CALIFORNIA BLUEGRASS REUNION

WITH OTTER OPRY

AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Having brought the house down at their first two Otter Opry performances, the California Bluegrass Reunion will be back on Tuesday, November 19th at the United Methodist Church to do it again. This star-studded band is highlighted by the awesome fiddling of Chad Manning and features an abundance of original instrumentals from mandolinist John Reischman and banjo player Bill Evans. Anchoring the rhythm section is Jim Nunally on guitar and vocals, Mike Witcher on Dobro, and Sharon Gilchrist on bass. The show will open with a four-song set by Nell & Jim, featuring Jim Nunally on vocals, guitar and banjo, with Nell Robinson on vocals and miniflute; this amazing duo delivers tight harmonies and original genre-bending music that will get the evening off to a sizzling start. 

Back to California Bluegrass Reunion: Grammy Award-winning John Reischman is a foundational mandolinist, composer, bandleader and musical educator in bluegrass and North American roots and folk music. Bill Evans – winner of the 2022 Steve Martin “Excellence in Banjo” Award – occupies a unique niche in the music world, celebrated for his varied bluegrass banjo styles as well as his innovative original compositions. Jim Nunally is a musician, composer, record producer and teacher – all in addition to being one of the finest guitar players in the world. Chad Manning is a bluegrass, old-time and swing fiddler who has performed with more famous bands than you can count. Sharon Gilchrist has long made her home in the American acoustic music scene, performing on concert and festival stages all over North America. Growing up the youngest of five in a musical and artistic family in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Mike Witcher found his voice playing the Dobro at the age of 14. 

These musicians have made music in various combinations for decades, but this all-star performance is an incredible opportunity to see and hear them together. To describe the show as a once-in-a-lifetime (actually, thrice-in-a-lifetime) opportunity is no exaggeration. The event includes a barbecue chicken dinner at 5:30pm ($12.50 before November 17th, $17.50 at the door). Online sales will end at noon the day of the performance.

7pm. 

 $40/show (CBA members $35; 15 and under free); $12.50-17.50/pre-show dinner. 

Online ticket sales will end at noon on the day of the performance.

larry@otteropry.org

LAURIE LEWIS AND THE RIGHT HANDS

WITH OTTER OPRY

AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

There's just nobody like Laurie Lewis. If you came to her last show at Otter Opry, you already know that. If not, you definitely want to jump on this chance: Saturday, February 15th will see Laurie and her band The Right Hands performing at the Monterey United Methodist Church as part of the Otter Opry bluegrass concert series. Quicksilver Productions says it perfectly: “For fiddler, guitarist, singer, songwriter and Grammy-winner Laurie Lewis, the traditions of bluegrass and folk aren’t so much tools in her hands, but burning sources of inspiration that have driven her through a 30+ year career at the forefront of American roots music.” Truer words were never spoken.

Since her debut in 1986, Laurie has recorded over 20 albums. She's been voted IBMA's Female Vocalist of the Year twice, and her classic rendition of "Who Will Watch the Home Place?" won International Bluegrass Song of the Year. She has performed with many acclaimed artists, including Linda Ronstadt, Tim O’Brien and Ralph Stanley. Linda Ronstadt describes Laurie’s voice as “a rare combination of grit and grace, strength and delicacy.”  

Laurie’s band The Right Hands features several of the most talented musicians on the American acoustic scene, marrying spectacular musicianship (on fiddle, banjo, guitar and double bass) with top-notch vocal harmonies and skillful interpretations of bluegrass and folk classics as well as Laurie’s original songs. This is a rare opportunity to see a true bluegrass pioneer who remains at the top of her game. The event includes a delicious dinner at 5:30pm ($12.50 before Feb 8th $17.50 at the door). Online sales will end at noon the day of the performance.

7pm. 

 $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free); $12.50-17.50/pre-show dinner. 

Online ticket sales will end at noon on the day of the performance.

larry@otteropry.org

LONESOME ACE STRINGBAND

WITH OTTER OPRY

AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Otter Opry has something extra special in store for the Monterey bluegrass community on Wednesday, March 5th at the United Methodist Church: The Lonesome Ace Stringband, an old-time band with bluegrass chops that plays some righteous folk and country music. There's a depth of groove and sense of space not often heard in bluegrass today, a level of instrumental interplay and vocal blend uncommon in old-time, and an on-stage rapport that is truly delightful.

Instrumentation alone instantly sets this band’s sound apart. Consisting of just fiddle (John Showman), clawhammer banjo (Chris Coole), and upright bass (Max Heineman), the band moves freely between having a sound so powerful that it doesn't seem like it should be coming from a trio, to a gentle tone that draws the listener in and refreshes the ear. What’s more, all three are compelling lead singers, and when their voices come together, the power of the resulting harmonies is unshakable. 

The band has toured internationally, been engaged by some of the largest festivals in North America and Europe, and recorded five albums. Bluegrass Unlimited described the fourth album — "Modern Old-Time Sounds for the Bluegrass and Folksong Jamboree," which showcased the band's musical range — as "unorthodox enough to be brilliant." And that’s exactly the kind of musical excitement you can look forward to at this show. The event includes a delicious dinner at 5:30pm ($12.50 before March 1st, $17.50 at the door).

7pm. 

 $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free); $12.50-17.50/pre-show dinner. 

Online ticket sales will end at noon on the day of the performance.

larry@otteropry.org

SETH MULDER & MIDNIGHT RUN

WITH OTTER OPRY

AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Once again, Otter Opry will be knocking your bluegrass socks off with an awesome show on Tuesday, May 13th at the United Methodist Church: Seth Mulder & Midnight Run. Hailing from the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains, the band started its journey in 2015 at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. With five like-minded musicians and graduates of college music programs, this group is strongly tied to the rich bluegrass traditions, while simultaneously offering a fresh approach to the "High Lonesome" sound. Each member draws from various influences, including bluegrass, country, and rock and roll. Together, they present a high-energy show filled with nostalgic entertainment, tight harmonies, and skillful musicianship.  

With over 300 dates a year, the band's high-energy style of music has taken them worldwide, including festivals across the United States, Canada, and multiple European tours. Together, Seth Mulder, Colton Powers,Tyler Griffith, Chevy Watson, and Max Silverstein create a powerhouse of music and a stage show you do not want to miss, and that is why they're one of the most talked-about young bluegrass bands on the festival circuit today. 

A favorite among bluegrass enthusiasts and non-bluegrass audiences alike, the band keeps the energy high and the audience on their feet. They clearly understand that when they're on stage, it's not only about the music -- it's about connecting with the audience and creating a memory that will last a lifetime. In a day and age where authenticity is everything, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run are the real deal, so come on out and see for yourself. The event includes a delicious dinner at 5:30pm ($12.50 before May 10th, $17.50 at the door).

7pm. 

 $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free); $12.50-17.50/pre-show dinner. 

Online ticket sales will end at noon on the day of the performance.

larry@otteropry.org

THE ALUM RIDGE BOYS & ASHLEE

WITH OTTER OPRY

AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

What could possibly be better? It's bluegrass from the Blue Ridge, and it's coming to the Monterey United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 19th as the next incredible show from Otter Opry.

Mining the fertile common ground between bluegrass, early country music, and traditional mountain music, The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee are Virginia’s torchbearers of the old time sound. Featuring the classic quintet of fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and bass, the band comprises five masterful musicians and singers who have immersed themselves in the dance music traditions of the Blue Ridge region and developed a deeply rooted old time bluegrass sound. Deep appreciation for Country and "Hillbilly" music of the '30s, '40s, and '50s enables the band to craft tasteful original songs and instrumentals that blend seamlessly alongside the classics.

Their powerful harmony singing and energetic instrumentals have captivated audiences around the globe and helped the band to win many awards, including first prize in the old time band contest at the 85th Annual Old Fiddlers’ Convention in Galax, Virginia and the bluegrass band contest at the 51st Mount Airy Fiddlers’ Convention in North Carolina. Band members have also won a slew of individual awards including first place bluegrass banjo at Galax, first place old time fiddle at the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, WV, and first prize in the 29th Annual MerleFest Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee cut no corners when it comes to real, hard hitting, old time country music -- an approach that is quickly gaining them loyal followers far beyond the reaches of their Virginia mountain home. You will love this show! The event includes a delicious dinner at 5:30pm ($12.50 before June 14th, $17.50 at the door).

7pm. 

 $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free); $12.50-17.50/pre-show dinner. 

Online ticket sales will end at noon on the day of the performance.

larry@otteropry.org