Legends Bar and Grill in Hamilton, Ohio was destroyed by a fire last August. It should re-open in another month. The Marathon Music Showcase/ Fundraiser for Legends Bar and Grill will be held on Sept. 15 at Froggy’s in Monroe, Ohio. The benefit will help will help Legends Bar and Grill restock so they can re-open. 9Eight Central will be one of nearly 30 musical acts to perform. Both Mike Pettigrew and Nicholas Winters answered the following questions.
When did you start singing?
Mike: Mid summer 2016.
Nick: I took it on as a hobby around 16 yrs. old.
How would you describe your music?
Mike: Traditional country, 90s country.
Nick: I like to compare it to 90’s country style.
Who are your musical influences?
Mike: Hard to say exactly who influenced what I do today. I’ve had professional musicians as influences in the past but, these days, my local musicians are who influence me.
Nick: Joe Diffie and Brooks and Dunn.
What is your favorite concert you have attended? What made it memorable?
Mike: I’ve been to dozens of concerts, all of them have particular reasons they stand out from others. As for my favorite national touring act? I’m gonna have to say Randy Houser at J.D. Legends in Franklin, Ohio summer of 2015. First true country concert I ever attended. As for local live music, Pistol Holler when they performed at the Lebanon Country music festival in 2014. That show is the reason I play music today. Had I not met Rayne Johnson, Josh Cupp, Jason Benge, Jeff Benge and Randy Gaines, I wouldn’t be playing today.
Nick: Hank Williams Jr and Lynard Skynyrd. It’s music I grew up on and to hear it live was amazing.
What is your favorite place to perform? What do you like about it?
Mike: I don’t have a favorite venue, too many friends are local tavern owners and to put one above the other isn’t my style.
Nick: The Barrel in Springboro is hands down the best place I play because you just feel like a big family when you step into the place.
Other than artists, who has been influential in your decision to become a singer?
Mike: My wife, Tina. She has supported my decision to return to playing after a 23 year absence from music.
Nick: My parents were a huge part of my decision to become a country music singer.
What was the first song you wrote?
Mike: Hasn’t been written yet, fall/ winter of 2019 9Eight Central will begin transforming into an original music group and release our first EP early 2020.
Nick: Gravel Lane.
What is your favorite original song?
Mike: What was the inspiration behind it? To be determined in 2020 lol…
Nick: Gravel lane basically takes me back to my high school days partying off in the woods.
Anything else you would like to add?
Mike: I just want to thank the many people that have made this music community the best around. I also want to thank those who encouraged me along the way since revisiting music again after so many years removed.
Nick: I want to thank all the bar venue owners that have made it possible for me to perform for them and their clientele.
Where can people hear your music?
Mike: Facebook and Instagram as of right now, mostly covers but, originals will be available soon on all platforms. We will eventually have physical cd’s for purchase, but I believe download cards for all platforms will probably be the route we eventually take.
Nick: Find us on Facebook as 9 Eight Central and you can also find us at your local honky tonks every weekend.
1. When did you start singing? I took it on as a hobby around 16yrs old
2. How would you describe your music? I like to compare it to 90’s country style
3 Who are your musical influences? Joe diffie and brooks and Dunn
4. What is your favorite concert you have attended? Hank Williams jr and Lynard skynard
5. What made it memorable? It’s music I grew up on and to hear it live was amazing
6. What is your favorite place to perform? What do you like about it? The barrel in Springboro is hands down the best place I play because you just feel like a big family when you step into the place
7. Other than artists, who has been influential in your decision to become a singer? My parents were a huge part of my decision to become a country music singer
8. What was the first song you wrote? Gravel lane
9. What is your favorite original song? What was the inspiration behind it? Gravel lane basically takes me back to my high school days partying off in the woods.
10. Anything else you would like to add? I want to thank all the bar venue owners that have made it possible for me to perform for them and their clientele
11. Where can people hear your music? Find us on Facebook as 9 Eight Central and you can also find us at your local honkey tonks every weekend
