News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact:
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Natalie Ryan, 303-871-4154, [email protected]
www.newmancenterpresents.com
Living Legends!
JD Crowe & Bobby Osborne
The American Bluegrass Masters
May 8, 2010
Denver – For the first time in 50 years, the American Bluegrass Masters Tour unites Grammy Winner
JD Crowe and Grand Ole Opry legend Bobby Osborne with the hottest bluegrass singers and pickers
on the planet. In the seven year history of Newman Center Presents, this is the first Bluegrass Show to
be presented in the beautiful and acoustically renowned June Swaner Gates Hall. This one night only
show is being billed as "Bluegrass meets newgrass". This down-home tradition joins fresh-spirited
innovation in a concert featuring the lively front-porch twang, and infectious rhythms that define the
uniquely American genre known as bluegrass. Show time is 7:30 pm. Tickets range from $28-$48 and
include free parking.
J.D Crowe was one of the most influential progressive bluegrass musicians of the 70’s. Initially
influenced by Earl Scruggs, as well as rock & roll and the blues, Crowe's distinctive style melds
country, bluegrass, rock and blues. Crowe didn’t receive national exposure until the early 70's when
he formed the New South, but after the release of the band’s eponymous debut in 1972, he became a
fixture on the bluegrass scene for the next 20 years.
Bobby Osborne is known primarily for his collaboration with his brother Sonny Osborne in their
band, the Osborne Brothers. He was a pioneer in conceiving the “high lead” vocal trio conception.
The Osborne Brothers usher in the 1960’s as the first modern-day bluegrass band. th Bobby soaring
over top, the Osborne Brothers’ vocal trios and polished instrumental arrangements became the gold
standard for all future country harmony acts. After performing on various radio shows around the
country for 25 years, Bobby’s determination paid off when his lifelong dream of becoming an official
member of the Grand Ole Opry came true in 1964. By 1971, the Osbornes became the first bluegrass
act to win the highly coveted Country Music Association award for Vocal Group of the Year. Bobby
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named his current band, The Rocky Top Express, in honor of the hit that launched him into the big
time. One of the five biggest bluegrass hits of all time, and designated an official state song for
Tennessee, “Rocky Top” remains required material in the repertoire of any amateur country and
bluegrass band. Forty years after its initial chart success, “Rocky Top” remains a bluegrass classic and
a true country standard.
American Bluegrass Masters tour performers include:
JD CROWE, banjo
and BOBBY OSBORNE, mandolin
in concert with
JD CROWE, banjo
and BOBBY OSBORNE, mandolin
in concert with
Dean Osborne, banjo
Curtis Burch, resophonic guitar
JP Mathes, guitar, banjo
Bobby Osborne, Jr., bass
Guest Artist
A free Behind the Curtain lecture will be held with musician, writer, music promoter, and
volunteer with the Colorado Bluegrass Music Society, David Patton, 6:30 p.m. before the show.
Performance tickets can be purchased Monday-Friday at the Newman Center (corner of University
& Iliff), 10 am-4 pm, and Ritchie Center Box Offices (2240 E. Buchtel Blvd.), 10-6 pm, and at
Ticketmaster outlets during posted hours. Charge by phone at 1.800.982.2787 or order online at
ticketmaster.com. For more information, or to request accommodations for persons with disabilities,
call 303.871.7720, Option 2.
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