BRISTOL – East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music Program will present its third annual Celebration of ETSU Bluegrass Monday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Center for the Arts on State Street.
“This semester, Bluegrass Program students represent Texas, Alaska, Maine, Georgia, and even Norway and Japan,” said program director Raymond McLain.
“With many also coming from our region, this makes a pleasantly diverse student body. The emphasis this year will be on the talented, dedicated students who come to take part in our program.”
Students from the ETSU program have represented the university and the music of the Appalachian mountains all over the world.
Many of these young musicians, along with regionally and nationally recognized guest artists, will present an evening of original compositions and country, bluegrass and blues favorites.
This year’s celebration features such alumni as Grammy Award-winning artist Tim Stafford, guitarist Mo Canada and recording artist Katie Doman, along with singer, musician, educator and pastor Vincent Dial.
New bluegrass faculty member Kristin Scott Benson is included on the program, as well.
On weekends and during breaks, Benson performs on some of the most prestigious stages in the field, including prominent bluegrass festivals, venues in foreign countries, and even the world-famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Celebrating the release of his new book, banjo instructor E.C. Miller, who has taught over 1,000 people to play the five-string banjo, will also perform.
In addition, awards will be presented to Patsy and Donna Stoneman of the Stoneman Family honoring their many contributions to bluegrass and old-time country music.
Underwriting support of this year’s Celebration of ETSU Bluegrass concert is provided by Ben Scharfstein and One-Stop, Johnson City.
Tickets for the concert are $12 for adults and $6 for children and ETSU students with valid ID.
For tickets or more information, call the Paramount box office at 274-8920 or the Bluegrass Music Program office at 439-7072.

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