Well, it has been another hot summer, the kind that only water, iced tea or lemonade can cure. In the bluegrass world, the picking has been really hot as well. Speaking of that, the group Mountain Heart comes to my mind.

If you have ever witnessed a Mountain Heart live performance, you are aware of their phenomenal stage presence and exceptional ability to entertain. Each performance is saturated with energy, intensity, and drive. Of their six members, none is more charismatic than Barry Abernathy. The charismatic banjo player's spirited performance encompasses the audience as rapidly as the kudzu that grows in his native state of Georgia.

"I like to have fun on stage," Barry says. "When we're having fun up there, I think the crowd can tell and therefore, they have a bigger time and get into the show more."
Band mate Steve Gulley, describes Barry as the band's field general. His stage sense is a major asset for the group.

"Barry fits in perfectly with the persona of the band," Steve says. "He is always aware of what's going on in our shows. If we are doing something that isn't getting much response from the audience, Barry will be the first to recognize that. He is much like a really good quarterback. When Barry notices that something needs to be changed, he will call an audible. He's a sparkplug and he gets the most out of everybody in the band."

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