MADISON SQUARE PARK PRESENTS A DAY OF FREE BLUEGRASS MUSIC
Mad. Sq. Music: Studio Series 2011 Begins with a Special All-Day Celebration of Bluegrass on September 17
Madison Square Park Conservancy announced Bluegrass In The Park, which kicks off the 2011 Mad. Sq. Music: Studio Series on September 17 from 12:30 to 6:30pm. The free, one-day event will feature five, renowned bluegrass and “newgrass” acts, offering New Yorkers a rare opportunity to see high-caliber bluegrass performances in a beautiful, outdoor festival setting. Appearing throughout the day will be Nashville Bluegrass Band; Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike; Cherryholmes Brothers; Donna Hughes Band and Della Mae.
“New York is truly a city of eclectic and diverse cultural offerings, and yet somehow this beloved and historic genre of music doesn’t appear on many peoples’ radar,” said Conservancy President Debbie Landau, adding, “Our goal is to highlight the incredible scope and beauty of this traditional American music.”
Mad. Sq. Music, in collaboration with The Baisley Powell Elebash Fund, presents the Studio Series to promote and foster a legacy of American musicthrough free, live music performances on Saturday afternoons. Set against the fall foliage of Madison Square Park, the intimate Studio Series atmosphere creates a beautiful space for artists to share the tradition of their craft. “Madison Square Park has been bringing traditional American roots music to New Yorkers for several years now,” said Madison Square Park Conservancy Director of Marketing and Programs Mike Rucker. “We are pleased to be able to devote an entire day to a universally enjoyable genre that doesn’t get much exposure here in the city.”
The five Bluegrass In The Park sets on September 17 will be held on the Oval Lawn from 12:30pm to 6:30pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and a picnic for enjoying the music on the grass. There will also be food by local favorites Fatty Crew available for purchase and plenty of bench seating around the lawn.
Bluegrass in the Park Lineup:
September 17, 12:30pm
12:30pm Della Mae | 1:30pm Donna Hughes Band | 2:30pm Cherryholmes Brothers | 3:30 Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike | 4:45 Nashville Bluegrass Band
More artist information below. Madison Square Park is located between Fifth and Madison Avenues, from 23rd St to 26th St. Thanks to Mad. Sq. Music Studio Series sponsors: Kew Management, Zwicker Electric Co, Inc., WFUV, NYCulture, NYSCA, SIA Acoustics, Danley Sound Labs, Time Out New York, and Ace Hotel.
Nashville Bluegrass Band
With two Grammy Award-winning albums, four-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year the Nashville Bluegrass Band is no stranger to acclaim from critics and fans alike. The band members are sought-after musicians, known for a superior level of creativity and a commitment to traditional music styles. Collectively and singularly, the members of NBB have virtually defined the modern bluegrass sound.
Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike
Energetic singer/songwriter Valerie Smith is a three-time IBMA award winner and Grammy nominee. She knows and respects the tried and true ways of bluegrass, but holds fast to one simple rule of her own: “I sing from my heart. I do my own thing.”
“She’s bold, bright and just boiling over with energy and excitement to spare, She’s one of the genre’s few true divas and you’ll never get her mixed up with anyone else!” – Dave Higgs, Bluegrass Breakdown
Cherryholmes Brothers
Skip and B.J., two brothers from one of bluegrass’ most energetic, entertaining bands, have joined forces and friends to form the powerhouse bluegrass band Cherryholmes Brothers. The band will play their debut performance at Madison Square Park’s Bluegrass in the Park.
Donna Hughes Band
Emerging songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Donna Hughes’ first bluegrass album picked up word-of-mouth buzz and won her a devoted following among both bluegrass fans and critics. Her quest to continually uncover new perspectives is what makes her so remarkable as both a writer and performer, and why she has been referred to by the renowned bluegrass/ country writer and producer Carl Jackson as “one of the best new singer-songwriters in the world of bluegrass…”
Della Mae
From songs that explore independence and urban adventure to timeless themes of love and loss, Della Mae brings acoustic grit and twang to the stage with no apologies. Della Mae’s musical style seamlessly blends years of experience with traditional mountain music and modern singer-songwriter sensibilities. With energetic live performances and award-winning instrumental abilities, the women of Della Mae are certainly turning heads.
About Madison Square Park Conservancy
The Madison Square Park Conservancy is the not-for-profit organization dedicated to keeping historic Madison Square Park a bright, beautiful and lively public park. The Conservancy works in partnership with the City of New York/Parks & Recreation to operate Madison Square Park and is responsible for raising all funds necessary to operate the park, including horticulture, park maintenance, sanitation, security and free cultural programs for park visitors of all ages. madisonsquarepark.org
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