Blue Drifters band returns to Old Gem
The Blue Drifters Quartet returns to the Old Gem Theater for a concert of traditional bluegrass, vintage country and variety music on Friday, April 6, at 8 p.m.
The Blue Drifters Quartet returns to the Old Gem Theater for a concert of traditional bluegrass, vintage country and variety music on Friday, April 6, at 8 p.m.
“The Blue Drifters have played the Old Gem many times,” said Artistic Director Kathy Welch. “We keep inviting them back because their concerts are so much fun and audiences love them.”
The Blue Drifters bring a great deal of variety to their bluegrass music, with swing jazz arrangements, Irish, rock, pop and vintage country songs performed in a bluegrass style. Employing many years of flatpick guitar, five-string banjo and fiddle playing experience, the quartet re-creates the work of such first-generation bluegrass luminaries as Don Reno, Ralph Stanley, Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and Bill Monroe. The seasoned quartet also offers pleasing duo, trio and acapella quartet harmony singing.
Steve Howard, founder of the Blue Drifters, arranges trios and quartets, sings and plays five-string banjo and guitar. Josh Larson, grandson of Fiddlin’ Ole Hanson, plays guitar, lead and harmony vocals. George Payne grew up listening to his dad perform old time fiddle across Washington. After a long stint on percussion in rock and roll, blues and jazz bands, he now plays bass. Cara Weggler minored in music at Macalester College. She plays fiddle, and sings.
Tickets are $15. Call 715-246-3285 or 1-800-886-8035 for reservations or more information about the Old Gem Theater or visit
. The Old Gem is located at 116 South Knowles Ave., New Richmond.Upcoming shows at the Old Gem include:
Seussical Jr. (theater for youth), Saturday, May 12, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday, May 13, at 2 p.m.; Saturday, May 19, at 10:30 a.m.; and Sunday, May 20, at 2 p.m.
Tags: arts and entertainment, lifestyle, entertainment
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