Czech Republic "Druha Trava" Band
Appears at Winnsboro's Crossroads
Coffee House, Saturday Night

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Described as a band "high on individuality and with a unique sound," the Druha Trava Band, that found its origins in the Czech Republic was the guest performers at the Crossroads Coffee House, on Saturday night in Winnsboro. The band brought their unique sound to Northeast Texas and found critical acclaim in the venue as a full-house was there to enjoy the blend of American Bluegrass and Folk tunes. "Druha Trava" means "second grass" in the Czech language and the title fit the musical repertoire of the group.

Lead singer and songwriter, Robert Krestan along with banjo player, Lubos Malina, formed the group in 1991 and they have played all over the world. They are on an American tour that spans the North American continent, with shows in Idaho, Washington state, and Vancouver, British Columbia. "We're fortunate to have them in the small town of Winnsboro," expressed one of the many patrons at Crossroads, on Saturday night. "How many times do you have the opportunity in rural Northeast Texas, to hear such musical variety?"

 

 

The distinct sound of Malina's banjo blended with the dobro of Lubos Novtny and bass of Petr Sury and guitar of Emil Formaneck, to complete a variety of cherished sounds, that reflected a mix of "traditional Bluegrass with reflective chords of European Folk Tunes."

 

Robert Krestan, left, lead singer of Druha Trava, and bass player, Petr Sury delighted the crowd on
Saturday night, at Crossroads Coffee House, in Winnsboro.

 

The large crowd was "begging for more" as the talented group wound-down their program on Saturday night.

The Crossroads Coffee House, located three doors north of The Bakery, in Winnsboro, at 216 North Main Street, has a full schedule of music booked for the autumn season. Jimmy Lafave will be performing on September 22nd and the feature on September 29th is Michael Reno Harrell. October brings Ann Armstrong and Steve Hughes, on October 6th, Michael Smith on October 13th, and Kunio Kishida on October 20th. Adler and Hearne will be the featured performers on October 27th.

 

Czech Banjo.......The unique sound of banjoist, Lubos Malina, was a highlight of Druha Trava's presentation
at Crossroads Coffee House, Saturday night, in Winnsboro.

 

Ray Wylie Hubbard, with his blend of Country, Southern Rock, and Blues will be the guest performer at Crossroads, on November 24th, and the December 1st booking is for Sara Hickman, a Folk Rock and Pop singer that promises to "captivate her audiences with equal parts of great music, social justice rally, stand-up comedy, and worship!"

 

 

You can get complete details on all of the bookings and a description of the ticket information and artists, at www.crossroadsmusiccompany.com  or by calling (903)342-1854.

I went down and enjoyed dinner at The Winery, where the talapia and pasta, served with a creamy tomato sauce, was outstanding. Restaurants in Winnsboro remain open late, on the nights of the concerts and are a great place to relax and enjoy a different venue of entertainment in neighboring historic Winnsboro. Make plans to attend one of the upcoming concerts, when something isn't booked in Sulphur Springs.

 

 

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