S1812 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 27, 2014 and Mr. Somphone’s safe return to his years has grown to be a mainstay of public service in many other venues family, his disappearance is still unex- our regional and State agricultural and that the seventh generation plained. economy. Allenholm Farm will continue to A respected member of the develop- In 1870, Ray Allen’s great-grand- thrive under his leadership. ment community, Mr. Somphone has father purchased the current farm, Marcelle and I think of Ray and Pam lived and worked for many years in marking the beginning of a family as very special friends and cherished Laos and his efforts to strengthen Lao- farming tradition on lovely Grand Isle, Vermonters. tian civil society are well documented. VT. Today, Ray and his wife Pam run f the Allenholm Farm with the help of The circumstances of his disappearance RECOGNIZING SUNDY BEST are mysterious, and, given his high their children, grandchildren, and now profile, more than troubling. Further- great-grandchildren. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I more, the lack of effort on the part of The chain of islands running up the rise today to recognize an exception- the Laotian government to investigate center of Lake Champlain was once ally talented country music duo from what has been described by many inter- home to more than 100 commercial my home State of Kentucky. Kris national observers as a forced dis- apple orchards. Today there are fewer, Bentley and Nick Jamerson have vault- appearance is deeply disappointing. but the Allen’s have thrived through ed their band, Sundy Best, from the Mr. Somphone’s courageous work on creativity. They have diversified the small bars and music halls of eastern behalf of political freedom and the pro- farm to include many new apple vari- Kentucky into the national spotlight. tection of human rights in Laos is ad- eties, and they now produce and retail The story of their rise is remarkable, mirable, and he and others who engage their own cider, ice cider, hard cider, and one that is far from its conclusion. Nick and Kris first met in elemen- in such pursuits should not fear for applesauce, and more than 3,000 apple tary school in Prestonsburg, KY, where their safety, especially at the hands of pies every year. they both grew up in music-loving fam- a government. Despite repeated offers Making great use of their location, ilies. The two started a band together of international assistance and numer- which is within sight of New York and in high school but parted ways when ous inquiries about Mr. Somphone’s a few miles from the Canadian border, Nick went to play football at Pikeville welfare, the Laotian government ap- Ray and Pam have made the Allenholm College and Kris enrolled in Centre pears satisfied despite having made no Farm an international destination. Visitors can rent bicycles, stay the College, where he played basketball. progress on the case. Nick’s passion for music never sub- I call on Laotian authorities to rec- night at the Bed & Breakfast over- sided, though, and after college he con- ognize the importance this has for looking the orchards, buy maple syrup tacted Kris to inquire about purchasing Members of Congress and the American and maple creemies, and visit their a drum set. As it happened, Kris’s pas- petting zoo to meet Willie and people, and people around the world, sion for music remained as well—he Sassafrass, the famous kissing don- and to take all actions necessary to en- didn’t have a set to sell, but he would keys. able Mr. Somphone to return home to gladly come play with his old buddy The Allenholm Farm AppleFest at- his family. Nick. The two friends picked up right tracts up to 25,000 visitors annually and f where they left off, and the very next has yielded a bountiful harvest for the night they were playing their first gig TRIBUTE TO RAY ALLEN entire local economy of the Champlain together. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I have islands. The band’s big break came in Novem- spoken many times on the Senate floor Vermont’s agricultural economy is ber of 2010. Nick had just moved to thriving today as more and more of about Vermont’s dedicated farming Lexington with Kris, and the two land- farmers follow Ray and Pam’s formula: families. Today, I would like to recog- ed a gig at Redmon’s, a classic Lex- nize the contributions of a great Focus on superb quality, create value- ington live music establishment. Pre- Vermont farmer, at a time of transi- added products, build the Vermont viously the two had played just as tion, Ray Allen of Allenholm Farm in brand, provide local food to local mar- ‘‘Nick and Kris,’’ but for a venue like South Hero, VT. kets, and have fun doing it. For many Redmon’s they needed a name that Ray has, since 1990, represented the visitors, Ray and Pam Allen are the they could promote. The two settled on University of Vermont as a delegate to face of farming. one that reflected their musical roots the Association of Public and Land- As Vermont’s agricultural leaders in Sunday church services. As Kris grant Universities, Council for Agricul- are inclined to do, Ray has taken on tells it, ‘‘It was originally going to be tural Research, Extension, and Teach- many leadership roles in his local com- Sunday’s Best but then we said, ‘No, ing, CARET. The APLU is a research, munity, as well at the State and Na- Sundy Best.’ ’’ The duo dropped the ‘‘a’’ policy, and advocacy organization rep- tional level, all in addition to his dec- from Sunday because, ‘‘That’s the way resenting 235 universities and public ades of service to the Association of we talk.’’ land grant institutions nationwide, and Public Land Grant Universities. He has The show at Redmon’s was an enor- CARET advocates for greater national served as town auditor, justice of the mous success, so much so that they support and understanding of the land- peace, a member of the school board began to play a regular gig there. This grant university system’s food and ag- and has been chief of the rescue squad consistent venue for their music was ricultural research, extension, and since its inception in 1973. Ray’s con- instrumental in establishing the band’s teaching programs that enhance the tributions to his alma mater, the Uni- fan base and name recognition. Kris ac- quality of life for all people. versity of Vermont, are too numerous knowledges that this was when ‘‘people Ray is the longest serving delegate to list completely here, but they in- started taking us seriously . . . be- nationally to the CARET and has made clude current or past membership on cause that’s a premier music venue.’’ many significant contributions to the the boards of the College of Agriculture Things have been looking up for university extension component of the and Life Sciences, UVM Extension, and Sundy Best ever since. In 2013 they re- land grant mission. It is fitting, and the Alumni Council. Ray’s feats as a released their first album, Door With- should surprise no one that this sev- student track star are still the subject out a Screen, and watched it climb into enth generation Vermont farmer has so of legend now, 50 years later, and two the iTunes Top 10. The video for the hit truly served the land grant mission, annual track trophies bear his name. song from the album, ‘‘Home (I Wanna considering that Ray’s ancestors began As a strong supporter of the land Go),’’ helped drive the album’s success farming in South Hero, VT in 1870, at grant mission, I thank Ray Allen for and is a fixture on Country Music Tele- about the same time that Vermont his service to the Association of Public vision. Senator Justin Morrill gained passage Land Grant Universities as a delegate As a fellow Kentuckian, I am proud of his legislation creating the Land to the Council of Agricultural Re- of the success seen by Sundy Best. Grant College system. search, Extension, and Teaching. I am Nick and Kris are not only talented Allenholm Farm is the oldest con- certain that Ray will be missed in this musicians, but they are also out- tinuously operating apple orchard in role but that he will continue to build standing ambassadors for the Common- the State of Vermont, and over the on this record of accomplishment and wealth of Kentucky. Although their

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:53 Mar 28, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G27MR6.051 S27MRPT1 rfrederick on DSK6VPTVN1PROD with SENATE March 27, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1813 music is spreading further across the firm foundation of friendship through their angle now, so I suppose people are going to country each day, their roots remain teenage years, which continues to benefit be surprised. Some people want every record grounded in eastern Kentucky. them to this day. ‘‘When you know someone to sound the same, but once your fans think I ask that my Senate colleagues join as long as we have, you know each other’s they know you, you are done. You won’t dynamics,’’ says Jamerson. ‘‘He is like a grow as musicians if they think they have me in recognizing the success of Sundy brother to me. It’s gratifying to do this you figured out.’’ Best and wishing them well with the whole music thing alongside someone you ‘‘We definitely have a vision of where we recent release of their new album, have known for so long.’’ want to be,’’ says Bentley, who with Bring Up the Sun. After high school, the pair’s goal to play Jamerson played more than 190 dates out on Kentucky Monthly recently pub- sports often competed with the draw they the road in 2013. ‘‘I would never have ex- lished an article chronicling the rise of shared to ultimately pursue a music career. pected to be where we are today just one Sundy Best. I ask unanimous consent ‘‘Music was the one passion that I always year ago. I think 2014 is going to be another that the full article be printed in the had, but looking back, I am glad my parents growth year for us. A lot of people still don’t talked me into getting a college degree,’’ know who we are, so we want to definitely RECORD. says Jamerson, who was on the Pikeville continue to play new markets. We are ex- There being no objection, the article College football team. ‘‘The people I met and cited to see what happens with this new was ordered to be printed in the the experiences I had in college made me the record and then determine what happens RECORD as follows: person I am now. That’s where songs come next.’’ [From Kentucky Monthly, Feb. 25, 2014] from. You need perspective and life lessons No matter where their musical journey as a writer.’’ might still yet lead them, one thing is for THE BEST MEN WIN The end of college (Bentley attended and sure: These two will continue to give credit (By Tricia Despres) played basketball for Centre) brought the be- where credit is due. When kids grow up with something to ginning of the duo’s quick, yet organic, as- ‘‘You hear people all the time talking prove, they can become stubborn and a bit cent to musical success. After their joint about how they are Texas proud or Georgia hardheaded. But when those kids grow up to move to Lexington and a brief stint working proud or even Tennessee proud,’’ says Bent- be adults who want to make a living as musi- at the local cable company, the two began ley. ‘‘When you are from eastern Kentucky, cians . . . well, they just might become su- performing at patio parties, restaurants and you are automatically proud. You can be perstars. clubs, often playing four-hour sets each anywhere in the world, and if you meet So goes the story of Sundy Best. night. A regular gig at Lexington’s Redmon’s someone from eastern Kentucky, you are im- Blending an eclectic mix of acoustic guitar helped the two establish a growing fan base mediately friends. Plus, they are the craziest with the beat of the cajo´ n drum and the com- eager to find out more about the band. fans ever. We love Nashville and all, but we pelling vocals of Nick Jamerson and Kris ‘‘Thank goodness for social media,’’ says would just rather stay right here in Ken- Bentley, Sundy Best looks as if they are Bentley, who cut his musical teeth trying to tucky. The people here have been the biggest about to embark on a career many others are emulate the songs of artists such as Bob driving factor in our career, and we can often left to dream about. Just last year, the Seger and Tom Petty. ‘‘Good ol’ Facebook never be too thankful.’’ Kentucky-based duo released a deluxe was the only way to connect to our fans and ‘‘Before I moved to Lexington, my whole version of their album Door Without a tell them where we were going to be every life had been spent living in eastern Ken- Screen and watched as it landed in the Top night. We would always have 20 or 30 people tucky. I had never had a chance to miss liv- 10 on iTunes. The video for their single from eastern Kentucky who knew us from ing in the country. And as we have begun ‘‘Home (I Wanna Go)’’ reached the top of when we played sports drive up on a touring more, I now know it was something CMT Pure’s fan-voted poll for multiple weeknight to see us perform. Seeing that I myself took for granted,’’ says Jamerson. weeks. A brand-new album in 2014 is sure to kind of support when we were just out there ‘‘We love Kentucky and will always want to help the duo prove to the rest of the world playing cover songs was a huge boost to our carry that flag . . . but we can’t wait to that, sometimes, the underdogs win. confidence.’’ spread the word to everyone else, too.’’ ‘‘Growing up, I always seemed to have a Then, Sundy Best recorded the song that f chip on my shoulder,’’ says Jamerson. ‘‘As a would change their career: ‘‘Home (I Wanna kid who loved playing sports, I was smaller Go).’’ ‘‘That song took off right around the SYRIAN WAR CRIME TRIBUNAL than anyone else, so I always had something same time when the winter had set in and Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, Sen- to prove in everything that I did. It was the the patio gigs had shut down,’’ recalls Bent- attitude I would ultimately have with every- ley. ‘‘Once people heard that song, the whole ators RUBIO, MURPHY, KAINE, and I re- thing in my life. I was just always super thing just grew. People knew we were serious cently introduced in the Senate a con- competitive.’’ about doing music.’’ current resolution on the need for the It was an attitude Jamerson seemed to in- In 2012, the duo recorded some of their investigation and prosecution of war herit from his close-knit family. ‘‘Three of songs that they self-produced with friend and crimes, crimes against humanity, and my grandparents had a college degree, filmmaker Coleman Saunders, and independ- genocide committed by any groups in- which, coming from a small mining town in ently released Door Without a Screen. volved in civil war in Syria. Congress- Kentucky, was not at all common,’’ he re- Last year, they were asked to play the calls. ‘‘I mean, my grandmother could build jewel of all venues: the Grand Ole Opry. ‘‘As man CHRIS SMITH has introduced the anything. Being around those kinds of people a musician and performer, I don’t think I House version of this concurrent reso- all my life and seeing how driven and suc- will ever be the same,’’ says Jamerson. ‘‘I lution. It calls for President Obama to cessful they were . . . it definitely made an cried when I found out we were playing have our Ambassador to the U.N. use impression on me.’’ there. It was like being at church and feeling the influence and vote of the United As a 5-foot-10 kid basketball player from something on your heart and you don’t know States to promote the establishment of Prestonsburg, Bentley also was up against what it is. We had been touring all year, so a Syrian war crimes tribunal. The need his share of obstacles, none of which he sharing it with our families was an unbeliev- is stark. Quite simply, the terrible hadn’t learned to conquer during his child- able feeling. I mean, what else could top hood years growing up within the sacred that? I was watching Netflix the other night crimes being committed in the civil walls of the church, hence the name Sundy and they were doing a two-day concert spe- war in Syria call out for justice. As Best. ‘‘I would play drums every Sunday cial on Neil Young and were showing this such, the U.N. should establish a tri- with my dad and brother,’’ recalls Bentley, concert he did at the Ryman Auditorium, bunal similar to the ones created in re- describing himself as a good kid who ‘‘put and I mean, he was walking through the sponse to the charges of war crimes, Mom through the wringer . . . church really same doors we did when we were playing crimes against humanity, and genocide was the only outlet to get out there and do there for the Grand Ole Opry. Every time we in the former Yugoslavia, Sierra music, especially in eastern Kentucky.’’ get the chance to play there, it ends up being Leone, and Rwanda. Besides sports and a childhood spent with- quite the spiritual experience.’’ in the church, the two also shared a musical The year 2014 brings Sundy Best fans the As the Syrian conflict entered its foundation formed within their homes, often much-anticipated new album Bring Up the fourth year this month, the horrific vi- spending countless hours listening to a di- Sun, a collection of songs that just might olence there continues unabated. The verse mix of rock, pop, and bluegrass. ‘‘Ev- take their longtime fans a bit by surprise. losses from the conflict are staggering. eryone would get together at my grand- ‘‘Our first album was quite Kentucky-cen- According to some estimates the death parents’ house and play the old bluegrass tric,’’ says Jamerson, who spends any spare toll has reached more than 146,000. standards,’’ recalls Jamerson. ‘‘The doctor time he has at home in Lexington with his There are an estimated 6.5 million in- two dogs and cat. ‘‘The music just feels good up the road would come over and play the ternally displaced persons in Syria and fiddle, Grandpa played the banjo, Grandma in our bones. It’s a really broad album, played guitar, and my great-aunt played the which everyone we work with has a hard millions of Syrian refugees have fled mandolin.’’ time explaining. But everyone will find their country. First meeting in elementary school, something different in it. It’s good music, Last week I had the privilege of Jamerson and Bentley would go on to form a but it’s coming from a bit of a different meeting with a number of dedicated

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