RICHMOND, Ind. — If you attend some of the larger agricultural events, you have likely seen Garcia & Scott perform. They’re headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., and are one of the top acts for Monsanto Co.; you might have heard them at the Commodity Classic in Nashville a few weeks ago.

Gary Scott and Dalia Garcia, husband and wife, started their duo performances here in Richmond five years ago this month. Before they were married, they each had successful careers. Gary was news director for public broadcasting station WMUB out of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and Dalia was traveling far and wide as a singer with Julio Iglesias for eight years.

Iglesias has a huge following in Spanish-speaking countries as well as the United States, and her experience on this circuit is evident with each number she sings. Gary provides the lead music, playing the heck out of his Gibson guitar and has a terrific singing range. Dalia plays, too, using a tambourine, rhythm shaker, bongo drums and castanets.

Their first CD, simply titled Garcia & Scott, is doing well and is an acoustic accomplishment. Their second CD, to be titled Down In Jimmy’s Basement, is a full-blown extravaganza with band accompaniment. It was recorded in a basement in Richmond, and will be available this summer.

Since they started their career here in Little Sheba’s, a popular restaurant and bar on Ft. Wayne Avenue in the Historic Depot District, they have come back at least once a month for the last five years. Their show and the venue are family-friendly and makes for a great evening out.

They performed at Little Sheba’s earlier this month; their Saturday night show was wall-to-wall music for an hour-and-a-half before they took a break. During the break, local musician Dave Sizemore kept the good times going with excellent guitar and singing renditions.

Debbie Ninde, a Richmond Realtor, sang accompaniment for a good number of the Garcia & Scott songs. She has a nimble voice and will be heard on the upcoming CD. (I have known Debbie for quite a while, and her wonderful singing came as quite a surprise to me. She has never mentioned this talent, but she’s making Richmond proud.)

By the way, the “Jimmy” and his “basement” in the title of the duo’s upcoming CD is Debbie’s father. The early days of recorded music began in Richmond at the Gennett Studios, and it’s beautiful that the local music legacy is being carried on by Garcia & Scott.

Their show features many original songs as well as covers of classic hits in a diverse range of styles. The typical show includes covers of performers such as Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. Then there are some smooth blues, as well as live-wire Latin numbers. Several folks felt the need to dance during the evening in Richmond, both to fast and slow songs. This added to the fun.

Garcia & Scott let their loyal fans know when they are coming to Indiana by way of their website at www.garciaand scott.com

Their area performances are always attended by many friends and regulars, making the evening reminiscent of a family gathering. Steve Terzini, owner of Little Sheba’s, has other musical acts on a regular basis and you can catch the news of upcoming entertainers at www.littleshebas.com

For those who use GPS when traveling, the address of Little Sheba’s is 175 Ft. Wayne Ave., Richmond, IN 47374.

(As a personal aside, I want to thank Gary, Mr. Cooper and others who came outside to help me get my wheelchair up the step and through the door. I didn’t realize at the time that the star of the show was the first to offer a helping hand. You just can’t beat the friendly hospitality you’ll find at one of these shows.)