Forty-five years after its initial release, The Who's rock opera Tommyhas been transformed by The Hillbenders into a full-length bluegrass tribute with all of the original record's energy, instrumental showmanship, and rock star vocals in tact. See this performance live at the Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall for one night only on Wednesday, November 9 at 7:30 pm. Tickets go on sale this Friday, August 19 at 12:00 pm at the Marcus Center Box Office and are $25. Tickets can be purchased in person at 929 North Water Street, by phone at 414-273-7206 or online at MarcusCenter.org or Ticketmaster.com.
Originally recorded with a full rock band, the dynamic bluegrass quintet recreated the legendary album with a banjo, Dobro, mandolin, bass, and guitar. The "Bluegrass Opry," as its been dubbed, brings a new perspective to Tommy while paying homage to its creators. Both
Roger Daltrey and
Pete Townshend, founding members of the Who, have seen the show and endorsed it.
The HillBenders' studio album of 'Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry' debuted at #3 on Billboard's Bluegrass Chart. The band has just returned from a UK tour where they presented the show to its home audience at some of the most prestigious music festivals and venues in Europe.
SXSW co-founder and musician/producer Louis
Jay Meyers conceived the idea of a "bluegrass opry" and felt he'd found the right band to pull off this high-wire approach to the record when he met The Hillbenders, a band known for its ability to bridge the gap between musical genres and fans.
The live performance is a full 75-minute show covering the original album from start to finish.
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