For anyone who has been missing bluegrass since the end of the 2014 World of Bluegrass here in Raleigh, Music of the Carolinas has a treat for you in January! Tommy Edwards will help kick off the new year at the Music of the Carolinas with Mandolin Orange’s own Andrew Marlin! Expect a lively musical conversation featuring both traditional and original tunes performed with multiple combinations of guitar, mandolin, and banjo.
Edwards is the lead singer and guitarist for The Bluegrass Experience, one of the Southeast’s most respected traditional music groups. Having performed professionally for more than 35 years, Edwards brings a wealth of knowledge about his favorite music to his radio program, “Bluegrass Saturday Nights,” on Life 103.1 WLHC. Edwards was twice named World Champion Bluegrass Guitarist and has recorded or performed live with an array of bluegrass greats, including Jimmy Martin, Bobby Hicks, Peter Rowan, Jimmy Mills, Dan Crary, Jack Lawrence, and Mike Cross. He has recorded four albums with The Bluegrass Experience and as many solo discs. (Tommy Edwards photo credit: Scott Sharpe)
Marlin is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who is one half of the highly regarded folk/roots duo Mandolin Orange (they had an NPR top 10 folk album last year). Mandolin Orange recently completed their first overseas tour with Chatham County Line, and they played back-to-back sold out shows at Cats Cradle in Carrboro over Thanksgiving weekend. Mandolin Orange’s latest release, This Side of Jordan, is available on Yep Roc Records. Marlin bought his first guitar when he was 14, and he has been writing songs ever since. Though Marlin grew up listening to his mom play piano for the church he grew up in, his first experience with bluegrass happened much later, driving back from Henderson with some friends and stopping at the Ridgeway Opry House. (Andrew Marlin photo credit: Alex Loops)
While you’re at the Museum, check out the Carolina Bluegrass: Breakdowns & Revivals exhibit! From Dec. 18 – Jan. 22, the Museum will display a tenor banjo made by Vega that was played by Arthur Smith (1921-2014) while composing and recording “Feudin’ Banjos” in 1955 (“Feudin’ Banjos” became “Dueling Banjos” in the film Deliverance).
Please note: The 8th Annual Run for Young will be in downtown Raleigh on this date, so please plan to arrive early to find parking and make your way to the Museum!