LAURIE LEWIS AND KATHY KALLICK

WITH OTTER OPRY

AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

There's just **NO** bluegrass sound like Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick putting out their classic and totally incredible harmony. In his review of their 1991 album, David Kidman said it just right: “Kathy and Laurie invoke with uncanny intensity the spirit and essence of those raw, pioneering recordings in the tremendous sense of togetherness they display here. They were born to sing together; the way they share and swap lead and harmony vocal parts is miraculous, and they both have voices to die for.” 

Some things never change, and Otter Opry is beyond thrilled to bring these two bluegrass icons back to Monterey on Saturday, February 15th as the aptly-named Laurie Lewis & Kathy Kallick (celebrating 50 years together) band. And that’s not all. The duo will be backed by three of the most outstanding musicians in the genre: Chad Manning on fiddle, Tom Bekeny on mandolin, and Christine Wilhoyt on banjo.

Both Laurie and Kathy have won a Grammy and two International Bluegrass Music Association awards for their contributions to “True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe,” both have released some two dozen albums with bands and/or under their own names, and both have received Lifetime Member Awards from the California Bluegrass Association. Laurie has twice won the IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year award, and all the Kathy Kallick Band albums have charted in the Top 10 of both the National Bluegrass Survey and Folk Alliance International charts.

So let’s cut to the chase: This is a rare opportunity to see two true bluegrass pioneers who remain at the top of their game, and you really don’t want to miss it. The event includes a delicious roast beef dinner at 5:30pm ($12.50 before February 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 chicken 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

BEAN CREEK

WITH OTTER OPRY

AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Starting with the basics: If you have never heard Billy Pitrone sing, you have missed one of the most incredible and moving bluegrass voices on the planet. Not only that, but he’s also one of the nicest people ever. OK, enough of that: Billy and his Bean Creek band – a local favorite for a good long time – will be gracing the Otter Opry stage on Saturday, April 5th at the United Methodist Church in Monterey. Eeeh hah!

Who are these folks? Bean Creek is a bluegrass band that plays straight-ahead traditional style bluegrass. Slightly revised since the passing of original (and deeply missed) band member Pete Hicks, the band is now joined by Henry and Ella Warde. Enthusiasm and passion, as well as fine song choices including rousing instrumentals and heartfelt ballads, are guaranteed to delight foot-stompin’ audiences like you. Dulcet harmonies and fun stage banter are always a solid part of the program, so get ready for some real fun! 

Bean Creek was voted Best Band four times by the Northern California Bluegrass Society, while Billy has captured Best Vocalist eight times since 2008. Rob has also picked up Best Banjo Player in previous years. Band members include Billy Pitrone on guitar and vocals, Sarah Eblen on bass and vocals, Rob Horgan on banjo, Ella Warde on fiddle and vocals and Henry Warde on mandolin and vocals. This is the sweetest, best, most talented bunch of bluegrass stars you could ever hope to see and hear. C’mon down!

3pm. 

 $25/show (CBA members $20; 15 and under free) 

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 enchilada 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 spaghetti 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