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Our friends at Relix Magazine are giving away a pair of VIP backstage tickets for our New Years show at Marathon Music Works with The Del Mccoury Band and Keller Williams. They are also giving away a pair of general admission tickets. Happy Holidays and good luck! WIN TICKETS HERE!
Keller Williams is getting excited to ring in 2013 with The Del McCoury Band and The Travelin' McCourys in Nashville at Marathon Music Works. He's so excited, he's started singing its praises.
Get your tickets HERE!
The New Years Eve Extravaganza has been announced in Nashville! Joining the party at Marathon Music Works is The Del Mccoury Band and Keller Williams with The Travelin' McCourys.
Due to health issues, this week’s performances of “A Tribute to Bill Monroe” will feature Cody Kilby along with Peter Rowan and The Travelin' McCourys. Tony Rice will be unable to play on Thursday, November 29th in Wilmington, NC and Friday, November 30th in Roanoke, VA. We wish Tony a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on stage soon!
Cody Kilby, lead guitarist for Ricky Skaggs’ Kentucky Thunder Band is a musical prodigy. He had a Gibson endorsement on banjo at the age of 13, and by 17 he was the National Flatpicking Champion. In his teans he also added dobro and mandolin to his arsenal. Bruce Hornsby calls him “a freak of nature” and Ricky Skaggs says “he’s something special” and “plays some of the best guitar solos I’ve heard in Bluegrass Music.”
Show Info:
Thursday, November 29th
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Wilmington, NC - 8pm
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Friday, November 30th
Jefferson Center - Shaftman Performance Hall
Roanoke, VA - 8pm
The Travelin’ McCourys new album with Keller Williams hits stores today. To celebrate, we are giving away the track “Bumper Sticker” featuring Del McCoury until midnight tonight. To get your copy go to: http://soundcloud.com/kellerwilliams/sticker
To hear more, or to purchase the album, visit http://www.kellermccoury.com
Pick, to be released July 3, 2012 on SCI Fidelity Records, is the debut collaboration of Keller Williams and The Travelin’ McCourys. Pre-Orders for the album begin May 18th at www.KellerMcCoury.com (also www.kellerwilliams.net and www.travelinmccourys.com). Those who pre-order Pick automatically get 2 entries into the Pick Me! sweepstakes, where one lucky person will win an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Nashville to hang with Keller, Del and The Travelin’ McCourys at their just-announced 2012 New Year’s Eve extravaganza at Marathon Music Works. Pick Me! and New Year’s Eve show details available at www.KellerMcCoury.com.
It’s only after you hear Pick that you come to the inescapable realization that this is a meeting that was predestined. Williams, the über-distinctive singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who’s been described as a “one-man band for the new millennium,” is a tireless musical seeker for whom repetition is never an option. And The Travelin’ McCourys - bluegrass royalty nonpareil with a sharp eye toward innovation - have similarly been dubbed “twenty-first century musical pilgrims and adventurers.”
Pick, is a classic case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts—although the parts are rather massive on their own, to be sure. Recorded at Nashville’s famed Butcher Shoppe studios, the album’s dozen songs (both originals and covers) fully realize Americana music’s long storytelling tradition, and the impeccable musicianship displayed on Pick captures all of the heart and heartache of the bluegrass genre—and then some: Williams’ unconventional songwriting takes on even greater weight when backed by The Travelin’ McCourys’ emotive tones. Inspired by Keller’s fearless creativity, The Travelin’ McCourys’ flawless playing gains new depth.
Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys will perform together at select summer festivals. The list of these very special shows is included below.
“I can hardly believe what a blast this collaboration has been so far,” says Williams. “To be in the presence of The Travelin' McCourys is to be in the presence of greatness. Sometimes you'll catch us trying not to smile when we play, just to make sure that at least some of the time the music takes precedence over the joy of playing it!”
With decades on the bluegrass circuit under their belt, The Travelin’ McCourys— Rob McCoury on banjo, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin, Jason Carter on fiddle and Alan Bartram on bass—approach their craft with simultaneous reverence for the bluegrass tradition (Ronnie and Rob are the sons of bluegrass icon Del McCoury) and an insatiable desire to move the music forward. Their tight rhythmic sense, jaw-dropping chops and soulful material, performed with an unshakable confidence, takes bluegrass from the safe confines of its predetermined shore into uncharted waters. They’ve played with the Allman Brothers Band, Phish, Warren Haynes and the Lee Boys—not exactly bluegrassers—and are constantly looking for new ways to redefine themselves.
“We like to play traditional bluegrass music the way we do it with Dad, but we also like to be able to step into situations where we can really stretch out,” Ronnie told JamBase. “If we need to plug in, we’ll plug in. We’re open to anything.”
That they were open to teaming with Keller Williams is no surprise. Over the course of his two-decade career, Williams has ceaselessly followed his singular muse, both in a live setting—where he might accompany himself on any number of instruments and electronics—and in the studio, where he’s recorded everything from reggae to rock to experimental music to children’s songs to, of course, bluegrass. Thief, Keller’s 2010 recording with the Keels, reached number #1 on Billboard’s bluegrass chart while last year’s Bass found him utilizing only that instrument throughout the album. Predictability? Not in his vocabulary.
On Pick, Keller Williams—armed this time only with acoustic guitar and a microphone—and The Travelin’ McCourys shine on a dozen tracks that perfectly demonstrate their collective reach, including several new Williams and band-written originals and a handful of surprise but choice covers, including My Morning Jacket’s “Amazed,” Steve Earle’s “The Graveyard Shift” and singer-songwriter Jessie J’s “Price Tag.” The album’s finale, Williams’ “Bumper Sticker,” benefits from a special guest appearance by the man himself, the 73-year-old legend Del McCoury. While the familiar elements of both Keller’s and the McCourys’ music are all in place, the sound that emerges from the troupe collectively takes all of the participants into fresh musical places, where tunefulness meets mystery, virtuosity, daring and a blast of a good time.
Pick is about good pickin’, but it’s about something more: what transpires when two seemingly disparate musical entities find that they have something special to say when they join forces. Pick will surely go down as one of the top picks of 2012 by many an awestruck fan and discriminating critic.
Keller Williams and The Travelin’ Mccourys special summer festival stops:
Friday, May 18 Dominion Riverrock at Brown's Island Richmond VA
Saturday, May 26 DelFest Cumberland MD (with special Keller Solo Set)
Friday, June 1 Mountain Jam Hunter NY
Saturday, June 2 Wakarusa Ozark AR
Thursday, June 28 Electric Forest Rothbury MI
Tuesday, July 3 Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua Washburn WI
Friday, July 6 Deadwood Mountain Grand Deadwood SD
Friday, August 17 The River Roots Live Music Festival Davenport, IA
Friday, September 14 Jomeokee Arts and Music Festival Pinnacle, NC
Plus,
Monday, December 31 Marathon Music Works Nashville, TN
New Year’s Eve extravaganza with sets by Del McCoury Band, Keller Williams
(solo), and Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
Additional dates to be confirmed.
Keep up to date on all things Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys and Pick at www.KellerMcCoury.com
For Keller Williams info and tour dates:
http://www.facebook.com/kellerwilliams
http://twitter.com/#!/KellerMusician
For The Travelin’ McCourys info and tour dates:
The Travelin McCourys are the latest incarnation of the most awarded band in the history of bluegrass – The Del McCoury Band. Keller Williams is known as one of the most innovative solo singer/songwriters of this generation. What happens when the two join forces? The live stage may never be the same. Brought together by equal parts mutual admiration and the desire to change the musical landscape while staying true to their roots, The Travelin’ McCourys and Keller Williams are a perfect – albeit unexpected – fit. The two have a lot in common after all: Their high energy, ever evolving live shows, their individual playing prowess and their strong and unique song writing skills. Fans are most used to seeing Keller sans a band – just him and a guitar with or without his signature live looping technique. For The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams, fans will see Keller playing his music with one of the best live bands on the touring circuit. McCoury fans, used to seeing the boys tour with Del in the lead, will now get to see them playing their songs with Keller on guitar. It’s a perfect marriage of instrumental virtuosos, memorable songwriting, infectious musical camaraderie, and undeniable energy. And with both acts known to bring epic and spontaneous live collaborations to theaters and festivals across American – The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams will take this collaborative spirit one step further, promising to bring something fresh and unexpected to the live stage.
Thursday, April 12th Aggie Theatre Ft. Collins, CO
Friday, April 13th Boulder Theater Boulder, CO
Saturday, April 14th The Ogden Theatre Denver, CO
And more festival dates found here
w/ The Travelin’ McCourysJeff Austin (Yonder Mountain String Band) Bill Nershi (Emmitt-Nershi)
January 20th at The Bluebird - Bloomington, IN January 21st at The Auditorium Theater - Chicago, IL and January 22nd at Old Rock House - St. Louis, MO
Chances are if you’ve been to a bluegrass festival, the memories most prevalent in your mind are not so much that of the “scheduled” performers but more of the impromptu jams and unscheduled collaborations. It’s with that spirit that the McCoury family decided to embark on a traveling bluegrass festival that they are calling The Bluegrass Ball.
Ask most string musicians young or old and they will mostly likely tell you that sharing a stage with the McCourys is at or near the top of their list…if they have not already. The McCourys are known for not only their ability to play with just about anyone but also for actually doing it! Anyone who has attended the McCourys’ highly acclaimed DelFest can tell you that the McCourys are on stage all throughout the day and night playing with many of the bands in attendance. These jams are what make DelFest unique, and The Bluegrass Ball will be akin to the epic late night jams that have become a DelFest highlight.
Along for the ride all 3 nights are mandolin player extraordinaire Jeff Austin (Yonder Mountain String Band), Bill Nershi (Emmitt-Nershi Band). With this particular line up there are sure to be some phenomenal collaborations and each show will certainly be unique from the next!
The Travelin’ McCourys
The Travelin’ McCourys do not stand still. They are on the road--and online--entertaining audiences with live shows that include some of the best musicians and singers from all genres. It’s always different, always exciting, and always great music. No other band today has the same credentials for playing traditional and progressive music. As the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin and Rob McCoury on banjo continue their father’s work-a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into people’s lives. And with fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram, the ensemble is loved and respected by the bluegrass faithful. But the band is now combining their sound with others to make something fresh and rejuvenated.
Jeff Austin
Jeff Austin is best known for his many years playing mandolin for Colorado heavy hitters, Yonder Mountain String Band. Yonder has always played by their own set of rules bending bluegrass, rock and roll, and countless other influences. While most known for his playing with Yonder Mountain String Band, Jeff has played with countless musicians and is sought after by countless musicians and festivals alike.
Bill Nershi From the saloons of Telluride to the some of the most sought after venues in America, Bill Nershi has delighted countless fans as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and founding member of the String Cheese Incident. A seasoned veteran of flat-picking and a variety of acoustic styles, Nershi adds a unique, colorful perspective to virtually any musical situation he encounters, and his enthusiasm and playful spirit encourage an interactive, participatory experience for musicians and fans alike. His most recent forays into dobro, bass, and lap steel playing, as well as his accomplished songwriting contributions with the recently-formed Honkytonk Homeslice, prove that his musical horizons will only continue to expand.
w/ The Travelin’ McCourys Jeff Austin (Yonder Mountain String Band) Drew Emmitt(Emmitt-Nershi) And Head for the Hills
March 10th & 11th at The Abbey Pub – Chicago, IL March 12th & 13th at The Old Rock House – St. Louis, MO
Chances are if you’ve been to a bluegrass festival, the memories most prevalent in your mind are not so much that of the “scheduled” performers but more of the impromptu jams and unscheduled collaborations. It’s with that spirit that the McCoury family decided to embark on a traveling bluegrass festival that they are calling The Bluegrass Ball.
Ask most string musicians young or old and they will mostly likely tell you that sharing a stage with the McCourys is at or near the top of their list…if they have not already. The McCourys are known for not only their ability to play with just about anyone but also for actually doing it! Anyone who has attended the McCourys’ highly acclaimed DelFest can tell you that the McCourys are on stage all throughout the day and night playing with many of the bands in attendance. These jams are what make DelFest unique, and The Bluegrass Ball will be akin to the epic late night jams that have become a DelFest highlight.
Along for the ride over 4 nights in both Chicago and St. Louis are mandolin player extraordinaire Jeff Austin (Yonder Mountain String Band), Drew Emmitt (Leftover Salmon and Emmitt-Nershi Band), and bluegrass up and comers Head for the Hills. With this particular line up there are sure to be some phenomenal collaborations and each show will certainly be unique from the next!
The Travelin’ McCourys
The Travelin’ McCourys do not stand still. They are on the road--and online--entertaining audiences with live shows that include some of the best musicians and singers from all genres. It’s always different, always exciting, and always great music. No other band today has the same credentials for playing traditional and progressive music. As the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin and Rob McCoury on banjo continue their father’s work-a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into people’s lives. And with fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram, the ensemble is loved and respected by the bluegrass faithful. But the band is now combining their sound with others to make something fresh and rejuvenated.
Jeff Austin
Jeff Austin is best known for his many years playing mandolin for Colorado heavy hitters, Yonder Mountain String Band. Yonder has always played by their own set of rules bending bluegrass, rock and roll, and countless other influences. While most known for his playing with Yonder Mountain String Band, Jeff has played with countless musicians and is sought after by countless musicians and festivals alike.
Drew Emmitt
Revered as one of the most energetic and innovative mandolin players on the jamband/newgrass scene today, Emmitt’s “inestimable talents” (An Honest Tune) don’t end with just the instruments that can be picked. Holding the wheel steady on acoustic and electric slide mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar and mandola Emmitt also showcases on recent solo albums superlative storytelling and versatile vocal abilities. Drew Emmitt is best known for his over 20 years with Leftover Salmon and also the past few years with The Emmitt-Nershi Band
Head For the Hills
Rooted in the tradition of bluegrass, the music of Head for the Hills is a vibrant mixture of homegrown compositions, traditional harmonies, and an innovative approach to improvisation. The groups’ lyrical nature and songwriting seems to evoke reminiscent feelings of inspiration. In the live setting, Head for the Hills can venture into the myriad of musical styles and sonic landscapes that caters to a boundless array of listeners.
Who: The Bluegrass Ball featuring The Travelin’ McCourys, Jeff Austin, Drew Emmitt and Head for the Hills
Where: March 10th & 11th at The Abbey Pub – Chicago, IL March 12th & 13th at The Old Rock House – St. Louis, MO