Music fest draws light crowd, but quality local talent shines

Morgan Brown on the guitar, left, and his son Ryan Brown on the mandolin demonstrated their pickin' chops during the final act of the Mine Creek Battlefield Music Fest on Saturday, May 11. (Photos by Roger Sims)

PLEASANTON – Maybe it was the summer-like temperatures and the hot sun, or maybe the mid-afternoon start, but a music fest designed to raise funds at Mine Creek battlefield site drew a smaller crowd than organizers had hoped. About 40 people attended the Mine Creek Battlefield Music Fest on Saturday, May 11, at the battlefield state park south of Pleasanton.

Those that braved the beating sun heard three local bands comprised of seasoned rock, country and folk performers. The attendees' enthusiasm for the music has organizers looking at repeating the fundraiser but perhaps at a different venue.

The Prairie Sunflower Strings out of Fort Scott was the opening act, followed by Backside of the Moon, a four-piece band from the Mound City area. The performances ended with former Lonesome Cowboys lead man Morgan Brown and his son Ryan Brown, who were joined by Mark Johnston.

Shielded from the sun's rays by umbrellas and wide-brimmed hats, those who attended enjoyed a variety of songs, which included classic rock, favorite country and folk.

Larry Snow, lead guitar for Backside of the Moon, provided licks on classic rock tunes and his wife Judy Snow was lead vocalist on many of the group's songs.

Mark Johnston's songs ranged from John Prine favorites to the Byrds.

Mitch Clark, bass guitar player for Backside of the Moon, gives the classic rock songs their driving beat.

Backside of the Moon rhythm guitar player Don Brubaker provided lead vocals on classic rock and country hits.