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Just For Fun Bluegrass Band To Return To Logandale

Published October 1, 2008


Bass player and Southern Nevada Bluegrass Music Society President, Al Bess, originally formed the Just for Fun Band so that small local events would have an inexpensive avenue to Bluegrass, such as schools, senior centers, etc. Bess has served on the board of directors of Southern Nevada Bluegrass Music Society (SNBMS) for over 16 years as board member, vice president and president.

Al’s bass playing is crucial to the band’s sound. Throughout the world of bluegrass in the southwest he is considered one of the best bass players around. Although the name may elude you, Just For Fun is just that. It is comprised of some of the finest musicians in southern Nevada. The band will return to this year’s Logandale Bluegrass Festival coming up October 10-12.

The band is made up of five members. Three of the members are founding members, Al Bess, Fred Smith (Smitty) and Don Waddlington. The band plays festivals throughout the southwest, as well as local functions, birthdays, weddings and special events. The band also performs for a lot of charity functions.

Fred Smith or “Smitty” is the band’s mandolin player. His style of mandolin is not heard very often any more, and shows his roots from the hills of West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Smitty has been on the board of directors of the SNBMS for over 16 years.

Don Waddlington on the banjo has helped many new and upcoming banjo players develop their own Bluegrass sound. Don is always willing to help anyone who asks him about the banjo or how to play it. Don and his banjo have developed a unique and irreplaceable sound for the band that is envied by all banjo players that hear him perform.

Ron Williams has been with Just for Fun for over four years and is the bands lead vocal singer and rhythm guitar player. Ron is always remembered for his humorist songs and has his own following of groupies. Ron is also a SNBMS board member.

Just for Fun band is just that. They all play the music because they love it, and enjoy playing the music just for fun. They strive to play a wide variety of Bluegrass music and have many songs in their repertoire that is not usually performed by other bands.

The annual Logandale Bluegrass Festival will be held at the Logandale Fairgrounds on October 11-13. For ticket information call (702) 566-9372 or go to www.snbms.com.

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