Miss Melanie and the Valley Rats

Miss Melanie and the Valley Rats have appeared with B.B. King, Jay Leno, Johnny Winter, James Cotton, The Nighthawks, J.J. Grey, Billy Price, Robert Randolph and a host of others in the seven years of being together.

Miss Melanie can flat out sing. Her giant voice, with tons of range and soul is the centerpiece of the band. She can whip a dance floor into a frenzy or turn them quiet enough to hear a pin drop when serving up a soul bearing ballad. She has cultivated a loyal fan base with her nearly inimitable voice. Combined with Queen Bee & the Blue Hornet Band alum Mark Ross on guitar and Rev. James Harton on organ and Chris Coyne on drums, they lay down the perfect groove-laden floor to express themselves.

While no stranger to backing a great singer, Ross’ in the pocket, tasty, and soul drenched guitar playing add to the party. Harton’s organ is the perfect bed for Morrison and Ross, but make no mistake about it, when it’s time for Harton to step forward, he roars and moans with the mighty sound of a seasoned veteran. Chris Coyne holds down the drum chair with a less is more and elegant approach that makes this band all come together.

This is a band that truly gets it.

“…a simmering, smoldering set of vintage, sixties R&B that drew several standing ovations mid-set.”
— Elmore Magazine

“Morrison has a voice that is reminiscent of Etta James, sultry, smoky and very highly emotionally charged. This woman could charm the robes off the Pope… no offense intended. The band is equally emotionally charged, coming from the school of feelings rather than technical perfection. Don’t get me wrong, this band can hold their own with the best of them from either standpoint.”
— Bill Wilson – Billtown Blues News

This will be Miss Melanie and the Valley Rats final appearance at Lancaster Roots and Blues. Guitarist Mark Ross is retiring in 2019. After over 30 years playing in Lancaster, we are going to miss him.