John Rickard has lived his life in the shadow of Short Hill Mountain and Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. In his colorful life, he's been a stone mason, auctioneer, storyteller and songwriter. John brings all of these experiences together with a deep appreciation for the mountain folk whose lives he chronicles with a simplicity of lyric and vivid detail. Both in concert and on his debut recording, The Simple Life, John has delighted audiences young and old with his dry wit, simple stories and his vintage "west Texas campfire" style harmonica accompaniment. John along with Falling Mountain labelmate Andrew McKnight and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Arey record and perform together as Dang Varmints!. Folks in the mid-Atlantic region get the added privilege of seeing one of the area's best and most unique auctioneers at work; visit www.RickardsAuctions.com

"the authentic, genuine article... chronicling the simplicity of mountain life with love, understanding and humorous charm"
- Shenandoah Coffeehouse Series

Singer and songwriter John Rickard has spent a half century living in the shadow of Short Hill Mountain in northwestern Virginia. His songs reflect both the charms and the hardships of Appalachian living, and the progress that inevitably and inexorably comes to the mountains. From the reverential recounting of an old man's life in the title track and the heartfelt preference for the simple pleasures of rural life ("I'd Rather Be Fishin'") to the side-splitting misadventures on a squirrel hunting trip gone awry ("When The Squirrels Came to Dine"), John's warm baritone and engaging humor fill his stories with life and love. Each song is well framed with just the right touch of mandolin, banjo or fiddle. John's blues and rock musical roots provide a solid anchor to a delightful production.