Johnny B. and the Balladeers, a popular local band featuring John Blankenship, Avent Lane, Ken and Sarah Frizzell and Billy Yearwood, will be appearing on the first Thursday of every month, beginning Thursday, February 2, 2012, at UnCorked, to benefit Youth Empowerment through Arts & Humanities, Inc.  The concerts will begin at 5:00 p.m. and last until 7:00 p.m., and business people, shoppers, and early and late diners alike are invited to join in the fun for the cause of the arts for young people ages 10-17.   There will be no cover, but a small suggested donation to YEAH will be encouraged and greatly appreciated.  UnCorked, a wine and tapas bar, will be serving its delicious and unique menu of small bites and delicious wines and beverages; and Johnny B. and the Balladeers will be playing their favorite music for all comers.

Johnny B and the Balladeers have been playing old timey country music together for many years now, and blended their instruments and voices together for the first time at Miller’s Grocery in Christiana, where they appeared every Friday night for several years.  They are currently appearing at the Readyville Mill every Saturday morning.  Their Americana repertoire spans from the American standards of Stephen Foster to classic folk, country western, rock and roll, blues and their own unique original tunes.   And their comedic and jovial interactions with the audience make for fun and light hearted enjoyment for all.

John Blankenship is a local attorney, mediator and arbitrator, as well as an actor, singer, songwriter and instrumentalist.  Avent Lane is an oft sought after bassist of great versatility who has played with the likes of Kitty Wells and Johnny Wright, Mac Wiseman and Vassar Clements.  Billy Yearwood began playing the mandolin at age 7 (75 years ago!) and has played throughout the state with many musicians, including the original Oak Ridge Quartet.  Billy performed on WLAC radio for many years.   Ken and Sarah Frizzell have spent their retirement years singing and playing at miscellaneous venues such as Miller’s Grocery for eleven years, churches, and every nursing home and senior citizen’s centers in Manchester, Woodbury and Murfreesboro.  Ken also had the privilege of square-dancing on the Grand Ole’ Opry with the Stoney Mountain Cloggers.

UnCorked is a wine and tapas bar owned by Maple Street Grill owners Mike and Debbie Zelenak and is located on the square, upstairs above Maple Street Grill.

YEAH! is a local youth arts organization dedicated to providing experiences in the arts for young people ages 10-17, believing that the arts and performance can empower youth to become creative, productive and confident members of our community.  YEAH! strives to create a connected creative community through the arts, performance and collaborations with other arts organizations, foundations, educators, and community leaders.  YEAH! thanks Central Magnet School, McFadden School of Excellence, The University School of Nashville and Middle Tennessee State University for housing the organization’s programming, summer camps, and supporting the arts in such a valuable and tangible way.

For more information, please contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 615-849-8140.  You may also visit YEAH”s website at www.yeahintheboro.org.