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Old Tyme sounds abound

Thunder-filled skies weren't enough to discourage musicians or audience members at Oasis State Park Saturday evening.

Alisa Boswell: Portales News-Tribune

Lance Miller of Triple L Band plays guitar and sings Saturday night during the Old Tyme Music Concert at Oasis State Park. The family band is made up of Len and Amy Miller and their three sons. The band performs at the fundraising concert for free every year.

The Triple L Band, made up of the five members of the Miller family, who live one road away from the park, were the main attraction for the Old Tyme Music Concert.

The band played on, jesting with audience members about the weather.

"It will rain when we're done," Amy Miller told her audience. "This is the rain dance and ya'll are part of that."

Despite the continuous threat of a storm, the concert experienced only a few minor sprinkles halfway through the show.

Audience members such as Floyd resident Cheryl Hinrichs, tapped their feet to the music, seeming to enjoy every moment.

"We catch them (Triple L) every year at the Floyd Jamboree," Hinrichs said, singing along with the words to every song.

Alisa Boswell: Portales News-Tribune

More than 40 residents from Curry and Roosevelt counties showed up at Oasis State Park Saturday, despite overcast skies and thunder. Clovis residents Toby and Louise Phipps said they have attended the concert for the last four years.

Miller said the band does change their song line up each year for the concert, which is in its seventh year.

"My kids grew up coming over here to fish," Miller said. "It's like our second home."

Some fun facts about the concert, Triple L and Oasis:

  • The Triple L Band was recently named number five on the Southern Bluegrass Charts.
  • The Triple L Band has been together for 12 years and has performed at the Old Tyme concert for six of its seven years.
  • Songs played at the concert included "Rocky Top," "You Can't See the Wind," "Are You Ready?" and "It'll be a Happy Day."
  • Oasis park Director Jim Whary said there many new faces mixed in with this year's concert crowd, but many regulars came as well.

Alisa Boswell: Portales News-Tribune

Floyd resident Sherry Fahrenkrug, left, and her granddaughter, Maggie Abernathy, of Hobbs, enjoy bluegrass music at the Oasis State Park Old Tyme Music Concert, which raises money to help buy supplies for the park's fishing derbies. Fahrenkrug said her granddaughter was also front and center with her at the Floyd Jamboree earlier this year.

"What it does is raise awareness of the park," Whary said. "I noticed a lot more of a younger crowd than usual."