top Guitar, Lead Vocals), Chris Budin (Drums, Percussion, and Vocals), C. Max Paley (Mandolin, Guitar, and Vocals), Johnny James Qualley (Electric Bass), Daniel Lawrence Walker (Guitar, Vocals). The band describes their music as “Rocky Mountain Guerilla Grass; a blend of Rock, Bluegrass, and Folk. One thing is certain; whatever you call it, Oakhurst has a “swagger” about them that makes you take notice. The band combines their great musicianship with vocal harmonies that that are amazing. Lead Singer A.P. Hill and Guitarist Daniel Lawrence know how to work the crowd too, making Oakhurst a powerhouse on stage.

The set included fan favorites like Eggs on My Face, Twango, and Run, Run, Run; as well as plenty of new material. Oakhurst proceeded to give the audience a performance they will not soon forget. At one point in the show, Qualley invited Rumpke’s Travis Gates to the stage to play Bass; just another special treat for those in attendance. The set also included a song called 420, definitely a crowd favorite. If you haven’t heard this one, you don’t know what you’re missing. Oakhurst left the stage, but the audience was persistent and stuck around long after the music ended to get to know the guys over a nice cold beer. Thanks to the Rumpke Mountain Boys, Oakhurst, and Stanley’s Pub for a great night of music. Tuesday nights should always be this fun!