Guest guitarist will help tell stories of country life at Pig Pickin' Hoedown April 28

Special guest steel guitarist Tony Lecates will add depth to the music when Ty Sherwood and the Tydewater Band perform at the Hub Club Rotary’s Pig Pickin’ Hoedown from 6:30 to 10 p.m., Saturday, April 28, in Harrington. Well known in this area, he plays with the Gospel band Precious Memories. Sherwood said, “Tony’s crying steel guitar will help me tell the stories of life in the country lyrics that I love. “

In addition to Sherwood and Lecates, the band will be composed of three regular members.

Drummer Sandy Teate hails from Millington, Md., but now lives in Delaware and has 40 years' experience with several Delmarva bands, including the Ray Millman Band. Sherwood said, “He has played in about every fire hall in Kent and Sussex counties when fire hall dances were a common event every weekend.”

Bass player and singer for the Tydewater Band is David Pruitt of Crisfield, Md. Pruitt has performed for 30 years with bands across Delmarva, including the Venturas. Sherwood says that Pruitt is versatile and plays all styles, but has been converted to a country music fan.

Backbone of the band, according to Sherwood, is lead guitarist Gary Rawls, who has played in Nashville, Tenn., and all over the East Coast. Sherwood says he gets frequent comments about Rawls’ playing and is often asked, “Where did you get that guy?”

Band founder, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Sherwood grew up in a musical family in Felton.  He grew up loving the songs of country music greats and once had the privilege of sharing the stage with Lee Greenwood at a USO concert in Naples, Italy. Now he and his band share their music on Delmarva.

The music will be a major part of the evening that will be centered around good eating. Pork and turkey, right from the smoker, will highlight a menu complemented by a variety of side dishes, homemade desserts and beverages including wine and beer. Silent and live auctions and redneck games will round out the fun. Dress is country casual.

The Pig Pickin’ Hoedown is hosted by the Harrington-Greenwood-Felton Rotary Club, which uses event proceeds to benefit a variety of community service projects. It will be at the Harrington Parks & Recreation Center (the former Armory) on Liberty Street.

Tickets, at $20, are available now from any Rotary member, at Chick’s or by calling 302-228-9768.