Article Contributed by Dan Ward
Published on 2026-04-25
Community benefits are a great way to get out, meet your neighbors, and learn about where you live. Tonight, the Redbud Ramblers are out to raise money for the Fine Arts Council and lay down some righteous bluegrass for their neighbors. The band—made up of Daniel Regal (guitar), Hank Nelson (guitar), Stephen Kowalski (upright bass), Michael Rowland (mandolin), and Beth Helm (fiddle)—has made its way to the historic Buchanan Tin Shop.
One of the unmistakable advantages of a community event is the dynamic between performer and audience. The people all know each other, and the banter can be hilarious. Beth starts off the night by commenting that she wants to go on record saying the band should dress in some of the Tin Shop’s vast costume wardrobe. Daniel immediately quips back that he would like that stricken from the record. The crowd gets a great laugh from that.
The music begins with the classic “Nellie Kane,” sung by Daniel. He leans into the lyrics with that distinctive bluegrass sound. Next up is relative newcomer Hank Nelson, singing a pair from Hank Williams: “Move It On Over” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” Hank has an amazing stage presence, and his voice has a timbre that belies his young age. The band breaks right into “Red Haired Boy,” a fast-paced instrumental.
Beth Helm has a sweetness to her playing and singing that echoes the past. She favors the fans with “Catfish John” in a sublime rendering. Hank takes center stage and informs the audience that this next song scares his bandmates, as he is in control of the speed. The tune sizzles along, and the band follows up with “Sunnyside of the Mountain.” Hank gives us all another treat with his interpretation of “Honky Tonk Blues,” a great rendition.
Beth comes back to soothe us all with the soulful “Feel the Blues Moving In.” Daniel takes a turn with “High on a Mountain.” Finally, we get to hear from the band’s mandolinist Mike as he sings the traditional tune “I Know You Rider.” The band closes out the set with “The Breakup Song,” which they teasingly dedicate to Beth.
After a short break, they are back with even more in store. They kick off with “I Wish I Was,” followed by a spirited version of “The Girl I Left Behind.” Beth comes front and center to sing us the lovely “Crooked Tree” before Daniel breaks into two powerhouse classics, “Old Home Place” and “The Long Black Veil,” both haunting.
Hank steps up to give us another measure of his Hank Williams favorites with “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” followed by Stephen setting the place on fire with “Tear My Stillhouse Down.” Beth and Daniel team up on “Wildflowers,” the two harmonizing wonderfully. The pair split another two tender renderings, with Daniel handling “Paradise” and Beth voicing “Old Man at the Mill.”
Hank Nelson comes back to lead us in the favorite “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” simply wonderful. The night closes out with “Riding That Midnight Train.” The evening has been intimate and friendly. Everyone knows everyone and enjoys coming together to help the community. What better way to spend an evening than with good music and your neighbors?
