Monroe Crossing will be at the Fredonia Opera House on Friday.

UPDATE: Due to an illness in the band, Friday evening’s concert with bluegrass band Monroe Crossing has been postponed. A rescheduled date will be announced in the future. Anyone with tickets may contact the Opera House Box Office at 716-679-1891 for ticket refund options.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center will present the award-wining Bluegrass band Monroe Crossing in concert.

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 more than 100 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 four very distinct personalities with differing musical backgrounds. When combined, their individual histories make for a unique ensemble sound. Band members are: Mark Anderson, bass and vocals; Lisa Fuglie, fiddle and lead vocals; Derek Johnson, guitar and lead vocals; and Matt Thompson, mandolin and harmony vocals. The group also uses a variety of talented banjo players, all of whom are alumni to the group. Because they met through the music of Bill Monroe, they like to say they had a “Monroe Crossing.”

In 2007, Monroe Crossing was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. They have twice been selected to showcase at the annual World of Bluegrass convention hosted by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). They have also appeared twice at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2016, the band had the honor of being the first Minnesota bluegrass band to perform in South Korea.

Monroe Crossing has recorded 17 albums to date. The band’s diverse discography consists of traditional bluegrass, original bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, a tribute to Bill Monroe, classic country, Christmas music and two collaborations with the award-winning choir Vocal Essence.

Monroe Crossing’s performance is part of the Folk in Fredonia Gilman Family Music Series. Tickets are $20 (Adults), $18 (Opera House Members) and $10 (Students) and can be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday-Friday, noon to 4:30 p.m., or online anytime at www.fredopera.org.