John Otey Hutchinson
John Otey Hutchinson ("Otey") plays mandolin on Songs From Shannon. Owner of Otey's, a Birmingham bar and grill, he is well known and loved around town as proprietor of this popular nightspot and member of its favorite band--The Hurlers (with Golden Mile members Luke Lucas, Kelly Simpson and Kenny McDowell). A veteran of late nights and long hours, Otey is still no match for his teenage daughter, Carly. When the rigors of everyday life get to him, he just takes off and loses himself for a month or two in the woods along the Appalachian Trail. A history buff, Otey also enjoys participating in Civil War re-enactments.
Leslie says of Otey: "If you're a musician in Birmingham, chances are you've played at Otey's, or at least wanted to. It's a great place to hang out; it's really relaxed. I was very happy when Otey said he'd come play on my CD. He plays mandolin on the CD, but he can play guitar too; in fact, he's good at lots of things... Like keeping us all out way too late!"