Earlier this spring Woody Platt had announced that after 23 years he was going cut back on touring and stay closer to home. In planning for Woody’s departure, the Steep Canyon Rangers would have to change things up in order to prepare for the future. Little did they know tonight, at The Appell Center in York, PA, they would have to travel to the future. Woody was unable to perform due to illness and that left the remaining 5 members to move forward and do the show without their longtime guitarist singer and founding member of the band.

Without missing a beat the guys did a fantastic job of musicianship and harmonies. Graham Sharp brought his banjo skills plus picked up a guitar for a song or two, with Nicky Sanders fiddling his way around the stage the way Nicky does, with lots of energy. Mike Guggino handling some awesome mandolin skills and Barrett Smith pounding on the upright bass plus doing a lot of the excellent vocals. Mike Ashworth was donned to playing guitar, very well I might add, as the familiar drum set was not used at this show.

The Rangers transition to the future is looking good as the show kept me entertained and had my feet moving throughout the evening. Best of luck to the Steep Canyon Rangers as they move ahead without Woody, but I believe from what I saw Thursday they will be just fine. As always, it was a pleasure to see another quality show here in York, PA at The Appell Center and to be welcomed by their accommodating staff.