John Hurlbut has been booking shows for more than two decades and has made many contacts with musicians, but that doesn't mean he isn't afraid to drop a name to book a large act.
When you say you are calling from Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch
it's always a good way in he said, speaking of Jorma Kaukonen and his wife Vanessa, who own and run the Fur Peace Ranch in Pomeroy, about 30 minutes south of Athens.
Hurlbut, who has known Kaukonen since the mid-'80s, is in charge of booking shows and organizing the musician camps and workshops at the ranch. After hosting these camps for a few years, Kaukonen and Hurlbut decided to take advantage of the quality musicians who were coming to teach.
We had all of this great music coming through so we wanted to do a concert series as well to utilize some of the people that were coming in
Hurlbut said.
The shows originally were held in the 80-seat workshop building and featured some of the visiting professionals to the camps. As the shows became more popular, the duo decided to expand the venue and built the Fur Peace Station Concert Hall in 2002 with seating for 200 people.
(The hall) was made with acoustics and seating in mind
said Hurlbut, adding it has the feel of an oversized living room. In addition to creating a hall geared to the audience, Hurlbut said Kaukonen's touring experience was used to make the venue appealing to touring musicians.
This fan and artist-friendly mindset is something that shows up in Hurlbut's work as well.
As a promoter
there is nobody better
Vanessa Kaukonen said. He really does shows with the artists and audience in mind
and it's not just about the end gain.
Hurlbut said that one of the best parts of his job is being able to see rare performances on a weekly basis.
I really can't pick a favorite because they are all so unique and special
he said, but the Heroes of Electric Guitar concert last summer is one that sticks out.
It was G.E. Smith
Larry Coryell (jazz guitarist)
Jorma and Bob Margolin (Muddy Waters' lead guitar player)
