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Opera House to present acclaimed bluegrass band

Submitted Photo Bluegrass band, Monroe Crossing, will perform at the Fredonia Opera House on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House, will present acclaimed bluegrass band Monroe Crossing in concert on Thursday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m.

Named in honor of Bill Monroe, “The Father of Bluegrass Music,” Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. Their superb musicianship and on-stage rapport have entertained audiences across the United States, Canada and Europe.

Based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, Monroe Crossing plays an average of 150 shows a year in intimate rooms, at major venues, and outdoor festivals. They are favorites among bluegrass connoisseurs and non-bluegrass audiences alike. (They love introducing newcomers to bluegrass music!)

The band is made up of five very distinct personalities with differing musical backgrounds. When combined, their individual histories make for a very unique ensemble sound. Band members are: Derek Johnson — guitar & lead vocals; Lisa Fuglie — fiddle, mandolin, guitar & lead vocals; Matt Thompson — mandolin, fiddle & harmony vocals; Mark Anderson — bass & bass vocals; and David Robinson — banjo, dobro, harmonica & harmony vocals. Because they met through the music of Bill Monroe, they like to say they had a “Monroe Crossing.”

Among their many honors, Monroe Crossing was awarded “Bluegrass Album of the Year” by the Minnesota Music Academy in 2003. In 2007, they were inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. They twice have been selected to showcase at the annual “World of Bluegrass” convention hosted by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and they have appeared twice at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2016, Monroe Crossing had the honor of being the first Minnesota bluegrass band to ever perform in South Korea.

Monroe Crossing has recorded 15 CDs to date. Their latest release is entitled, “Monroe Crossing Plays Classic Country.” It is a collection of cover songs from the golden era of country music (1950s & ’60s). Songs from George Jones, Ray Price, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash are brought back to life with bluegrass instrumentation and that special Monroe Crossing vocal blend.

Whether playing traditional bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, original bluegrass or even songs outside the bluegrass genre, Monroe Crossing is one of the most active and most entertaining acts on the bluegrass scene today!

The band’s appearance is part of the Opera House Folk in Fredonia Music Series, which is generously sponsored by The Gilman Family. The concert is also presented with support from Tuscany Fresh Meats and Deli, and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.

Tickets are $17 ($15 for Opera House members, $10 for students) and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at www.fredopera.org anytime.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of Opera House events is available at www.fredopera.org.

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