Folk-music ensemble keeps it fresh with latest re-alignment
Sparks with singer-guitarist Becky Joe Benson will perform with the New Christy Minstrels today at the Gallo Center in Modesto. The Record Newspaper By Tony Sauro Record Staff Writer
October 19, 2010 12:01 AM
There's almost always something new about the New Christy Minstrels.
"Oh, if it was any better, we'd be the Rolling Stones," said Randy Sparks, who formed the all-acoustic folk-music ensemble 49 years ago and happily remains its self-styled "patriarch." "It's incredible. We get standing ovations every night. My group is at the top of its form.
"We've never had better voices. We've never had better people. We're putting new material in all the time, because people need to hear it and know we're still alive and progressive. I write new songs every day."
New Christy Minstrels When: 7:30 p.m. today
Where: Gallo Center, 1001 I St., Modesto.
Admission: $15-$30
Information: (209) 338-2100 The eight-member group - following its latest re-alignment - mixes familiar Christy Minstrels tunes, folk standards and Sparks' polished repartee tonight at the Gallo Center in Modesto.
Sparks, a demanding leader and eternal optimist, also is feeling renewed after undergoing successful treatment for prostate cancer. His condition was diagnosed in 2009.
"I'm doing better than expected," said Sparks, 77, reflecting his usual youthful spirit during a phone conversation from an Oroville Motel 6 (the group's frugal tour trademark). "I'm absolutely healthy. I'm very durable. It's absolutely great that I'm still able to do this at my age."
His lone concession? The Minstrels now employ a touring roadie.