Charlotte fans are saddened about the end of a local band’s residency

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A laid-back Charlotte gathering place sounds like a great spot for a burger, fries, and friends like “Ramblin’” Bill and Jema McDonald.

“Knowing that I’m going to see my friends on a Tuesday night,” Jema said.

Tuesday is Bluegrass Night at the Comet Grill.

For more than 20 years, the Dilworth establishment’s constant has been Red Rocking Chair.

But the local band’s generational run is coming to an end. The last performance of their residency is Tuesday, Oct. 7.

“When the door opens, you know who’s coming in,” band member Dale Meyer says of the clientele that’s become a circle of friends.

“It’s just a great time to be together,” said music lover Betsy Windham.

“There’s so much talent in one corner of the building. It’s just incredible,” said regular Brian Gaddis.

The group features accomplished veteran musicians who are happy to share their expertise on a weeknight.

“I like to say it’s bluegrass and more,” said bassist Tom Kuhn.

“These people are family,” said guitarist Jack Lawrence.

“The friends I’ve made here, they’re lifelong friends,” Meyer said.

“I call it home away from home,” said Patrick Crouch, who rounds out the familiar four.

They stress they’re not retiring, just slowing down a bit.

Red Rocking Chair started what became a weekly ritual in May of 2005.

“I knew it was really something special,” Bill McDonald said.

He and his now-wife, Jema, went to the first show.

“It just had a really cool vibe, and it was bringing people in on a weeknight,” Bill told Queen City News.

“And the house was packed!” Jema added.

The McDonald’s plan to be there for the last Tuesday show.

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t sad, and I’ll miss it, but all things come to an end,” Kuhn said.

Lawrence played with the legendary Doc Watson for 27 years, but jamming with Red Rocking Chair is different, he said.

“[Playing with Red Rocking Chair] was my bowling night,” said Lawrence. “It was my night to go out with the boys and have some fun.”

There’s been just one band change in two decades. In 2015, Crouch took over for co-founder Michael Reno Harrell.

“It means the world to a musician to have a standing gig and to also have world-class musicians to play with,” Crouch said. “You get a chance to stretch, you get a chance to try new things.”

“These are my dear old friends,” said Crouch.

“They’ve turned into a 70s band, of course,” Ramblin’ Bill said, setting up a punchline. “Which means everybody’s over 70.”

“Haha, guilty!” his wife said, pointing at herself.

“It’s just been a great piece of Charlotte magical history,” Bill said.

But don’t get it twisted, superfan Gaddis says these fellas can still play.

“I’ve made a joke that all of them can play dental floss and make it sound good,” he said.

“Not a finer bunch of people, they really enjoy music,” Meyer said of the band’s following.

“They do this for the love of music,” Ramblin’ Bill said. “There’s a real pedigree of great musicianship.”

The regulars are sad about the end of an era, and that sure beats the alternative.

“It’s a lot better than, ‘Oh thank goodness these guys are going to be gone!’” said Kuhn.

“It’s been a great run and I thank everybody who has supported us through the years,” said Lawrence.