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The History of Country Mt. Mix

After 25 years of singing Country-Gospel Music, Bill Venet was taken to a country music festival by his good friend, Wayne Stiles, a country auctioneer, and was plugged into the country scene by Tri-State Country Music Association.  

Bill's striking resemblance and voice similarities to country legend Johnny Cash became an instant hit with the fans.

In 1994, Bill teamed up with Julia Mock and went by the duo of "Bill and Julia", playing a number of shows with help on the bass by Chuck Merganthaler, guitar by Cliff Marsh, and rhythm guitar by Shane Shingledecker.  Shortly after that Renee Lynn and Randy Miller, drums, became regulars of the group.  The four of them now becoming the original Country Mt. Mix.

In 1996, a friendship had developed with Clarence "Moe" Newlin, and joined the group as the bass player.  Around this same time, another girl, Brandi Lynn was added as a back up singer.  In 1997,  veteran rhythm guitar player Bill Miller also joined. Bill and Julia wrote a number of songs that they performed. 

 

Now ready to make their first tape, the group lacked a lead guitarist.  Their prayers were answered when Clarence Reese joined.  

Extracurricular conflicts saw the departure of Renee Lynn and Brandi Lynn.  Then they added April Lynn to the group and Vicky Marie.  Country Mt. Mix was on its way becoming more and more of a crowd pleaser.

In the earlier years Bill had the privilege of having the help of Raymond "Bliss" Somerville accompany Bill with his fiddle.  The band also opened for The Mountain 96.5's Fourth Birthday Celebration.  They also played on the same formats as Connie Smith, Stonewall Jackson, Doc Williams, Norm Zack and the Rail of Bluegrass, and twice played back up to West Virginia star Granny Blosser.

The band has played a number of county fairs in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, open air festivals, benefits, and country music halls, including the Sagebrush Round Up in Fairmont, WV, where they have become a staple playing about three times a year.

 

 

Bill never forgets his roots of gospel music and includes it into every show.  The comedy of Moe Newlin has been breaking up crowds everywhere they go.  He even dressed as a woman once!

In 2001, Billy Miller retired as an active member of the band.  He was presented with an appreciation plaque for all his help and service to the group.  The group then added another fine guitarist, Ken Corson, to the group in 2002.  Ken played until the end of the 2003 season when he decided to go fulltime into bluegrass music with Norm Zack.

Country Mt. Mix has an extremely busy schedule that includes hosting two events of their own.  The Spring Fling, the 1st Sunday in May, and The Holiday Music Show, the 3rd Sunday in November, held at the Westover Fire hall in Westover, PA.  A new CD featuring gospel country will be available in April recorded live from Hilltop Baptist Church in the fall of 2003. 

Bill, Moe, Clarence, and Randy are looking forward to celebrating their 10th anniversary in August at the Westover Firehall.  Check the schedule page for more details, and come join us for music, fun, looking back, and looking ahead.

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