Bent Penny Band

Bent Penny Band is a multi-generational band with music genres ranging from Eric Clapton and The Eagles, to Elvis Rock-a-Billy and BPB originals.

Bent Penny Band is made up of family and friends of different musical backgrounds and generations. These differences allow Bent Penny to bring to the stage a wide variety of musical genre. The bands success is partly due to tight four part harmony vocals combined with electrifying guitar and piano leads.

Band Members:
Ali Ward- Bass/ocals

Alison "Ali" Ward discovered a passion for music in fourth grade when she took to the viola. She furthered her classical repertoire in middle school with the cello and violin, and added contemporary components by teaching herself how to play both guitar and bass. Ali is one of the inaugural members of Lexington's Original Viola Ensemble, with whom she has performed since 2005.

In high school, Ali excelled in the Lexington Lafayette SCAPA program for music. In addition to her distinguished instrumental abilities, Ali enjoys singing and plans to advance all of her musical talents through college and beyond.

Clifford Jones- Lead Guitar/Vocals

Cliff started playing at the age young age of 14. While still in high school, Cliff's first opportunity to watch a live performance was of the band known as the The Webs. Charlie Lynch, who was the lead singer of The Webs, inspired Cliff to join several bands throughout his high school years.

As a sophomore, while attending the University of Kentucky, Cliff had the opportunity to reunite with Charlie and join the band Motley Kru. The band was a local favorite throughout Central Kentucky. Those gigs with Motley Kru financially helped Cliff through college. It was during these years that Cliff realized that music would always be a passionate part of his life.

After the Motley Kru years, Cliff had the opportunity to join the Silver Creek band where he became friends with Bent Penny Band keyboard player Scotty Furgeson. Cliff and Scotty enjoyed almost twenty years of success while playing with Silver Creek. The band toured regionally and opened for such national acts as Sawyer Brown and the Oak Ridge Boys.

After leaving the Silver Creek band, Cliff stopped playing for 18 years and focused on his family and career as an Electrical Engineer. Cliff met up with the Bent Penny Band through a mutual friend of Rick and Randy Warner, and was recommended for an audition. It was during this audition that Cliff realized that playing music was still a true passion.

Cliff currently holds a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kentucky, and works for U.L. Labs. He also composes his own music.

Cliff brings a unique level of high energy and showmanship to the Bent Penny Band that always amazes the crowds.

Randy Warner- Rhythm Guitar/Vocals

Randy was only six years old when his father taught him his first guitar chord, and music has been Randy’s passion ever since. Growing up, he shined in local talent shows and with local bands, and was a standout in his high school marching band, all leading up to an act as a radio disc jockey.

As an adult, Randy played with Bluegrass favorites Jim and Jessie McReynolds, and most recently with fiddle master Michael Cleveland. Other than Bluegrass, Randy’s musical tastes include Country and Classic Rock, which provide Bent Penny with an extensive performance library. His ability to play by ear allows him to switch between lead, rhythm and bass guitar, as well as keys and offers flexibility to the band for performance selections. In addition to his instrumentation, Randy provides lead and harmony vocals.

Scotty Ferguson- Keys/Vocals

Scotty began playing at the young age of 15. He learned to play on his mother's piano from a chord book he bought.

Years later, Scotty was inspired by watching Exile when they were still playing the Richmond area. Eventually, he got to know the members and would often jam with the band.

Scotty got to be friends with Bent Penny Band member Clifford Jones when they were both in the Silver Creek Band for almost two decades. Silver Creek played regionally and opened for such national acts as the Oak Ridge Boys and Sawyer Brown.

He is a retired captain of the Richmond Fire Department, and is currently an EMT living with his family in Somerset, Kentucky.

Scott's excellent musical skills are combined with his on stage wit and humor and are always apparent at every Bent Penny event.

Rick Warner- Percussion

Rick is Randy’s younger brother by four years. He was formally introduced to music when he began playing the drums at 11 years old. Growing up in a musical family, he attributes his inspiration to his brother, Randy, and their father, who taught them both. During high school, Rick became an accomplished musician, receiving recognition at the regional and state levels.

Rick was later re-inspired by his brother when they played together in a local band. Just a year into this gig, their garage jam sessions spawned the Bent Penny Band. These jam sessions actually began on his brother’s birthday and continued through his. In October 2010, a nationally renowned recording artist used Rick’s talents for a CD production. Today, he is the “heartbeat” of Bent Penny as the all-star drummer.

Rus Powell - Rhythm Guitar/Vocals

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