Artist history: I. 'Ancient History' Peach Melba began as a trio in the fall of 1996. In that first year the band played mostly in small bars and restaurants in Columbus, Ohio. The South Heidelberg, Estrada's Mexican Bar and Restaurant, Not Al's Rocker and Old Fields housed most of Melba's first year gigs. Also within this first year two line up changes had been made. The original guitar player was replaced with current guitarist, eighteen-year-old Morgan Washam. Morgan brought a variety of new songs to the band and a freshness that was just what the doctor ordered. Shortly after Melba settled in with its new musician, vocalist Kelly Pope joined in to sing backup and lead vocals. By the end of the year the band had gone from a struggling trio to a strong quartet. As the second year came into light, the band began playing a bit further south. Still playing gigs in Columbus, the band began playing quite a bit in Southeastern, Ohio as well. Melba began playing gigs at such night clubs as The Cellar Lounge in Chillicothe and The Dugout, Swindlefish, O'Hooley's and Casa Nueva in Athens. Also in the second year, drummer Amy Bailey separated from the band and was replaced by current drummer, Brian Carney. Having known and played with Morgan in High School, Brian's entrance into the band was a smooth one. Two weeks after Brian's entrance, guitarist Brad Huffman was also added to the group, bringing new ideas and fullness to the music. Brad became a link between Peach Melba and percussionist, Jim Embrescia. II. Recent Undertakings of Peach Melba Now a sextet, Peach Melba began making a name for themselves in Athens. Playing steadily in Athens, Columbus and Chillicothe throughout the rest of the year, the band began focus more on recording. In the summer of 1998 the band recorded its first album, From the Frozen Rosebud Emporium, which was mixed and mastered by Robert Fugate at the Recording Workshop in Massieville, Ohio. Shortly after the Completion of the record, Kelly Pope separated from the band and has since been replaced by singer/songwriter Lea Birbilas. With the CD still in the making, Morgan began to plan a festival to support and promote local music in Athens. The festival, 'The Peach Tree Gathering,' was held May 7, 8, and 9, 1999 and proved to be a huge success for the band. With a total of fourteen bands including Chief's Tale, The John Mullins Band, Sultans of Bing, Rays Music Exchange, Heavy Weather, Guest and many

Guest and many more, the Gathering drew a large crowd. It showcased a variety of the music that has become embraced by Southeast Ohio. From bluegrass to jazz to 'jam bands,' the festival brought many different types of music and people together and is sure to become an annual spring engagement for Peach Melba. Since the Peach Tree Gathering, Peach Melba has released the first album and has begun playing a broader area. Along with their 'regular gigs' the band has recently played many other shows including: The Frey Fest', The Summer Solstice, and Millennium Meltdown, with Tommy Chong at Nelson Ledges, in Parkman, Ohio, The Enchanted Forest Festival in Port Clinton, Ohio, The Agora Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio, and Ekoostik Hookah's Fall-Fest in Murry City, Ohio, and co-headlined Halloween in Athens, Ohio.