Zoograss comes back for a second year

ASHEBORO — “After a huge success last September, ZOOGRASS IS BACK!” announced Tim Moon, one of the musical event’s coordinators.

Zoograss, the triple-consecutive night of bluegrass’ best in the business, is returning to the Sunset Theatre next week. Performances this year feature: Authentic Unlimited on Wednesday, Sept. 10; Darin & Brooke Aldridge on Thursday, Sept. 11; and Lonesome River Band on Friday, Sept. 12. 

All shows begin at 7 pm. Individual tickets are $25 per night or $70 for all three nights. Seating is general admission.

DAY 1, Wednesday, Sept. 10 — Authentic Unlimited

Authentic Unlimited is a band of pickers and singers from Tennessee and Kentucky who blend traditional bluegrass with a fresh, modern edge. Comprised of seasoned musicians which include three former members of the legendary Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the band’s talent and dedication to their craft are widely celebrated in the bluegrass community. They received three International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards in 2024 for Song of the Year (“Fall in Tennessee”), Vocal Group of the Year, and tied for Music Video of the Year; and two IBMA awards in 2023 for Vocal Group of the Year and New Artist of the Year. AU consists of Stephen Burwell (fiddle), Eli Johnston (banjo), Jesse Brock (mandolin), Jerry Cole (bass) and newest member Colton Baker (guitar). 

“We’re looking forward to performing at the Sunset Theatre!” Burwell said. “Any time we play in North Carolina, we always feel at home. This will be especially true for Zoograss, as we’re a bunch of hungry animals.”

Darin & Brooke Aldridge hail from Cherryville, NC. Brooke is a four-time winner of the IBMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year award. Darin, a former member of The Country Gentlemen, is a past IBMA Mentor of the Year and a gifted singer and multi-instrumentalist. The husband and wife duo provides tight harmonies with motivational lyrics.

DAY 2, Thursday, Sept. 11 — Darin & Brooke Aldridge

“We are absolutely thrilled to announce our return to the Sunset Theatre in Asheboro!” Brooke said. “It’s hard to believe it’s been over a decade since we last had the pleasure of performing at this wonderful venue, and we’ve been looking forward to coming back.

“We’re especially excited to be part of what promises to be a fantastic three-day event of Zoograss. It’s an honor to contribute to such a special occasion, and we’re incredibly proud to be included. We’re eager to share our music with everyone and create some new memories together. We hope to see you there!”

DAY 3, Friday, Sept. 12 —Lonesome River Band

The Lonesome River Band returns to Zoograss for a second year. The group continues to uphold its reputation as one of the most respected names in bluegrass music. Sammy Shelor, five-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year and winner of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, leads the group that constantly breaks new ground in acoustic music. Other members of LRB include Jesse Smathers (guitar), Adam Miller (mandolin), Mike Hartgrove (fiddle) and Kameron Keller (bass).

“Hey folks! The Lonesome River Band is looking forward to returning to Asheboro to perform at the Sunset Theatre,” said Hartgrove of Albemarle. “It’s always special when we play in North Carolina!” 

To order tickets, visit SunsetTheatre.org or call Asheboro Parks and Recreation: 336-626-1240, ext. 1.

Zoograss is made possible by the City of Asheboro for its financial support, Tim Moon for booking, and Taylor Crawford, Sunset Theatre manager, for hosting this multi-night event.