JD Crowe Set for Theater at Lime Kiln, 5/8

Bluegrass great J.D. Crowe and the New South appear at Theater at Lime Kiln in Lexington on May 8th at 7:30pm. Crowe and the New South are among the most influential bluegrass bands of the past three decades, with a visionary sound that suggests both a rich past and a wide-open future.

From 1975's classic J.D. Crowe and the New South (affectionately referred to by fans by its catalog number, 0044), to 2006's Lefty's Old Guitar, bandleader/banjo player/guitarist/vocalist Crowe has lead an array of brilliant musicians in a mission to continually reinvent and update bluegrass while simultaneously paying tribute to the legacy of tone, taste, and timing established by Crowe's musical idols.

The lineups of the New South continued to evolve and change from the release of "0044" onward. Many great musicians passed through on their way to start their own bands, including Jimmy Gaudreau, Richard Bennett, Don Rigsby, and Phil Leadbetter. Among the most notable alumni was the gifted, ill-fated vocalist Keith Whitley, who introduced a strong honky-tonk feeling to Crowe's music on the albums Somewhere Between (reissued by Rounder under Whitley's name as Sad Songs and Waltzes) and My Home Ain't in the Hall of Fame (released by Rounder in 2002) before going on to mainstream country stardom.

Crowe briefly flirted with retirement in the mid to late '90s, but following the release of 1999's Come On Down to My World (Rounder), he put together the strongest New South lineup since the days of Skaggs and Rice and resumed touring regularly. Guitarist and vocalist Ricky Wasson brings a full, rich vocal sound to the band, along with his abilities as an MC and front man. On mandolin, tenor, and high-lead vocals is Dwight McCall, whose remarkable singing was featured on Come On Down to My World. Matt DeSpain joined the group in 2010 playing resonator guitar as well as contributing to the sound vocally. Also new in 2010 is Kyle Perkins on upright bass.

Lime Kiln Executive Director Kim Renz says this will be the best Bluegrass/ Newgrass lineup at Lime Kiln in years. "This season we are presenting The New South, Nothin' Fancy, The Seldom Scene, Walker's Run and Punch Brothers. If you like this music, Lime Kiln is the place you need to be."

Lime Kiln gates and concessions open at 6pm, with the concert at 7:30pm. For online tickets or more information go to theateratlimekiln.com. Tickets are also on sale at the Lexington Visitors Center at 106 East Washington Street or by calling the Lime Kiln Office at 540-463-7088.

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