For over thirty years, Harry Ferguson and Al
Utronki were among the Ottawa Valley's busiest performers. In the
early years, Harry's smooth traditional vocals and Al's instrumental wizardry
became their personal trademarks as the duo filled dance halls in Douglas and
Cobden week after week. The sixties' most popular venues were the
hotel lounges of Pontiac County and, once again, they were constantly busy.
Times changed, and longtime commitments were
replaced by week-to-week bookings. Their popularity throughout the Valley
attracted numerous private and corporate gigs and repeated performances in
Petawawa's military bases. During these hectic years, they also found
time to record on the Montaigne and Rodeo labels. The list of entertainers who
played with them includes some of the valleys finest.
The relationship of over forty years continues today as the two get
together for summer "jams" and, less frequently, public appearances. For their
legion of friends and fans, they live up to their billing. They truly are the
"Country Gentlemen".
