No doubt about it! The Flat River Band was very well received at Author's Corner RHYTHM & BOOKS event on Saturday, July 28th. They were a great hit with everyone. We loved the music and the brothers as well. No wonder everyone went on up to Norm's River Road House on Wednesday evening to enjoy their music and be a part of their video shoot.
For those of us who are old enough to remember the Beatles debut on the Ed Sullivan Show, watching the Flat River Band is to quote Yogi Berra, "Déjà vu all over again."
The band consists of lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter Chad Sitze; his brothers, mandolin, harmonica and electric guitarist, lead and harmony vocalist Dennijo Sitze; and electric guitar and upright bass, lead and harmony vocalist Andy Sitze. "Adopted brother" Chuck Ryan keeps time for the group on drums.
The August first taping at Norm's River Road House gave music lovers a chance to get up close and personal to terrific talent in a venue the Flat River Band will soon outgrow; as they rise to the top of the Billboard Charts and the hearts of their fans. The Sitze brothers literally grew up on stage, members of a musical family. Despite their youthful appearance, they have decades of experience and it is apparent in their professionalism both on and off stage. One audience member was overheard declaring that they are as nice on the inside as they are on the outside. Definitely eye candy for the ladies, their stage presence is delightful to all, personality plus.
They play a wide range of music, from rock to country, and are at their very best when playing those songs penned by Chad. An obvious favorite of the crowd was Muddy River. Unlike Billy Jo MacAllister's contribution, it leaves no question as to what was dropped into the water. The song can be heard on their website www.flatriverband.com, but is best seen and not just heard, because they sing it tongue in cheek. Highlights of the twelve-song set included a mandolin solo by Dennijo that would awe any picker because of the musicality, precision and rapidity of his playing. Time Flies By, written after the birth of Chad's first child, undoubtedly touched the heart of every parent and grandparent. Way Down South was a Flat and Scruggs number with a 2007 twist. Crazy demonstrates that the brothers are also philosophers and Welcome Home is a tribute to their grandfather.
Kisses Sweeter than Sugar Cane has recently been recorded with John Scott Sherrill who joins them on Saturday, August eleventh at Norm's River Road House beginning at 9:00 p.m. The sound system is superb, the volume is not deafening, and the vocals were not drowned out by the instrumentation.
Literally minutes from Bellevue, the upcoming performance at Norm's River Road House on Saturday, August 11th, will give the locals a chance to say, "I knew them when…" It has been a long time since this area has had a listening room and now we have a wholesome, smoke-free place for young and old to experience good music. Those who join the Flat River Band on Saturday evening are in for a real treat!

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