Aspen Ridge was initially formed by two of its members. Mike Brown (banjo) and Fred Thull (guitar) were doing “living room” jams for years. One Sunday afternoon in late 2005 they decided it was time to play the music they loved to the public. After placing an inquiry in the local newspaper, Karl Tobler joined the two as the band’s mandolin player. Silvia Thull, Fred’s wife, then committed herself to their effort and joined the group by playing bass and providing harmony vocals.
The Aspen Ridge Bluegrass band was born. After several months of rehearsal, they started performing on weekends at various Border’s Bookstores throughout the Las Vegas area.
Word of their music got around and they were asked to perform at “First Night” on New Year’s Eve in Boulder City, NV. With this performance, their popularity began and they have been back to Boulder City on several occasions to perform at various events including Fourth of July picnics in the park, Spring Fling car show, and at the Old Fashioned Barn Dance.
Through the summer and early fall they have performed at various festivals throughout the Las Vegas area and Southern Utah, including Las Vegas Tule Springs Stake Pioneer Celebrations, Corn Festivals in Enterprise, UT, and Swiss Days in Santa Clara, UT. The band has also played for corporate-sponsored employee picnics. They have played at regular monthly gigs at HB’s Restaurant/Lounge in Las Vegas.
While their music consists primarily of bluegrass and folk, they also play a variety of other music, including some original material of their own. After several requests, they recorded a CD to capture their music. The band members are not professional musicians, but they just love playing and performing and watching the toe tapping.
Sponsored by the City of St. George and funded in part by a grant from the Utah Arts Council, Concert in the Park 2008 Series is free to the public. Park seating is available, bring blankets, lawn chairs, food and the family. For more information call 634-5942.
