When I first met Bud Gregson and Donna Donahue, they were involved in the filming of a special NAMM Show event at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. I had been invited by the Tacoma Guitar Company to participate in the event. Performing alongside guitarists Alex DeGrassi, Phil Keaggy, Ed Gerhard, and Ben Lacy, we were all part of Muriel Anderson's annual All Star Guitar Night. As a tribute to Chet Atkins, it was quite the memorable evening.

Not too long after this event, Bud and Donna traveled on tour with me, filming my concerts and workshops for use in a documentary. Upon our return to their home base in St. Louis, Missouri, I discovered that the two were involved in the creation of an independent film called Inbred Redneck Alien Abduction. They, in turn, discovered that I was the proud owner of a Goldtone Banjitar - a six-string resonator 'banjo' tuned and played like a guitar. The pair asked if I would consider performing some licks as a contribution to the film's soundtrack.

At this point in the story I have to be honest and admit that I probably begged to be part of this potential masterpiece in the making. Of course, there would be a price. I insisted on acting in the film as well! As a harbinger of the film's potential, they did not hesitate in granting my wish.

Scriptwriter Adam Hackbarth quickly invented a role for me as a security guard. I was to portray a very intent character, determined to protect and guard the Head Director. My film debut wardrobe consisted of a black jacket, Matrix-style sunglasses, and a tie that Donna, our special effects expert, had quickly fabricated using black electrical tape. Thus, Agent Cupcake was born.

Here's a sample of the film's dialog:

Act 2, Scene 2

Agent Ikan Kikyras (played by Renee Hoffman) and Special Agent Seth Cooper (played by Chad Bockholdt) arrive on scene.

Agent Cupcake: "Security contact code?!" (barked with ferocity)

Special Agent Cooper: Blurts out a series of numbers.

Agent Cupcake: Confirms number series.

Agent Cupcake: (Quickly holding up two cupcakes) "Lemon or orange?"

Special Agent Cooper: "Orange."

(This must have been the correct answer since I didn't have to ice him on the spot.)

Agent Cupcake: "Sprinkles or swirls?" (Diabolically inquisitive...some real acting ability required here.)

Agent Kikyras: "Sprinkles."

Agent Cupcake: With a hesitant nod of the head, "Ok, the Director will see you now".

Ah, a star is born!

Fast forward to the future… (ok, the past from right now)

Agent Cupcake, or rather- I was in Anniston, Alabama at Greenbriar Music Shop in the process of recording my new CD Thumbsing with producer, engineer, gun collector, music shop owner, fisherman, Krispe Kreme donut investor and friend Wayne Brown. (Wayne also claims to go bike riding a lot). I recounted my promise to contribute to the film soundtrack and asked Wayne to gather some players.

Within 24 hours, Wayne contacted and assembled a few players -- Jerome Crawford on mandolin and Jim Marsh, a real banjo player, myself on the Banjitar, and Wayne on bass and guitar. I must admit these players, who had never played together, were nothing short of remarkable, and that's how Richard Gilewitz and The Cheaha Mountain Boys were born. The actual mountains are located in the vicinity of Anniston.

Prior to the recording one of the players asked, "What kind of movie is it?"

I replied, "Well, I think it's supposed to be sort of a cross between The Matrix and Deliverance."

"What kind of music do they want?"

I had no idea so I quickly got on the phone to Donna. She contacted Pat Voss, the film's director. He sent word, "Tell them to think of hillbillies chasing aliens."

When I passed the message along at the studio, one of the players- with a completely straight face and an endearing southern drawl- explained, "We don't believe in hillbillies."

Part of me hopes that the film is never released. Another part of me simply can't wait, as I may be forced to embark on a new career!

Thumbsing, however, has been released and is readily available through www.richardgilewitz.com, Amazon.com and CDBaby.com, as well as at many local music stores.

News flash! The DVD of Inbred Redneck Alien Abduction will be available in late summer 2004 at www.b-movie.com and other fine film stores. Looks like Richard Gilewitz and The Cheaha Mountain Boys may be ready for the Country Bear Jamboree at Walt Disney World!

Wishing you all safe, abduction-free travels,
Richard Gilewitz