Executive Director Kim Renz announced today the first of three big music weekends at Theater at Lime Kiln from August 27th through September 24th.
On Friday, August 27th the Western Virginia based band consisting of Danny Knicely, Nate Leath, Aimee Curl and Bert Carlson will perform at a CD release party to showcase their first CD, The Melody Lingers On. The band will hold three such parties from the 26th in Harrisonburg through the 29th in Hillsboro.
The Melody Lingers On is a collaboration of four versatile musicians, with each bringing their own distinct style to the project. Their musical talents and tastes are wide as shown in the variety of styles including bluegrass, jazz, old-time, swing, and Latin music. With so many ways to learn in this day and age, these musicians learned these songs the old fashioned way, from each other. This comes through in the uniqueness of the arrangements and the material chosen for the CD.
Knicely is a 4th generation Appalachian multi-instrumentalist from a family steeped in mountain music tradition. He has performed internationally with the award-winning group, Magraw Gap, and won several awards for both his mandolin and guitar expertise. Leath is one of the new bright lights illuminating the contemporary fiddle universe, telling a story with every note he plays. He has absorbed the roots of traditional fiddling, winning numerous awards including 1st place in bluegrass fiddle at the famed Galax Fiddlers Convention at the age of 11.
Curl began playing the dulcimer as a teenager and experimented with the guitar, fiddle and bass. After 10 years with the group ThaMuseMeant, she studied the upright bass fiddle at the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music. Carlson has performed frequently with Lew Morrison's Splaat as well as folk and blues singer BarbAra Martin. He has also performed jazz with Bob Peckman Jazz, swing with the Bob Lefever/Charlie Perkinson Combo and guitar with Loose Change and Leslie Tucker.
When asked what he thought of the recently formed group and The Melody Lingers On, popular Lexington-based musician and leader of Mule Train, Gary Ruley said, "You have to see them. This show is going to be GOOD!" For more information about the CD and the band, go to dannyknicely.com.
On Sunday the August 29th the often seen and extremely popular bluegrass band, The Seldom Scene, makes its annual sojourn from Maryland to Lime Kiln. The Scene, as they are affectionately called, appear each year to the delight of their fans. Regarded as one of the most progressive bands in bluegrass and as one of the finest acts in the genre, members Ben Eldridge, Dudley Connell, Fred Travers, Ronnie Simpkins and Lou Reid perform a show full of top-notch playing and outstanding vocals.
Renz says the audience comes from as close as across the street to as far as Ohio for this concert. "The Seldom Scene is very important to Lime Kiln and our audience," said Renz. I think we would all go through some sort of musical withdrawal, if those guys didn't come here every year. It's sure a good thing they are!"
Gates and concessions open at 6pm, and both concerts start at 7:30. Tickets for all events are on sale online at theateratlimekiln.com, at the Lexington Visitors Center at 106 East Washington Street and by calling the Lime Kiln Office at 540-463-7088.
Upcoming Performances at Theater at Lime Kiln
August 27 Knicely, Leath, Curl and Carlson - CD Release Party
August 29 The Seldom Scene - Bluegrass
September 3 Key West Band - A Night in the Keys
September 4 Walker's Run and Borden Grant - Bluegrass and Roots
September 24 Punch Brothers, featuring Chris Thile
September 26 Carolina Chocolate Drops - Mike Seeger Celebration
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