Fans of the lively, Tallahassee-based Americana band the Boom Chick Ramblers have a pizza oven to thank for the group’s formation.
“We were all neighbors, and we were making pizza together, and we decided to bring our instruments!” recalls upright bassist Melanie Simmons when asked about the ensemble’s origins. The band comprises six musicians; in addition to Simmons, there is Ed Prasse on vocals and guitar, Tiffany Hewitt-Brown on vocals and guitar, Molly McKinstry on vocals, percussion, and special effects, Jason Baker on fiddle, and Larry Cerro on harmonica.
On June 25, the Boom Chick Ramblers will be taking to the outdoor stage of Lewis Park, to perform as part of the Levitt AMP Tallahassee: Music Under The Oaks free concert series.
Six strong musicians
Ed Prasse, a founding member of the band, says there is something special about the group’s unique musical chemistry: “The six of us, you know, we’re a superpower all together. You take out one element, and it’s just not the same.”
It is clear from speaking with the Boom Chick Ramblers that each member brings their own unique strength to the group. Tiffany Hewitt-Brown and Molly McKinstry, whom the band refers to as “the rock and roll sisters,” are the fsister-in-law duo who offer a depth of skill, knowledge, and years of experience playing various styles of music together. Two Tallahassee staples, they have played together in projects like Finn & The Kingsnakes and Ben Banks & the Back-Ups, among others.
Prasse has been teaching guitar at Leon High School for 32 years and frequently offers his expertise at other institutions such as Florida State University. In many ways, he serves as a leader and guiding light in the group. In fact, fiddle player Jason Baker, a former student of Prasse’s, has gone on to find success as a traveling musician with bands such as We Three Strings and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Music Education. Baker’s bandmates describe him as a “fantastic violinist” with “quite a resume.”
Harmonica player Larry “The Dealbreaker” Cerro gets his nickname from his longtime work as a vigilant and trusted home inspector. His harmonica-playing adds a crucial zest to the band’s sound, and his soloing capabilities are top-notch.
Finally, Melanie Simmons, who has been playing the upright bass for about eight years, still describes herself as a relatively new musician. Though she insists she still has much to learn, listeners will attest that Simmons’ sharp sense of rhythm and natural musicianship serve as the band’s heartbeat.
Sound and influences
Aside from pizza, the members of the Boom Chick Ramblers also bond over a shared love of blues, jazz, and American music of the 1920s and 30s. Time spent at the beloved local Tallahassee dive, The Blue Tavern, sparked a passion for their particular genre of rock and roll.
“We took a turn in this direction gratefully due to Tom Ewart; he’s a local musician who played in the band Tommy Hoople’s Delta Ringnecks,” explains Prasse.
“They played at the Blue Tavern every Friday at 4 o’clock for years,” adds Simmons. “We took that turn into playing those tunes, and we really haven’t looked back.”
Other influences cited by the Boom Chick Ramblers include Pokey La Farge, Chris Stapleton, The Hackensaw Boys, and old-time barn dance group Bumper Jacksons.
Prasse and Simmons, who themselves have experience as street performers, also note the inspiration they gain from seeing street buskers during their travels: “We go to New Orleans a lot,” says Prasse, “and we sometimes come back singing their songs.”
The origin of the band name “Boom Chick Ramblers” is rooted in the “boom, chick,” which refers to the specific rhythmic style of certain folk and bluegrass songs. In these songs, the root note or “boom” will be played on beats one and three, while the “chick” refers to the pulse of instrumentation on the upbeat: beats two and four. This rhythmic style is particularly bouncy and infectious, energizing crowds to get up on their feet to dance.
“I find that sometimes we play parties where there are teenagers up to 80 year olds…” says Prasse, “and all of them seem to be enjoying our music. We’re not age specific, you know? We appeal to everybody.”
Roots and growth
The Boom Chick Ramblers have been exceptionally active in the two years since they formed. They have played at venues all over Tallahassee, including Cafe De Martin, the American Legion Hall, LeMoyne Art Gallery, The Getaway Grille, The Moon, The Sound Bar, The Blue Tavern, Oyster City Brewing, and more.
When asked about the band’s future gigs, Simmons says “We might try to do more regional festivals. We did the Quincy Porch Fest, and that was a lot of fun.”
Simmons and Prasse attribute the consistency of their gigs to the tenacity of their bandmate Tiffany Hewitt-Brown. “Tiffany’s really good at getting those gigs” says Simmons, “I think Tiffany’s the hardest working woman in show business.”
A theme emerges when speaking with the Boom Chick Ramblers. Not only do they speak highly of the venues they play at, and the bands they play with, such as Clever Girl and local favorites the Funky Taters, but they also speak incredibly highly of each other. “It’s very awesome to play with good musicians. We’re super grateful to be playing with these people,” says Prasse.
To this day, the Boom Chick Ramblers conclude every practice with a big meal, family dinner-style. Their admiration for each other and their passion for the music they play is palpable when you see them live. Audiences can’t help but have a good time.
“‘You guys are just so fun,’ that’s the number one comment we get,” says Melanie Simmons. She also mentions that the band’s upcoming live performances have some surprises in store. “There’s one song we would never tell you because it’s our secret weapon. And nobody sees this song coming, but it’s fantastic.”
Join in on the good vibes and find out what “secret song” the Boom Chick Ramblers love to play by seeing them live.
If you go
What: Levitt AMP Tallahassee: Music Under The Oaks feat. The Boom Chick Ramblers. Presented by COCA, the Downtown Improvement Authority (DIA), and the Levitt Family Foundation
When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, June 25
Where: Lewis Park, 316 E Park Ave.
Cost: Free
Details: tallahasseearts.org/levittamp; facebook.com; boomchickramblers.com
Dorie Spangler is the Arts Education Coordinator & Public Art Assistant for the Council on Culture & Arts (COCA). COCA is the capital area’s umbrella agency for arts and culture (tallahasseearts.org).
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: From neighbors to entertainers, musicians share upbeat tunes
Reporting by Dorie Spangler, Council on Culture & Arts / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dorie Spangler, Council on Culture & Arts | USA TODAY Network
