Smiley Mountain Band

July 14, 6:34 PMFresno Acoustic Music ExaminerNancy Zuniga

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When I recently reported on the presence of central valley musicians at the California Bluegrass Association's Fathers Day Festival, I inadvertantly left out the Smiley Mountain Band. I apologize for this ommission, as the Smiley Mountain Band certainly deserves its due for their musical contribution to bluegrass in our valley and beyond.

Based out of North Fork, CA, the Smiley Mountain band, comprised of Jeff Gurule on banjo, Dave Cicoletti on mandolin, Ed Heiss on guitar, Gary Smalz on upright bass, and Samantha Olsen on fiddle, has been entertaining bluegrass fans since 2001. In addition to the CBA festival in Grass Valley, they recently played at the 5th annual Bluegrass on the Comstock festival in Virginia City, Nevada, and are scheduled to appear on the bill at the 15th annual "Good Old Fashioned" bluegrass festival in Hollister (2nd weekend in August), the Brown Barn Festival in San Martin on the weekend of September 11-13, and locally at the CBA-sponsored Hobbs Grove Bluegrass Festival in Sanger the last weekend of September. More information about this talented band can be obtained by visiting their web site: http://www.smileymountain.com/index.htm

In addition to their versatile musicianship and original material, the Smiley Mountain Band boasts "Pup the Dog", who occasionally joins band members onstage for a unique and entertaining experience. (Pup can be seen with band members on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y5Z_abbMeM)  For an enjoyable musical experience, you are encouraged to check out the Smiley Mountain Band!