FRANK SOLIVAN & CHRIS LUQUETTE DUO 

WITH OTTER OPRY

AT MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Otter Opry is bringing another awesome bluegrass program to Monterey United Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 9th: the Frank Solivan & Chris Luquette Duo. Individually, these two extraordinary musicians have compelling stories. Frank grew up near Modesto, California. His grandmother on his father's side played mandolin and fiddle, and his father played the banjo, guitar, bass, and mandolin. His mother's side of the family included classical violin and cello players. Frank fell in love with bluegrass music at an early age and formed his first band, Generation Gap, in the late 1980s. After his service in the US Navy, he decided to form his own band, Dirty Kitchen -- a reference to the gourmet meals he prepares for friends and family. 

Frank holds Chris in high esteem. "In the 11 years Chris has been playing with me, I’ve seen him grow into a wonderful man," he says. "Chris is an inspiration, and I feel like I’m a better musician and human because of his contributions, on and off stage. We’ve traveled the world and made some of the best music of my life together." 

With his roots in the Seattle music scene, Chris Luquette seamlessly switches from jazz to rock to bluegrass. His acoustic guitar playing really stands out, but this multi-instrumentalist is equally at home playing mandolin, drums, bass, electric guitar, banjo, and Greek bouzouki. Chris toured with Dirty Kitchen for 11 years; he was also a founding member of Seattle-based Northern Departure and has found himself sitting in with Jerry Douglas, Emmylou Harris, Rob Ickes, and many others. So come on out and listen to this remarkable duo in what is guaranteed to be a brilliant performance. The event includes a smoked meatloaf dinner at 5:30pm ($12.50 before October 5th, $17.50 at the door). Online ticket 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

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 delicious 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

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