At the age of twelve, Levi Dennis first played music with Rick Bentley at a bluegrass festival in Wagoner, OK. Who would have guessed that just a few years later Rick would be married to Levi’s Mom? Well, that’s exactly what happened, and they have been busy playing music ever since. Made up of Rick and Terry Bentley and their son Levi Dennis, they now call themselves Ruby’s Begonia. The name is from memories of Terry’s mother and her flower garden.
Terry plays the bass and splits duties singing the lead. Rick carries the other half of the singing and plays the guitar, as well as playing the banjo on several selections. Levi plays the fiddle and helps out on guitar when Rick moves over to the banjo.
Some Walnut Valley Festival veterans may recall Rick from his victory in the 1980 National Banjo Championship or his appearances with the Sons of the Boutineers. Rick is also very well known on the campground scene for his all night jams that always draw a huge crowd.
Levi has played fiddle all over the country. He won the National Young Adult Fiddle Championship in 1995, and has been a judge at the National Oldtime Fiddle Contest. Levi is a Senior at Oklahoma State University majoring in Music Business.
Terry has played around the Tulsa area at several restaurants and clubs as half of the duo known as Sisters of the Sun. Sisters of the Sun has also made appearances on Stage Five, and Stage Four as the "Best of the Campground Pickers" hosted by Kenny Glasgow.
Ruby’s Begonia is very excited about being at this year’s Walnut Valley Festival and performing some of their favorite songs. Chances are you will recognize a lot of the selections; songs that have been Motown hits, or classic country from the "Hag." Whether its a Sinatra classic or a new instrumental written by Rick, you will enjoy Ruby’s Begonia!
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