Mary Bomar & Bob Ritter
Email Address: info@bomarandritter.com or bomaritter@yahoo.com
Website: www.bomarandritter.com
For our full schedule to date, please click the SHOW DATES tab above...
(Clicking on the website links will take you away from our site - Simply click the "back" arrow to return.)
Saturday, May 3
Huber's Orchard & Winery 1-5pm
19816 Huber Road
Borden, Indiana 47106
www.huberwinery.com
Friday, May 16
Ertel Cellars Winery 5:30-8:30pm
3794 East County Road 1100 North
Batesville, Indiana 47006
www.ertelcellarswinery.com
Friday, May 30
Olde Schoolhouse Winery 6:30-9pm
152 Ohio Highway 726
Eaton, Ohio 45320
www.oshwinery.com
Saturday, May 31
Buckeye Jake's Eatery 6-9pm
13 East Dayton Street (US 35)
West Alexandria, Ohio 45381
www.buckeyejakes.com
We were guests recently on the Music Of America Podcast with Tom Pollard.
CLICK HERE to tune in.
Thanks for visiting our website. We invite you to click around to get to know our story and listen to our music. We would love to have you attend one of our upcoming live performances. To see if there is a performance scheduled near you just click on the "SHOW DATES" tab above. -
Thanks! Mary & Bob
Mary Bomar (Charlottesville, Virginia) and Bob Ritter (Indianapolis, Indiana) met in Nashville, Tennessee and for nearly 35 years have been performing their brand of contemporary folk /folk rock music. They are proficient performers, drawing on diverse influences such as Joni Mitchell, Dan Fogelberg, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Seger, Ray Charles, Neil Young, The Beatles and the Eagles (to name a few!), and are known for their tight harmony, intricate guitar arrangements and lighthearted stage manner. As one fan reviewed... “Stories are woven of smooth emotion and easy recall... Their music flows like a summer stream...”.
Veterans of the stage, they have performed at: the nationally known Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tennessee; Kentucky Homefront Radio Show, Kentucky Music Weekend and The Crescent Hill Art and Music Festival, WHAS 11 Television’s Great Day Live in Louisville, Kentucky; the (former) Ohio River Valley Folk Festival in Madison, Indiana; the Metamora Old Time Music Festival in Metamora, Indiana; The Hedgehog Music Showcase in Arcadia, Indiana; the historic Pixy Theatre in Edinburgh, Indiana, and a wide variety of other venues throughout the South, East and Midwest.
Their debut CD release, The First Step, is an acoustic based group of thought-provoking songs, which has had broad appeal to audiences of all ages. Their long awaited second CD, Take The Road, was released in June 2013 and carries a little more of a folk-rock edge. Their third release, entitled Kaleyedoscope, is a diverse, 23 song, dual CD collection, released in the Summer of 2020.
They have opened shows for or have shared billing/performed with country music star Billy Dean, Grammy Award winning songwriter Don Henry, former Statler Brother and Country Music Hall of Famer, Jimmy Fortune, acclaimed folk artist Kate Campbell, bluegrass legends Eddie and Martha Adcock, Grand Ole Opry performer Jim Smoak, Grammy Award winning gospel group, The Blackwoods, Louisville’s legendary Monarchs, The Louisville Crashers, and Nashville's alt-folk artists SHEL.
They are honored to have been named an Endorsed Band of The Fogelberg Foundation of Peoria, taking part in many events celebrating the life and musical legacy of the late singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg. Go to www.fogelberg.rocks for more info.
Mary and Bob now live rural southeast Indiana on land once owned by Bob’s great-great grandfather. From this inspiring location they continue to write and record their own material, and travel throughout the country to perform in an expanding number of venues to an ever-growing group of faithful fans.
Saturday, January 18
Talon Winery 4-7pm
400 Gordon Lane
Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065
www.talonwine.comFriday, February 15
The Seymour Brewing Company 6:30-9:30pm
753 West 2nd Street
Seymour, Indiana 47274
www.thebrooklynpizzacompany.comSaturday, February 22
Albemarle Cider Works 2:30-4:30pm
2545 Rural Ridge Lane
North Garden, Virginia 22959
www.albemarleciderworks.comFriday, April 4
The Seymour Brewing Company 6:30-9:30pm
753 West 2nd Street
Seymour, Indiana 47274
www.thebrooklynpizzacompany.comSaturday, April 19
Talon Winery 4-7pm
400 Gordon Lane
Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065
www.talonwine.com
Friday, April 25
The Seymour Brewing Company 6:30-9:30pm
753 West 2nd Street
Seymour, Indiana 47274
www.thebrooklynpizzacompany.com
Saturday, April 26
The Seymour Brewing Company 6:30-9:30pm
753 West 2nd Street
Seymour, Indiana 47274
www.thebrooklynpizzacompany.com
Saturday, May 3
Huber's Orchard & Winery 1-5pm
19816 Huber Road
Borden, Indiana 47106
www.huberwinery.com
Friday, May 16
Ertel Cellars Winery 5:30-8:30pm
3794 East County Road 1100 North
Batesville, Indiana 47006
www.ertelcellarswinery.com
Friday, May 30
Olde Schoolhouse Winery 6:30-9pm
152 Ohio Highway 726
Eaton, Ohio 45320
www.oshwinery.com
Saturday, May 31
Buckeye Jake's Eatery 6-9pm
13 East Dayton Street (US 35)
West Alexandria, Ohio 45381
www.buckeyejakes.com
Saturday, June 7
Keswick Episcopal Church 11am-2pm
Keswick Farm Tour Event
5607 Gordonsville Road
Keswick, Virginia 22947
Friday, June 13
Red Geranium Patio Jams 5-8pm CDT
@ The New Harmony Inn
520 North Street
New Harmony, Indiana 47631
www.newharmonyinn.com
Saturday, June 14
Monkey Hollow Winery 4-7pm CDT
11534 East County Road 1740 North
St. Meinrad, Indiana 47577
www.monkeyhollowwinery.com
Friday, June 20
Talon Winery 6-9pm
400 Gordon Lane
Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065
www.talonwine.com
Saturday, June 21
Huber's Orchard & Winery 2-6pm
19816 Huber Road
Borden, Indiana 47106
www.huberwinery.com
Sunday, June 22
Spencer Farm Winery 1-4pm
7015 East 161st Street
Noblesville, Indiana 46062
www.spencerfarmwinery.com
Saturday, June 28
DuCard Vineyards 2-5pm
40 Gibson Hollow Lane
Etlan, Virginia 22719
www.ducardvineyards.com
Sunday, July 6
Winzerwald Winery 12-3pm CDT
26300 North Indian Lake Road
Bristow, Indiana 47515
www.winzerwaldwinery.com
Friday, July 11
Buckeye Jake's Eatery 6-9pm
13 East Dayton Street (US 35)
West Alexandria, Ohio 45381
www.buckeyejakes.com
Saturday, July 12
The Cedar Coffee 6-8pm
550 S Washington Street
New Paris, Ohio 45347
www.thecedarcoffee.com
Saturday, July 19
At The Barn Winery 7-9pm
4152 North Dearborn Road
Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025
www.atthebarnwinery.com
Friday, August 8
Red Geranium Patio Jams 5-8pm CDT
@ The New Harmony Inn
520 North Street
New Harmony, Indiana 47631
www.newharmonyinn.com
Saturday, August 16
Dan Fogelberg Tribute Concert 7-9pm
The Historic Edinburgh Pixy Theatre
111 South Walnut Street
Edinburgh, Indiana 46124
Tickets TBA
www.theedinburghpixy.com
Saturday, August 23
Blue Heron Winery 2-4pm CDT
5330 Blue Heron Lane
Cannelton, Indiana 47520
www.blueheronvines.com
Friday, August 29
Talon Winery 6-9pm
400 Gordon Lane
Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065
www.talonwine.com
Saturday, August 30
Spencer Farm Winery 1-4pm
7015 East 161st Street
Noblesville, Indiana 46062
www.spencerfarmwinery.com
Sunday, August 31
Stream Cliff Farm & Winery 2-5pm
8225 South County Road 90 West
Commiskey, Indiana 47227
www.streamcliffarm.com
Sunday, September 7
Winzerwald Winery 12-3pm CDT
26300 North Indian Lake Road
Bristow, Indiana 47515
www.winzerwaldwinery.com
Friday, September 12
Red Geranium Patio Jams 5-8pm CDT
@ The New Harmony Inn
520 North Street
New Harmony, Indiana 47631
www.newharmonyinn.com
Saturday, September 13
Monkey Hollow Winery 4-7pm CDT
11534 East County Road 1740 North
St. Meinrad, Indiana 47577
www.monkeyhollowwinery.com
Saturday, September 20
The Historic Edinburgh Pixy Theatre 7-9pm
111 South Walnut Street
Edinburgh, Indiana 46124
Tickets $10 At The Door
www.theedinburghpixy.com
Saturday, September 27
53rd Winery 1-4pm
13372 Shannon Hill Rd
Louisa, VA 23093
www.53rdwinery.com
Friday, October 3
Huber's Orchard & Winery 2-6pm
19816 Huber Road
Borden, Indiana 47106
www.huberwinery.com
Sunday, October 5
Hunter's Ridge Winery 3-5pm
9945 East Garrison Hollow Road
Salem, Indiana 47167
www.huntersridgewinery.com
Saturday October 11
The Apple Works 2:30-5pm
8157 South 250 West
Trafalgar, Indiana 46181
www.appleworksorchard.com
Sunday, October 12
The Apple Works 2:30-5pm
8157 South 250 West
Trafalgar, Indiana 46181
www.appleworksorchard.com
Sunday, October 19
The Apple Works 2:30-5pm
8157 South 250 West
Trafalgar, Indiana 46181
www.appleworksorchard.com
Saturday, October 25
Spencer Farm Winery 6:30-9:30pm
7015 East 161st Street
Noblesville, Indiana 46062
www.spencerfarmwinery.com
Saturday, November 8
Olde Schoolhouse Winery 6:30-9pm
152 Ohio Highway 726
Eaton, Ohio 45320
www.oshwinery.com
Saturday, November 15
Talon Winery 4-7pm
400 Gordon Lane
Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065
www.talonwine.com
Bob was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. His mom, Lydia, was a musician/music teacher and his dad, Bill, was a basketball coach, so music and sports have been a huge influence on his life since the beginning.
His mom tells of hearing Bob sing harmony to commercials and TV show theme songs at a very early age. Bob played football and ran track/cross country in school, but his primary sport was basketball and his passion for the game led him to play on winning teams through high school and college, including the 1978-79 Indiana State University team which made it to the NCAA Championship game, pitting legends Larry Bird and Michigan State’s Magic Johnson against each other for the title.
While Bob participated in sports, he also had a real passion for listening to music and singing along. At age 12 he got his first acoustic guitar, purchased by his mom with Top Value trading stamps.
After some lessons and a lot of practice, Bob explored and was influenced by different styles of music from the blues, rock and acoustic pop artists of the late 60’s and early 70’s. The gift of an electric guitar was like icing on the cake. “At that point, I was really into trying to play blues music from artists like Johnny and Edgar Winter and Jimi Hendrix, at first on that little acoustic. I received an electric for Christmas at one point, a Gibson Melody Maker, which made trying to play blues and rock songs easier. Later on, listening to artists like James Taylor, John Denver, Jim Croce and Loggins & Messina brought me back to the acoustic guitar."
"I was also trying to develop a singing style and those artists seemed to fit my vocal range and temperament.” During this time very few outside of Bob’s immediate family had any knowledge of “Bob the musician”. It wasn't until he sang Dan Fogelberg’s “Longer” at his younger sister Julie’s wedding that his musical talent became known. “My only public performance prior to that was singing James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” at a college dorm party which made me pretty nervous. At the wedding I was scared to death!” Scared as he was, singing at that wedding was a real confidence booster. His basketball days were over, and music became the main focus of his life.
Bob soon joined “Casino”, the band of former guitar teacher, great friend and mentor, Craig Blattner. “I thought if I could ever play as good as Craig, I would have really achieved something.” Being in the band was a great training ground for Bob. “We played all sorts of gigs and all styles of music, ranging from pop to disco to rock, and even a few cheesy ballads.”
While continuing to play in the band (and only playing electric guitar), Bob met singer/acoustic guitarist Bill Rumely while taking classes at IUPUI in Indianapolis. They teamed up for a handful of gigs, performing “unplugged” Led Zepplin, Bob Seger, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Fogelberg, Neil Young and the like. “It was a fun crazy time, playing for tips, with a set list of about 50 songs and 5-hour gigs."
It was at this time Bob was really developing his own writing, and Dan Fogelberg influenced and inspired him like no other. "Through him I found my musical direction. I still can’t believe he’s gone.” At the suggestion of a friend Bob later joined Brice Bowman and Peg Kunkel (Wright) to form “Acoustic Avenue”, performing tight 3-part harmony covers by artists such as Fogelberg, Joni Mitchell, Simon & Garfunkel and others. Bob’s own Fogelberg/ Young/ Taylor influenced compositions began to make their way into the set lists, with great audience response.
For years, Bob had been contemplating a move to Nashville, Tennessee, and in 1988 the time was right. After securing a job and settling in, he made his way to the singer/songwriter clubs for a taste of what Nashville was really all about. “It was intimidating and inspiring all at the same time. Hearing so many great musicians, singers and songs ultimately made me a better songwriter and musician.” (see Bomar & Ritter Bio)
Mary was born in Altavista, Virginia and, with her family, moved to Cismont, east of Charlottesville, when she was eight months old. Her dad, “Blue” ran a Gulf station and her mom, Joan, pumped gas and kept the books. When Mary was in the first grade, her Aunt Emmy came to visit and brought an autoharp. “I remember being totally drawn to and fascinated by that instrument. My aunt let me try it out and I was completely consumed. I got an Oscar-Schmidt for Christmas that year.”
Family gatherings, school programs and playing while singing with her sisters, Jeanne and Janet, are where Mary’s love for musical performance began. There were even dreams of being on Ted Mac’s Amateur Hour. “I loved watching programs like The Ed Sullivan Show and imagining myself on stage.”
In the eighth grade, Mary tried out for band and became a snare drummer, playing drums and percussion all through high school. It was also the year she teamed up with two classmates to compete in the school talent show. Ed Berry played left-handed, upside down guitar while Nancy Sheffield and Mary sang. Ed showed Mary some chords on the guitar, and you can guess what she got for Christmas that year! “It was so easy to sit for hours and teach myself chords and then songs."
"The years of playing autoharp, my love for all kinds of music, especially classical piano, singing and putting on shows with my sisters; my mom and her dad both playing piano, and my dad’s dad playing fiddle, all contributed to my musical ear, even if the technique wasn't quite fine-tuned. Sometimes I wish that I had played a band instrument where I had to learn the musical notes, but I would never trade what playing drums did for my rhythm.”
It was a friend who encouraged Mary’s first public performance at a Charlottesville restaurant, which invited musicians to “sing for your supper”. That’s exactly what she did, which led to more “play for food” gigs and eventually a successful audition with the popular local band, “Backstreet Mission”. Mary spent a couple years with the band, performing cover tunes by artists like The Eagles, Pure Prairie League, Gordon Lightfoot, Linda Ronstadt and others, with four- and five-part harmonies. “It was an amazing time and I learned how important rehearsal is for really tight, in tune harmonies. My sisters and I had the sibling harmony, but this was four or five completely different voices working together.”
Mary discovered Joni Mitchell when a neighbor loaned her the “Blue” album. That inspired her to begin writing her own songs. “I made the decision to leave the band and go solo because I wanted to perform originals. Eventually I joined up with Keith Winkler as a duo, then bass player Dave Pomeroy arrived on the scene, and our trio became known as “Watchtower”.” When Pomeroy moved to Europe, Mary did some more solo work, a short stint with “The Morgan White Band” and guitarist Aric Van Brocklin, and then moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
That move began a journey through the workings of the music business and the ups and downs of trying to make it in that world. A car wreck while visiting home in Virginia kept Mary away from Nashville for seven years. During that time, she healed, wrote and performed songs but decided to give music a rest for a while. Various work opportunities led her to live in New Jersey, Italy, California, Virginia, and eventually back to Nashville.
The return to Nashville was only a half-hearted return to the music business, but joining a church with an excellent music program, working as a personal rep for a classical pianist, having two songs recorded (“Living Water” and “Rockin’ Roly Poly”), getting involved with The Country Music Foundation’s “Words & Music” program, and meeting then marrying musician/singer/songwriter Bob Ritter opened a new musical world for Mary.
(see “Bomar & Ritter” Bio)
WEBSITE DESIGNER: MARK YORK
