When: Saturday, June 27, 2009
Where: Countybank Plaza
Admission: FREE
Sponsored By:
The Greenwood Genetics Center and The SC Birth Defects Foundation
Greenwood County
The Sunshine House, Inc.
Howard’s On Main,Lakelands Hardware & Outdoors, Mr. Lube, McCravy, Newlon & Sturkie Law Firm, PA
Inn on the Square, Official Bluegrass Festival Host Hotel (864) 330-1010 or Toll Free 1-866-373-2917
Who: Mountain Heart with Tony Rice, New Dixie Storm
Tony Rice
Tony Rice spans the range of acoustic music, from straight-ahead bluegrass to jazz-influenced new acoustic music, to songwriter-oriented folk. He is perhaps the greatest innovator in acoustic flatpicked guitar since Clarence White. Over the course of his career, he has played alongside J.D. Crowe and the New South, David Grisman (during the formation of “Dawg Music”), led his own groups, collaborated with fellow picker Norman Blake and recorded with his brothers. He has recorded with drums, piano, soprano sax, and with straight-ahead bluegrass instrumentation.
Mountain Heart with Tony Rice
Mountain Heart is the band that has been fearlessly revolutionizing the way acoustic music can be presented and played. The band’s name has been synonymous with cutting-edge excellence in acoustic music circles since the group’s creation in 1999. Widely known throughout the music industry for continually redefining the cutting edge, the band has gained legions of fans both as a result of their superlative musicianship, and more notably, their incomparably exciting live performances. As one of the most highly awarded ensembles ever assembled, Mountain Heart, or members of the band, have either won or been nominated for multiple Grammys, ACM, CMA, and IBMA Awards. They have appeared on the revered stage of the Grand Ole Opry in excess of 100 times and have shared the stage with acts ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Montgomery Gentry, George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Brad Paisley to Alison Krauss, Tony Rice, Travis Tritt, Yonder Mountain Stringband, LeAnn Rimes, and Patty Loveless.
Mountain Heart’s musical virtuosity, unmatched energy, and keen sense of entertainment dynamics have helped them to forge a highly unique sound, and stage show, which appeals to an incredibly wide variety of musical tastes. From large outdoor folk music and bluegrass festivals, to sold-out arena shows opening for Southern Rock icons, Lynyrd Skynyrd, to co-headlining concerts with the acoustic guitar legend, Tony Rice, Mountain Heart always makes an undeniable connection to an audience, leaving them on their feet. In short, this rare combination of abilities makes Mountain Heart one of the most versatile acts ever assembled.
As the group leading the charge in taking acoustic music to the masses, Mountain Heart deftly combines elements of rock, jamband, country, blues, jazz, and bluegrass into a high-energy sound that is at once fresh, accessible, and unmistakable.
New Dixie Storm
THE NEW DIXIE STORM is a Greenville, SC-based bluegrass band. Their instrumental and vocal arrangements spring from the soulful traditions and influences of first generation performers like Bill Monroe, The Osborne Brothers, and Flatt & Scruggs yet speaks to hearts of listeners everywhere with a blend of youthful and energetic artistry. Together these musicians have created a unique blend of high energy that captures the attention of audiences of all ages.