The Amazing Rhythm Aces have announced their band lineup for the 2009 tour beginning today, West Virginia Day, in Weston when they play for the Almost Heaven Birthday Celebration at St. Paul's West Hall at 209 Second St.

Joining Grammy Award-winning singer, rhythm guitarist and songwriter Russell Smith will be his veteran band partner Billy Earheart playing keyboards and piano, along with Calvin Holly on lead guitar, David Hood on bass and drummer Marco Giavanno.

Hood, once a member of Traffic's touring band and an original member of the Mystics, is founder of Muscle Shoals Recording Studio, a legendary recording facility in Muscle Shoals, Ala.

Hood's musical resume also includes work with the Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon and Percy Sledge to name a few. Hood also plays trombone and is a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

Holly is a noted "session man" who also plays with Little Richard and many other groups in both the country and rock and roll genres.

Giavanno is a talented drummer sought out by many established recording artists and is an example of "talent that attracts talent," according to Jill Stewart, president of the Arts Council of Weston, the organization responsible for the performances on Saturday night.

"The Rhythm Aces are a favorite of professional musicians," Stewart said. "Great players love to play with them, which is great for us in Weston."

Appearing in Weston at St. Paul's West Hall at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., Smith and his musical partners of the last three decades will head up an Almost Heaven Birthday Celebration that is part of Weston's Amazing Week events.

Tickets remain for the 9 p.m. show, however, tickets for the 6 p.m. dinner-optional show are almost sold out.

Ticket prices are $30 per person per show, or $150 for a table of six, and can be purchased by calling 304-269-3683 or e-mailing WVJazzSociety@aol.com.

Country music fans, as well as fans of classic rock and roll, are drawn to the music of The Amazing Rhythm Aces and the songwriting of bandleader and singer Smith.

The Aces appearance presented a challenge to event promoters when they tried to describe the music that the audience will hear.

"'American music' is about the best we've come up with," said Stewart, who heads the volunteer group that has been producing "nightclub-style" shows in Weston over the last year. "It's a mixture of genres from blues through rock and country and back. I guess that's what happens when '60s rock guys grow up around Memphis and Nashville."

Some could say the Amazing Rhythm Aces play rock and roll with a country influence, or vice versa.

But whatever the genre, the band is considered a great party band whose performances leave audiences with memories that last for years.

Buckhannon electrician Wayne Tyson is an Aces' fan and has been since the early 1970s when he bought their first album, the one with the hit "Third Rate Romance," and discovered a whole range of musical styles.

Over the last couple of months, since he first heard the Aces were making a rare - at least in this area - appearance, Tyson's been passing out flyers and helping with the production, as a labor of love for a band he thinks does it all.

"I listened to their records for years and then got the chance to see them live in Wheeling at the Capitol Music Hall," he recalled. "The place was filled with country music fans, but the Aces had the place rockin'. They really put on a great show."

Robert Miller, a reviewer on the Amazon.com music Web site, had great praise for The Amazing Rhythm Aces and their diverse musical approach.

"This is truly a great, multi-talented country-rock group. They have a dry humor in their lyrics -?'Emma-Jean' is hilarious and musically catchy. ... This versatile group has shades of Willy Nelson, Marshall Tucker, John Fogarty, Derek and the Dominos and Sam Cooke. They are adept at country, swamp rock, soul, country gospel. Treat yourself to this musical pleasure," Miller said.

This event is presented by the Arts Council of Weston and is sponsored in part by the Lewis County Commission and the Lewis County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

All proceeds benefit the Arts Council of Weston and the city of Weston.

The Almost Heaven Birthday Celebration is part of Weston's Amazing Week begins Saturday and continues through next weekend with the Weston Carp Fishing Tournament on June 26-27 and the Antique Market and Fair in downtown Weston on June 27.

For more information or to order tickets, call 304-269-3683, 304-269-8167, or e-mail WVJazzSociety@aol.com.