"Strength In Numbers" Album Signing Party

By Mark A. Sickles

The acoustic ensemble known as Strength In Numbers gave Louisville area fans an extra pre-show treat as they attended an album signing party on Thursday, August 10.

The event was hosted by Hawley-Cooke Booksellers in the Shelbyville Road Plaza, and ran prior to the group's performance at the 1989 Lonesome Pine Specials.

The group consists of Sam Bush and Bela Fleck, both noted premier virtousos and members of New Grass Revival; Multi-instrumentalist Mark O'Conner; dobro wizard Jerry Douglas; and bassist Edgar Meyer. All these members have track records of successful individual efforts as well as multi-session works on countless bluegrass, country, jazz and rock recordings.

The gathering was a great opportunity for Louisville-area fans to meet the members in a personal and relaxed environment for some conversation and autographs.

The artists were extremely friendly and accommodating to the crowd of approximately 100 people who showed up with records, CDs, cassettes, photographs, event promotion posters and T-shirts for signatures, as well as stories and words of thanks to the artists for the many year of dedication and hours of enjoyable listening.

The store also furnished copies for sale, in various formats, of the Strength In Numbers album, entitled The Telluride Sessions. In addition one could pick up a copy of many of the artists' collective and individual efforts.

It was encouraging to see that some artists still make the time for special appearances such as this, allowing the fans that personal one-on-one encounter.

From my observation, everyone had a splendid time. A special thanks is extended to Hawley-Cooke Booksellers for hosting the outing, and especially to the artists for giving us Louisville area fans their time with a personal touch.