Great country music at Billy’s Roadside Café

The Intermountain area was treated to some stellar country music last Saturday night at Billy’s Roadside Café in Montgomery Creek.

Great country music at Billy’s Roadside Cafe

Rising star Jamie Pineda opened the show, soulfully singing a variety of classic and contemporary country tunes.

In 2013, Jamie was a top contender in The X Factor.

She also sang with Merle Haggard’s band until his recent demise in April 2016. She is now currently playing and recording with some of the members of Haggard’s band.

Jamie is originally from Fall River Mills and now lives in the Burney area with her husband Juan Venegas and her their baby daughter. Her manager is Loren Kemper who became Haggard’s sound man in 2002. Kemper also provided the sound for Saturday evening’s event.

Loren Kemper and Doug Colosio

The headliner for the evening was The Lone Strangers featuring Doug Colosio.

The Lone Strangers

Colosio is originally from Redding. He went to Nashville to pursue his dream in country music and began playing with Merle Haggard in 1998. During his career with Haggard he played keyboards and bass.

Colosio co-wrote several songs with Haggard and toward the end of Haggard’s sang the opening songs in several of Haggard’s shows.

As well as being a consummate musician, Colosio has a distinctive voice that combines elements of country and jazz.  He has a smooth style that that moves easily from ballad to boogie. Colosio now lives in Redding.

Robert Cummings, the owner of Billy’s Roadside Café said he wants to have quality bands  on a regular basis. Heavy Dose of Blues have played there several times.

On May 20, he hosted the Hope is Alive 6 open mike. Cummings said he felt really good about that event because he likes to put on events that are positive for the community.

Saturday night’s show was certainly positive and delightful!