On Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m., Rich Panessa and The Fabulous Honky Tonk Heroes will perform at Ancestor Square with John Houston. The concert is a part of the Southern Utah Songwriters Association (SUSWA) Fall Concert Series. The concert is free and open to the public.
Singer-songwriter Panessa moved to St. George from New York City in 2005. His genre is classic country, but he’s written and pitched a variety of songs over the last 30 years nationwide. Since his arrival in southern Utah, Panessa has been active in the community as the former host of “The American Dream” on KTIM radio, a contributor to the Writers’ Group for The Spectrum, a member of The City of St. George Arts Commission, and a leadership role as the SUSWA director until the spring of 2012. During most of these 10 years, Panessa has also been a part of a country band that has morphed several times to become “The Fabulous Honky Tonk Heroes.”
Panessa is the last original member of The Fabulous Honky Tonk Heroes and remains at the helm on acoustic guitar and lead vocals. Billy Hammers on electric bass guitar hails from Missouri via California and after touring with several bands, currently resides in Cedar City. Dutch Workman plays drums, and on lead guitar is Jim Sevy. For this concert, The Fabulous Honky Tonk Heroes will be joined by John Houston on piano.
Opening the show will be Casey Lofthouse of Hurricane who has performed with the Bar G Wranglers, Saddle Strings, The Houston Brothers, Nic Chamberlain, and The Fabulous Honky Tonk Heroes. Casey’s deep affection for country music has inspired him to join SUSWA and rekindle his songwriting talent.
New sod has been recently laid at Ancestor Square. Only foot traffic and blankets will be permitted on the grass. In order to protect the sod, chairs will be allowed on the sidewalk perimeter only.
