Grobe returns to Jamboree stage

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MOUNT MORRIS – The Mount Morris Jamboree is again pleased and proud to announce the return to our band shell stage of local legend Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers on June 14, at 7 p.m.

This band, who's appeared during all seven Friday Concert seasons, always has the crowds line-dancing on the grass to toe-tapping while sitting in lawn chairs and on the new benches.

Lyle Grobe has been performing for many years starting in the early 1950's with two brothers, Harry and Richard Hackbarth. They appeared at many shows in the Lee County area for years. They began moving into the Ogle County area in the late 50s at venues such as Castle Rock Bar on Route 2 in Oregon. Lyle then went a different direction later on where he was a radio announcer for WIXN which is now River Country 101.7. He then began an era in his life of being a night club owner when he owned and managed Skyline Lounge in Dixon. During this time some of the current Rhythm Ramblers joined him. Many years have come and gone and Lyle still, with the love of music, keeps the band going by having weekly band rehearsals in his garage both summer and winter. Many a musician has stopped and "picked" a tune or two.

The drummer in the band has been with Lyle since the Skyline days also. Dennis Milby comes from Sterling. Lisa Allen-Grobe comes from Sterling and has been with the band for a few years. She brings to the stage the songs of Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and other Women of Country Music. Newest member of the band is Lisa's husband, Paul Grobe playing bass guitar.

Jim Miller returns to the band after playing with them back in the '70s, bringing prodigious talent to the Ramblers with excellent keyboard, harmonica, banjo and singing skills. Bob Fredricks joins the Ramblers again, bringing that sweet sound of the pedal steel guitar to the band. Diane Palmer usually joins the crew for these shows and sings beautiful lead and harmony vocals.

The Leaf River United Methodist Church will be on hand to serve their delicious Italian Beef sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, dessert and drinks.

Several local small business vendors will often join us on the Campus, including Jen's Artisan Breads and Pecatonica River Honey. The Student Art Show continues at the Encore Old Sandstone Art Gallery next door, featuring artwork from students in the Oregon/Mt. Morris School district, open from 6-9 pm. The whole evening kicks off with the Mount Morris Community Farmer's Market, located at the corner of Rt. 64 and Wesley Ave. from 4-7 p.m. every Friday through October. Come join the fun on our beautiful, historic Campus in the center of Mount Morris, two blocks south of Rt. 64 on Wesley Ave and be ready to enjoy the sweet serenity of live music in the great outdoors.

In the event of inclement weather, our rain location will be at the Mount Morris Moose Lodge at 101 Moose Dr.