Nova Town, Rick's first recording of original songs, was released in 1997, and expanded into a full-length theater piece which premiered at the Victoria Theatre, in Dayton, Ohio, in the year 2000.
Five actors, five dancers and five musicians told the story of a city's hasbeens and wanna-be's making do with the help of a blind private eye and a visit from an extra-terrestrial. This critically acclaimed production featured a script written by Rick, with choreography and direction by Sharon Leahy.
A founding member of The Hotmud Family (see: The Complete Vetco Recordings), Rick traveled the country playing old-time country and Bluegrass music from 1971 to 1983. In the early eighties, with The Fabulous Rugcutters, Rick ventured into early jazz and acoustic swing, all the while adding to his list of original songs rooted in these traditional American styles. From 1987 to 2010, Rick co-directed with his wife, Sharon Leahy, the dance and music company Rhythm in Shoes (see: intentional Music).
Rick and Sharon (see: TrueBlue) continue to collaborate in bands like ShoeFly, The Yeah Buddies and The Famblers, as well as various projects with friends and colleagues. While writing songs and working on new recordings, Rick also plays with the Red Clay Ramblers of North Carolina.
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