Saturday, March 20, 2010

Blue Highway

National Heritage Museum
Lexington, MA
7:30pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
$23 for Members
$26 for Non-Members

click here to buy advance tickets
on-line via credit card

At the 16-year mark, Blue Highway is indisputably one of the most esteemed and influential groups in contemporary bluegrass. The band's nine exceptional albums and compelling live performances give proof to the stellar reviews, Grammy nominations, and numerous awards earned by the band since it first took the stage on December 31, 1994, with the same musicians that comprise Blue Highway today.

Individually, Jason Burleson (banjo, guitar, mandolin), Rob Ickes (Dobro), Shawn Lane (mandolin, fiddle, vocals), Tim Stafford (guitar, vocals), and Wayne Taylor (bass, vocals) are masters of their respective roles. Together, in Stafford's words, they are “a democracy in the best sense of the word”: five gifted artists selflessly merging their talents into a seamlessly brilliant group sound.

With nine highly-acclaimed albums to its credit, Blue Highway has garnered two Grammy nominations, a Dove Award, topped the Bluegrass Unlimited radio charts, and won numerous International Bluegrass Music Association awards. Refusing to coast on past glories, Blue Highway continues to push its music to new levels of accomplishment. Artfully balanced between tradition and innovation, it remains in the forefront of contemporary bluegrass music.

Tickets can be purchased online or by mailing a check (payable to the BBU) and self-addressed stamped envelope to Boston Bluegrass Union, PO Box 650061, West Newton, MA 02465.

The National Heritage Museum is located at 33 Marrett Rd. (Route 2A), Lexington, MA 02421. Directions can be found at www.monh.org or call (781) 861-6559.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Steep Canyon Rangers

with

Red Hot Black Top

National Heritage Museum
Lexington, MA
7:30pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
$20 for Members
$23 for Non-Members

click here to buy advance tickets
on-line via credit card

From Asheville, North Carolina, Steep Canyon Rangers have built a reputation as an engaging acoustic quintet seasoned by constant touring. Before being nominated for 2 International Bluegrass Music awards in 2008 (including Album of the Year, ”Lovin’ Pretty Women), the Rangers were named ’Emerging Artist of the Year’ in 2006 at the IBMA awards ceremony in Nashville, TN. Most recently, they toured with Steve Martin and appeared on David Letterman, among other places.

The Steep Canyon Rangers’ deep dedication to bluegrass is heard in every note they play. With a sound firmly rooted in bluegrass tradition, they draw musical elements from Honky-tonk, classic Country, Bluegrass and Blues.

The Rangers are: Woody Platt (guitar and lead vocals), Graham Sharp (banjo, harmony vocals), Mike Guggino (mandolin and harmony vocals), Charles R. Humphrey III (bass and harmony vocals) and Nicky Sanders (fiddle and harmony vocals).

Based in Boston, Red Hot Black Top delivers high octane acoustic entertainment. Fusing bluegrass, old-time folk and blues with a distinctive rock and roll attitude, Red Hot Black Top mixes modern with tradition. With an extensive lineup of young talent, inventive arrangements and old fashion hot licks, Red Hot Black Top delivers a show that is as exciting as it is intriguing.

The band consists of Emily Palena (vocals), David Goldenberg (mandolin), Sam Stambler (guitar), Etienne Cremieux (fiddle), Gabe Hirshfeld (Banjo), and Josh Dayton (bass).

Tickets can be purchased online or by mailing a check (payable to the BBU) and self-addressed stamped envelope to Boston Bluegrass Union, PO Box 650061, West Newton, MA 02465.

The National Heritage Museum is located at 33 Marrett Rd. (Route 2A), Lexington, MA 02421. Directions can be found at www.monh.org or call (781) 861-6559.