New face, same Trick Pony
Staff reporter
The band looks different and it sounds a little more edgy but Trick Pony fans will not be disappointed Saturday when the band takes the stage during Chingawassa Days in Central Park.
The band's lead singer, Heidi Newfield, left the band in late 2006 to seek a solo career. Band members Ira Dean, bass player, and guitarist Keith Burns held open auditions in January to find a new lead singer.
In a telephone interview with the band's day-to-day manager, Bart Nunnally of Graham Artists in Nashville, saidthe woman they chose was Aubrey Collins.
"Aubrey was the last person to come in for the audition," Nunnally said. "She walked in the room, they harmonized, and Ira and Keith knew instantly that she was the one."
Collins was a 19-year-old solo artist and was familiar with the group's music.
"Aubrey brings a more edgier sound to the band," Nunnelly said.
Fans won't be disappointed with the change. Popular Trick Pony songs still will be played in Central Park.
The band now resides in Nashville but some of their roots are in the Midwest. Collins originally is from Denver and Dean from Minneapolis. Burns is the only southerner in the group from Jonesboro, Ga.
The band is known for such hits as "Pour Me," "It's a Heartache," "Can't Say That on the Radio," and "On a Mission."
The group recently recorded a new record which has been submitted to their record company, Curb Asylum. Nunnally said a new single should be out by mid-summer.
With a full tour schedule this summer, the band performed Friday in Texas and will take the stage June 9 at the CMA Music Festival in Tennessee.
"We target 120 dates per year," Nunnally said. This year the band will do about 100 shows since there has been a change of singers.
Described by Nunnally as an up-tempo, rockin', honky tonkin' band, fans will be delighted.
"This will be a high-energy show. "We'll sell you the whole seat but you'll be on the edge of it the whole time," Nunnally said.
Concert and all-access buttons are available for $30 at the gate or from local businesses.
The Callahan Band will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, followed by the chain saw art auction.
At 9 p.m. Trick Pony will take the main stage. A fireworks show will follow.
