Mary Bomar and Bob Ritter met in Nashville, Tennessee and for more than 25 years have been performing their brand of contemporary folk /pop music. Drawing on diverse influences such as Joni Mitchell, Dan Fogelberg, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Seger, Ray Charles and the Eagles (to name a few!), they are known for their tight harmony, intricate guitar arrangements and light hearted stage manner.

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 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.

They are also among a group of tribute artists who honor the life and musical legacy of folk/rock musician Dan Fogelberg, in their shows and yearly celebrations in Dan’s hometown of Peoria, Illinois. In addition they hope to raise awareness of prostate cancer, which took Dan far too soon…

Their debut CD release, The First Step, is an acoustic based collection 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 rock edge. They have opened shows for or have shared billing with country music star Billy Dean, 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, and most recently, up and coming (and amazing!) alt-folk artists SHEL.

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 region to perform to an ever-growing group of faithful fans.

 

 

 

We are happy and proud to announce our new CD "Take The Road" has been released! For more information click above on "LISTEN" then "Take The Road" for audio clips, lyrics, and the story behind the creation of "Take The Road".

"A long overdue second recording from this versatile duo. Take The Road takes the listener on a journey of styles from folk to rock, ballads to blues with songs that inspire, provoke thought and weave stories of life and love."

To listen to tracks and make purchases CLICK HERE to be taken to CDBaby.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. Later on, listening to artists like James Taylor, John Denver 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, with a set list of about 50 songs and 5 hour gigs.

It was at this time I was really developing my own writing, and Dan Fogelberg influenced and inspired me 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 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 sets 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 was 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 Pomery arrived on the scene, and the trio became known as “Watchtower”.” When Pomery 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, and 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 And Music” program, and marrying musician/singer/songwriter Bob Ritter opened a new musical world for Mary. (see “Bomar & Ritter” Bio)

 

 

CLICK ANY THUMBNAIL TO BEGIN PHOTO GALLERY...

 

 

 

SHOW DATES...

We hope you are able to make one of our performances very soon. If you would like to book Bomar & Ritter please go to the "BOOK US" page.

2016 Schedule (Scroll down to see dates later in the year…)

Saturday, January 16
Hopwood Cellars Winery 8-10pm
12 Cedar Street
Zionsville, Indiana 46077
www.hopwoodcellars.com

Wednesday, January 20
Indianapolis Artsgarden 12:15-1:15pm
In The Circle Centre Mall
110 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
http://www.indyarts.org/artsgarden.aspx?p=1

Saturday, January 30
Pepper’s Ridge Winery 2-5pm CST
4304 N. County Road 200 West
Rockport, Indiana 47635
www.peppersridge.com

Monday, February 1
National Anthem 7pm
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Indianapolis, Indiana

Saturday, February 13
Monkey Hollow Winery
& Bistro @ The Wollenmann House 6-8pm EDT
1150 Main Street
Ferdinand, Indiana 47532

Friday, March 11
Monkey Hollow Winery
& Bistro @ The Wollenmann House 6-8pm EDT
1150 Main Street
Ferdinand, Indiana 47532

Saturday, March 19
Albemarle Cider Works 2:30-4:30pm
2545 Rural Ridge Lane
North Garden, VA 22959
www.albemarleciderworks.com

Thursday, March 31
Robin Run Village 7pm
5334 W. 62nd Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268

Saturday, April 2
Pepper’s Ridge Winery 2-5pm CST
4304 N. County Road 200 West
Rockport, Indiana 47635
www.peppersridge.com

Friday, April 15
Monkey Hollow Winery
& Bistro @ The Wollenmann House 6-8pm EDT
1150 Main Street
Ferdinand, Indiana 47532

Friday, April 22 POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN
Brooklyn Pizza 6-9pm
753 W. 2nd Street
Seymour, Indiana 47274
www.thebrooklynpizzacompany.com
812.524.8888

Friday, April 29
Private Event
Austin, Indiana

Saturday, April 30
Indiana Fiber & Music Festival 11:30am-1pm
Tri-County Shrine Club
701 Potters Lane
Clarksville, Indiana 47150
www.indianafiberfest.com

Sunday, May 1
Time For Remembrance Service 3pm CDT
Monroe-Carrell Children’s Hospital
At Vanderbilt
Langford Auditorium
Nashville, Tennessee

Saturday, May 7
Monkey Hollow Winery 4-7pm CDT
11534 E. County Road 1740 North
St. Meinrad, Indiana 47577
www.monkeyhollowwinery.com

Sunday, May 15
The Story Inn 1-4pm
6404 S. State Road 135
Story, Indiana 47448
www.storyinn.com
*Weather Permitting*

Friday, May 20
Monkey Hollow Winery
& Bistro @ The Wollenmann House 7-9pm EDT
1150 Main Street
Ferdinand, Indiana 47532

Tuesday, May 31
Vino Villa 6-8pm
200 N Madison Avenue
Greenwood, IN 46142
317.882.9463
www.vinovilla.com

Thursday, June 2
Robin Run Village 7pm
5334 W. 62nd Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268

Friday, June 3
Brooklyn Pizza 6-9pm
753 W. 2nd Street
Seymour, Indiana 47274
812.524.8888
www.brooklynpizzacompany.com
(WEATHER PERMITTING – Call ahead if in doubt)

Saturday, June 4
Talon Winery 4-7pm
400 Gordon Lane
Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065
www.talonwine.com

Wednesday, June 8
Indianapolis City Market 11:30am-1:30pm
Market Street Stage
220 East Market Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
www.indycm.com

Friday, June 10
Monkey Hollow Winery
& Bistro @ The Wollenmann House 6-8pm EDT
1150 Main Street
Ferdinand, Indiana 47532

Sunday, June 12
Private Event

Tuesday, June 14
Bloomington Songwriter’s Showcase 7:30-9:30pm
Bear’s Ale & Eatery
1316 East 3rd Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47401
www.BearsPlace.com

Saturday, June 18
Albemarle Cider Works 2:30-4:30pm
2545 Rural Ridge Lane
North Garden, VA 22959
www.albemarleciderworks.com

Sunday, June 19
Bold Rock Cidery 1- 4:30pm
1020 Rockfish Valley Highway
Nellysford, Virginia 22958
www.BoldRock.com

Thursday, June 23
Vino Villa 6-8pm
200 N Madison Avenue
Greenwood, IN 46142
317.882.9463
www.vinovilla.com

Friday, June 24
Buckeye Jake’s 7-10pm
13 E. Dayton Street (US HWY 35)
West Alexandria, OH
937.839.5253

Saturday, June 25
Hopwood Cellars Winery 8-10pm
12 Cedar Street
Zionsville, Indiana 46077
317.873.4099
www.hopwoodcellars.com

Thursday, June 30
Switzerland County Public Library 11am
Story Time Concert for Children
205 Ferry Street
Vevay, Indiana 47043

Thursday, June 30
Children’s Concert 6:30pm
Beckenholdt Park
2770 N. Franklin Street
Greenfield, Indiana 46160
In Case of Rain, Concert Will Be At –
Hancock County Public Library
900 W. McKenzie Road
Greenfield, Indiana 46140

Friday, July 1
Big Woods Speedway 7-10pm
1002 W. Main Street
Speedway, Indiana 46224
317.757.3250
http://quaffon.com/big-woods-speedway/

Saturday, July 2
Columbus Farmer’s Market 10am-12noon
Brown Street, Between 5th & 8th Streets
Columbus, Indiana 47201
www.columbusfarmersmarket.org

Sunday, July 3
Mystique Winery 1-4pm
13000 County Rd 150 W
Lynnville, IN 47619
812.922.5612
www.mystiquewine.com

Monday, July 4
Crescent Hill Art and Music Festival 3:30-5pm
Main Stage
Peterson Dumesnil House
301 South Peterson Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky

Friday, July 8
Snaps 8-11:30pm
115 Main Street
Jasper, Indiana 47256
www.snapsinjasper.com
812.848.7627

Saturday, July 9
Stream Cliff Farm & Winery 12-3pm
8225 S. County Road 90 West
Commiskey, IN 47227
812.767.8620
www.streamclifffarm.com

Sunday, July 10
The Story Inn 1-4pm
6404 S. State Road 135
Story, Indiana 47448
www.storyinn.com
812.988.2273
*Weather Permitting – Call Ahead If In Doubt*

Friday, July 15
Corydon Concerts On The Square 7:30-9pm
In The Gazebo
On The Historic Old Capitol Sqaure
Corydon, Indiana
(Weather Permitting)

Saturday, July 16
Monkey Hollow Winery 4-7pm CDT
11534 E. County Road 1740 North
St. Meinrad, Indiana 47577
www.monkeyhollowwinery.com

Wednesday, July 20
Indianapolis Artsgarden 12:15-1:15pm
In The Circle Centre Mall
110 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
http://www.indyarts.org/artsgarden.aspx?p=1

Friday, July 22
Monkey Hollow Winery
& Bistro @ The Wollenmann House 7-9pm EDT
1150 Main Street
Ferdinand, Indiana 47532

Saturday, July 23
Private Event

Monday, July 25
Homearama at Norton Commons 6-8pm
Louisville, Kentucky
https://bialouisville.com/signature-events/homearama/

Friday, July 29
Brooklyn Pizza 6-9pm
753 W. 2nd Street
Seymour, Indiana 47274
812.524.8888
www.brooklynpizzacompany.com
(WEATHER PERMITTING – Call ahead if in doubt)

Saturday, July 30
Pepper’s Ridge Winery 2-5pm CST
4304 N. County Road 200 West
Rockport, Indiana 47635
www.peppersridge.com

Saturday, August 6
Willowfield Lavender Farm 6-9pm
6176 Smokey View Road
Mooresville, Indiana 64158
$5 Admission
317.831.7980
www.willowfieldlavender.com

Sunday, August 7
Blackhawk Winery 2-5pm
28153 W. Ditch Road
Sheridan, Indiana 46069
317.771.2814
www.blackhawkwinery.com

Tuesday, August 9
Bloomington Songwriter’s Showcase 8-10pm
Bear’s Ale & Eatery
1316 East 3rd Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47401
www.BearsPlace.com

Wednesday, August 10
River City Winery 6-9pm
21 Pearl Street
New Albany, IN 47150
812.945.9463

Thursday, August 11
Vino Villa 6-8pm
200 N Madison Avenue
Greenwood, IN 46142
317.882.9463
www.vinovilla.com

Friday, August 12
New Albanian Bank Street Brewhouse 7-9pm
415 Bank Street
New Albany, IN 47150
(812) 944-2577
www.newalbanian.com

Saturday, August 13
Best Vineyards 4-8pm
8373 Morgan’s Lane SE
Elizabeth, Indiana 47117
812.969.9463
www.bestvineyardswinery.com

Friday, August 19
Monkey Hollow Winery
& Bistro @ The Wollenmann House 7-9pm EDT
1150 Main Street
Ferdinand, Indiana 47532

Saturday, August 27
Owen Valley Winery 5-8pm
491 Timber Ridge Road
Spencer, Indiana 47460
www.owenvalleywinery.net
812.828.0883

Thursday, September 1
Big Woods Speedway 7-10pm
with Bassist Bill Ritter
1002 W. Main Street
Speedway, Indiana 46224
317.757.3250
http://quaffon.com/big-woods-speedway/

Saturday, September 3
Monkey Hollow Winery 4-7pm CDT
11534 E. County Road 1740 North
St. Meinrad, Indiana 47577
www.monkeyhollowwinery.com

Sunday, September 4
Crescent Hill 4th of September
Mini-Festival and Labor Day Fireworks 4-6pm
with Bassist Bill Ritter
Peterson-Dumesnil House Grounds
301 South Peterson Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky

Thursday, September 8
Vino Villa 6-8pm
200 N Madison Avenue
Greenwood, IN 46142
317.882.9463
www.vinovilla.com

Friday, September 9
Buckeye Jake’s 7-10pm
13 E. Dayton Street (US HWY 35)
West Alexandria, OH
937.839.5253

POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN –
RESCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 30
Saturday, September 10
Hanover Winery 6-9pm
2121 Morman Road
Hamilton, Ohio 45013
513.863.3119
www.hanoverwinery.com

Wednesday, September 14
River City Winery 6-9pm
21 Pearl Street
New Albany, IN 47150
812.945.9463

Thursday, September 15
Robin Run Village 7pm
5334 W. 62nd Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268

Saturday, September 17
The Apple Works 2:30-5:00pm
8157 South 250 West
Trafalgar, Indiana 46181
www.apple-works.com

Sunday, September 18
The Apple Works 2:30-5:00pm
8157 South 250 West
Trafalgar, Indiana 46181
www.apple-works.com

Sunday, September 25
Albemarle Cider Works 2:30-4:30pm
2545 Rural Ridge Lane
North Garden, VA 22959
www.albemarleciderworks.com

Friday, September 30
Hanover Winery 7-10pm
2121 Morman Road
Hamilton, Ohio 45013
513.863.3119
www.hanoverwinery.com

Saturday, October 1
The Pixy Theatre 7pm
Edinburgh, Indiana
111 South Walnut
Edinburgh, Indiana 46124
$10
$5 Military/Children under 12
www.theedinburghpixy.com

Saturday, October 15
The Apple Works 2:30-5:00pm
8157 South 250 West
Trafalgar, Indiana 46181
www.apple-works.com

Sunday, October 16
The Apple Works 2:30-5:00pm
8157 South 250 West
Trafalgar, Indiana 46181
www.apple-works.com

Friday, October 21
7th Annual Dan Fogelberg Celebration
The Portland Club
156 State Street
Portland, Maine 04101
www.fogelbergfoundationpeoria.org
(Click on “News & Events”)

Saturday, October 29
Talon Winery 4-7pm
7086 Tates Creek Road
Lexington, Kentucky 40515
www.talonwine.com

Tuesday, November 8
Bloomington Songwriter’s Showcase 8-10pm
Bear’s Ale & Eatery
1316 East 3rd Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47401
www.BearsPlace.com

Sunday, November 20
Bold Rock Cidery 1- 4:30pm
1020 Rockfish Valley Highway
Nellysford, Virginia 22958
www.BoldRock.com

Saturday, December 3
Hopwood Cellars Winery 8-10pm
12 Cedar Street
Zionsville, Indiana 46077
www.hopwoodcellars.com

Saturday, December 10
Talon Winery 4-7pm
400 Gordon Lane
Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065
www.talonwine.com

Thursday, December 15
Robin Run Village 7pm
5334 W. 62nd Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268