I have stated that I think the band Confederate Railroad was treated poorly by the Ulster County Executive. I think all the people of Ulster County were treated poorly by the Ulster County Executive. I believe the coercion of the Ulster County Agricultural Society was illegal and a violation of The United States Constitution. I went to The Chance Theater Friday night to see and hear the Confederate Railroad. I needed to know firsthand what this band was doing that required the Ulster County Executive to bully the Ag Society and censor music artists from performing in Ulster County.

We got to The Chance a little before 7 p.m. Little seemed to have changed since the last time I was in the theater. The venue, which dates to 1912, is as raw and authentic as it gets. There is nothing plush or fancy about The Chance. The surroundings are basic; plastic back chairs in the balcony and no chairs downstairs. The beer is cold, and the service is good. It brought back some very good memories.

Three bands played prior to the Confederate Railroad; Whiskey Crossing, 90 Proof (our own Saugerties group featuring Raymond Minew) and Farmer Phil Band. Each band had great sound and great energy. Finally, the featured act, The Confederate Railroad came on after the stage techs set up their instruments. Frontman, Danny Shirley, opened the evening saying only that the band was happy to be back in New York State and he thanked everyone for their support. That was it, no drama. The music began and continued nonstop. I did not hear one song that could possibly offend anyone; “Jesus and Mamma always loved me”? Naw! Each artist excelled in their position; Shirley blasted as lead, Mark Dufrensne on drums set the strong sound, Mo Thaxton on bass and vocals complimented Shirley, Rusty Hendrix added unique sound to the strings. Rusty Recker on keyboards was outstanding. Each artist was a show in themselves. Each song was great country and enormous energy. The band’s roots to “David Allen Coe and Johnny Paycheck” filter through their sound. Almost like a nice blended whiskey, the different styles of ballad, southern rock and country consciousness came together to produce a thoroughly enjoyable music evening.

There was no politics. There was nothing in the music to offend. The band was professional and did not speak or tell stories or otherwise editorialize. There was a wide cross section of people in the audience. The audience did nothing that would offend anyone. The Confederate Railroad was a talented and appropriate group of music artists.

I can see no reason why any government official acting in a position of Executive authority should ever sanction these professionals and their staff. As a resident of Ulster County, I am ashamed of the way these people were treated. I can not imagine anyone in Ulster County wanting the current executive government to continue to stay in office for four more years. We must protect our freedoms. God Bless America