If you're unfamiliar with the story of The Armadillo Ranch, we'll give you the beginning: It started 47 years ago in Watertown, Connecticut. It was a big, old farmhouse, a 1700's New England Stage Stop atop a hill in rural CT. Andy Wells lived here on a seven acre farm, complete with a barn and hayfield. Young Andy was an intern doctor at a local hospital, raising his son, young Jason Wells. Andy's single buddies moved in to help pay the mortgage & it became a haven for cheap thrills and good times- culminating each year on the 4th of July for a party of epic proportions. Live music flooded the ranch, performed by none other than Eight to the Bar, local musicians with a flare for the boogie-woogie.

In the end, it was Jerry Jeff Walker's Viva Terilingua newly released vinyl on repeat when London Homesick Blues became the theme song - and the Armadillo Ranch was born. (If you don't know the song, we suggest you listen).

So, 47 years later, celebrate with us as we welcome the original Eight to the Bar back to the Nnew Armadillo ranch in Manitou Springs, CO as we wish the Original Gangster of all the Dillos, Andy Wells, a Happy 80th Birthday!

Learn about the original Armadillo Ranch in Watertown, CT House Band: Eight to the Bar:

Cynthia Lyon - Band Leader, Vocals, Keyboard

Inspired by the legacy of her mother (who sang with her two sisters in a vocal trio during WWII), Cynthia started Eight to the Bar in 1975 and had her three sisters join her in the band’s early days. She is ETTB's band leader, keyboard player and primary songwriter and arranger and has also played with Amyl and the Icons and the Dirty Blondes of New York City.

Collin TIlton - Tenor and Alto Saxophones, Flute

Best known for his sax and flute playing on Van Morrison's quadruple-platinum-selling Moondance album, Collin went on to play in Etta James’ band which included being on the Rolling Stones' 1978 U.S. Tour (“Some Girls”). Before joining ETTB in the late eighties, he served as horn arranger/section leader with Clarence Clemons and the Red Bank Rockers. His eclectic resume also includes being a member of the Caldwell-Winfield Blues Band, a member of legendary bluesman James Cotton’s band, Johnny Tillotson, Robbie Dupree (“Hot Rod Hearts”), and making a jazz record with Carla Bley. Most recently, his flute solo on Van Morrison's epic song "Mondance" was selected to be in a book called "25 Great Flute Solos", released on Hal Leonard Publishing, along with other heavyweights such as Jethro Tull.

Brinna Jones - Vocals, Percussion

Brinna started singing professionally in 2002, working with a Boston-based show band followed by backing vocal gigs with many different tribute artists. In 2005, she opened for Bob Newhart, backed by a 10-piece orchestra. The following year she joined the Northeast-renowned group Souled Out, singing background vocals, and opening for The Drifters, The Pointer Sisters and The Temptations. Brinna has written some songs for ETTB, notably the cool, Latin-flavored "September Blue" from the band's 11th CD "The Romper Room".

Kevin Johnson - Guitar, Vocals

Kevin holds a Masters of Music Degree from Portland State University where he studied with world-renowned guitarist and composer Brian Johanson. He fronted the lively duo Celtic Corner in Portland, Oregon and appeared aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. He also plays bass, fife, flute, and saxophone.

Eric Kuhn- Bass Guitar, Vocals

Eric Kuhn – Bass guitar, vocals. Eric has been a bassist, vocalist, and composer in Connecticut since the late 1970s. In 1988 he formed The Bus, beloved Middletown, (CT) rock trio, with Michael Cleary and Paul Bozzi. Eric is known for a voice that can range from do-wop bass to swing soprano in the vocal trio.

Justin Blackburn - Drums, Vocals

A versatile drummer and soulful singer, Justin holds a degree in Music from Eastern Connecticut State University. He has performed with many local and national acts including Dave Costa and Peter Tork as well as his pursuing his own projects. Justin currently resides in the quiet corner of CT where he can be found teaching drums and jamming with the local musicians.