This concert has been postponed. Please check back for updates.
Get in the mood for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s 2018 PNC presents Wide Open Bluegrass with an afternoon of bluegrass in Raleigh’s own Midtown Park! The Lonely Heartstring Band (4:30-6 p.m.) is an award-winning classic bluegrass quintet sharing original music rooted in traditional music. Kicking off the afternoon will be Circus No. 9 (3-4 p.m.), a new progressive acoustic group that embraces the influence of bluegrass, jazz, rock, and more. Before the music gets started on stage, musicians ages 18 and under are invited to a special pre-show youth jam at the park!
Nourished by deep roots in the expansive canon of traditional American music, The Lonely Heartstring Band embodies the modern American condition—an understanding and reverence for the past that informs a push into the future. This multi-talented group of musicians is a classic bluegrass quintet—always far greater than the sum of its parts. Combining soulful instrumental virtuosity with soaring three-part harmonies, their growing repertoire of original songs and compositions showcases not only their considerable talents, but a dedication to meaningful roots-conscious music. Since their beginnings in 2012, The Lonely Heartstring Band has been on the rise and shows no sign of slowing down. With their 2015 IBMA Momentum Award and their 2016 release of their debut full-length album on the legendary Rounder Records label, there is every reason to hope that they are at the front edge of a significant career. Already they have generated a devoted following of music-lovers across North America, performing and headlining at major music festivals and historic venues from Western Canada to California, from Kentucky to New Hampshire. Whether it’s a festival stage, theatre, or intimate listening room, The Lonely Heartstring Band always delivers a dynamic, diverse, and heartfelt performance. Over the last three years of touring, the band has crafted shows that generate a genuine connection and bring crowds to their feet. Eager to hit the road again in 2017, The Lonely Heartstring Band will continue bringing thoughtful, energetic, and memorable performances to audiences across the country and around the world. The band members are: George Clements (vocals, guitar), Patrick M’Gonigle (vocals, fiddle), Matt Witler (mandolin), Gabe Hirshfeld (banjo), and Charles Clements (vocals, bass).
Based out of East Tennessee, Circus No.9 has appeared on stage alongside artists including David Grisman, Bryan Sutton, Larry Keel, and more. With awarded musicians Matthew Davis (2016 National Banjo Champion, 2017 Rockygrass Banjo Champion), Thomas Cassell (2016 Rockygrass Mandolin Champion), bassist Vince Ilagan, and guitarist Jed Clark, Circus No.9 is taking the new acoustic scene by force. Acclaimed guitarist Bryan Sutton said of the band, “Circus No. 9 represents everything that’s good about the new generation of acoustic music. These guys already exhibit a maturity and musicianship that has me thinking we’re going to be hearing great stuff from them for a long time!”
Parking
The closest parking deck to Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park is on Market Street, across from the Harris Teeter. The parking deck entrance is on Market Street, just north of the park (near the intersection of Market St. and St. Alban’s Dr.) . Please note that the streets immediately adjacent to the park will be closed to through traffic during the concert.
PNC Bank is the presenting sponsor for the Midtown Bluegrass Series; additional support comes from Larceny Bourbon, Clancy & Theys Construction Company, 947 QDR, and Kix 102.9.
