Nitty Gritty Dirt Band rolls into Sisters

The Sisters Starry Nights Concert Series closes on Saturday, April 2 with the legendary Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, who last appeared at the event in 2000.

This year’s sold-out show features the return of renowned multi-instrumentalist John McEuen, who rejoined the group in 2001 after several years of solo projects. McEuen has appeared at the Sisters Folk Festival.

“We still hear great comments about the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s concert five years ago,” said Starry Nights Co-Chair Susan Arends. “Their show is always entertaining and fun, and their music is classic. Having John McEuen back with them this time will make it even more special!”

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band grew from jams at McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Long Beach, California, in the mid-’60s. Over the course of their four-decade career, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has earned a unique status as one of America’s most respected and beloved musical institutions.

Along the way, they’ve recorded more than 30 albums, scored dozens of hit singles, won countless awards and collaborated with an impressive assortment of contemporaries and legends.

The band is still going strong. It has lasted longer than virtually any other country-based rock group of its era, and still features three of its original members: co-founders Jeff Hanna (guitar/vocals) Jimmie Fadden (drums/harmonica/vocals) and John McEuen (banjo/fiddle/guitar/mandolin); along with Bob Carpenter (keyboards/accordion/vocals) who joined the group in 1976.

Together, they will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the band next year.

Their many highlights include the three installments of their groundbreaking “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” series, a revolutionary concept when the first album was released in 1972. By bringing traditional country, bluegrass and folk heroes together with contemporary performers, they successfully bridged the gap between the two worlds, earning them respect within the industry, critical acclaim and a trio of Grammys.

Over the years, their hits have included “Mr. Bojangles,” “Dance Little Jean,” “Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper’s Dream),” “Fishin’ in the Dark,” Modern Day Romance,” “Make A Little Magic” (with Linda Ronstadt) and “An American Dream” (with NicoletteLarson).

Just this February, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band won their fourth Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance, for the song “Earl’s Breakdown” featuring Earl Scruggs, Vassar Clements and Jerry Douglas.

Their latest album, “Welcome to Woody Creek,” was released last fall.

Opening the show will be the duo Hanna-McEuen, whose first single,“Something Like a Broken Heart,” is currently climbing the charts while their debut album is slated for a June release on MCA Nashville.

Jaime Hanna and Jonathan McEuen are the sons of NGDB founding members Jeff Hanna and John McEuen and their mothers are identical twins, providing them with a unique musical and genetic connection.

Student performers will also be featured prominently at this year’s Starry Nights Concert Series. SHS/SMS Jazz Comb will provide pre-concert entertainment in the lobby and during intermission the SHS JV Jazz Band will perform.

Elementary school students Amity Calvin, Emily Christen, Chelsey Davisdon, Shannon Fouts, Wyatt Houghman, Kayti Schlatter and Jordan Williams will be featured in a special performance with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

SHS seniors Lauren Shultz and Ford Bauer will serve as masters of ceremonies.

Doors to the lobby will open at 5:30 p.m. where a light dinner menu will be offered while concert-goers can visit displays from groups such as the Americana Project, purchase CDs and T-shirts and bid on raffle and silent auction items.

Theater doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m.

For more information on Starry Nights, contact the Sisters School District at 549-8521.