Ashley Lewis & Ashton Gap
In Concert at the Sandwich Fair

Dynamic bluegrass band, Ashley Lewis & Ashton Gap, will be performing in concert at the Sandwich Fair on Wednesday, September 7th at 5pm on the AgLand Stage. Known for her sparkling vocals, fine fiddling and fiery mandolin performances, Ashley is also a profound songwriter, and evidence of her Kentucky bluegrass legacy appears in the words and music of her original songs. While her roots are in bluegrass, Ashley branches out to deliver an energetic and riveting performance with an innovative approach to all facets and genres of music. By blending a variety of mandolin styles and her own rhythmic technique, along with pure vocals, Ashley has developed that unique and distinctive Ashley Lewis signature sound. Now working on her third CD in Nashville, Ashley recorded her second project with the Entertainer Band of the Year, the Grascals, and Female Vocalist of the Year, Dale Ann Bradley, to create the notable CD, entitled, Here I Stand. Ten of the thirteen tracks on the album were written or co-written by Ashley.

Guitarist for Ashton Gap is Andy Hatfield, who grew up in a bluegrass family and started playing as a young boy. Andy delivers intricate leads on the guitar, while also adding harmonies and vocals. From Andalusia, Illinois, is the upright bassist, Teresa Fry, who rhythmically drives the band with her solid precision and timing. In addition to her bass work, Teresa is often spotlighted with her distinctive vocals. Before joining Ashton Gap seven years ago, Doug Knecht from Roanoke, musically toured world-wide and holds eight state banjo championships. An absolute virtuoso on the banjo, Doug now brings his own characteristic style and harmonies to the group. These combined effects of pure vocals, smooth harmonies and acoustic instruments blend to create that inspiring bluegrass sound of Ashton Gap.

To see Ashley at other venues, she will be returning to the Avalon Theatre in Canada in October and January, and other upcoming performances in this area will be in Champaign-Urbana on November 5th at the Folk & Roots Festival, and in Schaumburg at the Great Northern Bluegrass Festival on March 23. For more information and to hear music samples, visit the Ashton Gap website at www.ashtongap.com.