Cricket Ridge

Cricket Ridge is an Augusta Based band that was originally known as Bush Whiskey and was started by Scott Laporte, Mike Jolly, and David Sims back in 2011. Scott Laporte, singing lead and playing rhythm guitar, brought with him a sound similiar to James Taylor and John Denver. Mike Jolly, playing Banjo and singing tenor brought a sound down from the North Carolina Mountains. David Sims playing bass and singing bass, yes I know but that's how it ended up, brought a solid tempo for the band to follow. They started out playing a variety of music and slowly began changing into a fledgling Bluegrass band.

 

Soon after it's inception they added 2 more members to the group, Bud Stanfield, singing lead and harmony and playing lead guitar, brought a unique raspy voice that gave them a different sound. They also added Cameron Sims, David's son, playing mandolin and fiddle. He brought a much needed youth to the group. These 2 new additions helped to make the Bush Whiskey sound so distinct from other groups. They were formed and began practicing for the future.

 

In January of 2012 they met and added a new member to the group. Levi Bullock who came in singing lead, harmony, and tenor vocals. Playing the fiddle he gave them a full deck of cards. They now had a diverse group of instruments and voices which they hoped would lead them to local popularity. 

 

The band played at small parties and charity venues for a few months until the band decided the name Bush Whiskey was cool but they would never be allowed to play in churches, which they enjoyed to do. So the name changed to the now permanent Cricket Ridge.

 

By April of 2012 Cricket Ridge had the chance to play at Sconyer's BBQ  restaurant for Master's week. Thus began their weekly shows at Sconyer's BBQ whuch gave them a chance to try out new songs and fine tune their performance. While playing these shows they had the opportunities of several local Opry Houses, private parties, festival, and even a wedding reception. 

 

Towards the end of 2012 marked the departure of one band member. Bud Stanfield left Cricket Ridge to form his own band. His leaving left a hole in the band that made others step up and made it work without him there. With Bud gone the band was able to recruit Will Gay to help out until the band was able to cope on thier own.

 

On into 2013 and Cricket Ridge is still playing at Sconyer's BBQ, taking on private parties, and learning new songs. They have many plans in the future and are looking forward to this great journey called Music.