Celebrating Vernon McIntyre, a Local Bluegrass Legend
By: Elizabeth Franz and Kitty McIntyre

             Throw a stone into a pond, and immediately you see the effects: waves begin to spread outward from the center.  Talk with Vernon McIntyre, and immediately you sense that he, like the stone in the pond, is the center of radiating waves of influence in the world of Bluegrass music.  His passion for Bluegrass is palpable.  It truly is what he knows, what he likes, and what he does.  You see it at his store; you hear it when he talks; you experience it when he’s performing; and you can witness all of this for yourself on Saturday, August 2^nd at Vernon Fest.

Take Kitty McIntyre, for example, Vernon’s wife and fiddle player for Appalachian Grass.  While she grew up playing classical violin, her brother’s interest in 5 string banjo pulled her towards the Bluegrass style.  Once she was introduced to Vernon and Bluegrass music, he started helping her learn the fiddle and gave her opportunities to play.  Thus, the course for her musical destiny was set.

All the Appalachian Grass band members have played or still play a wide array of instruments in a variety of settings including classical, jazz, band, and orchestral.  However, once exposed to the Bluegrass sound, their musical futures, like Kitty, were set.  Make no mistake about it: the talent exhibited in this group is undeniable.

At age 15, Robert Campbell, banjo player for Appalachian Grass, started his career with lessons at Famous Old Time Music Company, Vernon’s Bluegrass specialty shop.  He played with a number of bands before joining Appalachian Grass full time in 1994.  His banjo picking is the backbone of the band’s sound.  Robert also sings harmony for Appalachian Grass and periodically delivers a solo song.

Appalachian Grass bass player Tammy Powers also met Vernon at Famous Old Time Music Company.  She played bass in store jam sessions and took some fiddle lessons.  In 2003 when Appalachian Grass was in need of a bass player, Vernon asked her to join the band and she has been there ever since.  Her bass playing drives the band’s timing.  Tammy also contributes lead vocals on several songs.

Mandolin player, Susan Shook discovered Bluegrass music later in life.  When her daughter started banjo lessons with Vernon, Susan decided to share the learning experience and chose mandolin.  Vernon asked her to join Appalachian Grass full time in 2017.  Susan’s mandolin picking adds a unique texture to the band’s sound.  She also sings harmony and contributes lead vocals for several tunes.

            Clearly, Vernon’s waves of influence are significant, and they are not restricted solely to his band members.  For instance, Polly Giblin of P’s in a Pod, credits Vernon with helping her learn to play the banjo and with helping her gain confidence to fulfill her lifelong desire to perform on stage.   Now playing mandolin in her own band, Polly says simply, “Vernon is the reason I’m doing what I’m doing today, and I’m very grateful.”

Mike Ryan, leader of the Great Miami Bluegrass Band, heard Vernon playing the banjo for the Stoney Mountain Boys back in 1966.  The experience inspired Mike to start playing guitar himself and to form his own band.  His professional career took him away from Cincinnati for years, but, upon returning to Cincinnati in 2018, Vernon encouraged him to start playing again.   Mike says, “Vernon continues to encourage and mentor me.”

Dan Conley, banjo player for Great Miami Bluegrass band, has taken lessons from Vernon for over 15 years.  He, too, explains that the reason he is able to reach a higher level of playing is because of Vernon.

The Hop River Band, another in the Vernon Fest lineup, also say Vernon has shaped their playing careers.  According to banjoist Ben Capetillo, “From his instruction, performance, and mentorship, Vernon has had a strong influence not only on me, but on the entire band.”  He describes Vernon’s overall influence this way: “Playing bluegrass in southwest Ohio, it is hard not to meet Vernon!”

Whether playing on stage, connecting with world-famous Bluegrass musicians, giving individual lessons, or providing hometown service at his store, Vernon is always ready to sing a song, share a story, teach lessons, and help with instruments.  It was once said, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops” (Henry Adams, 19^th century American historian).  That’s Vernon McIntyre.

So, tell your family and friends, grab a lawn chair, and come on out to Vernon Fest on Saturday, August 2^nd, located at the Famous Old Time Music Company in Millville as we honor a man whose passion for Bluegrass has spread to so many!  Music starts at Noon and will go until 10:30pm, with a dinner break at 5:00.  It is an outdoor event, and food will be available for purchase on site at The Millville Restaurant.  Please call the music store at 419-568-1220, or visit the www.fotmc.com for ticket information and more details.