Zoograss comes back to Sunset Theatre

ASHEBORO —  Zoograss returns to Sunset Theatre this month for its third consecutive year. Tim Moon, one of the musical event’s coordinators, announced, “It’s exciting! There’s something for everyone: New styles, traditional and gospel.”

Zoograss is a triple-consecutive night series of bluegrass’s best in the business. Performances this year feature:

■ Authentic Unlimited on Wednesday, Sept. 16. 

■ Lonesome River Band on Thursday, Sept. 17.

■ Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road on Friday, Sept. 18.

All shows begin at 7 pm. Individual tickets are $30 per night or $80 for all three nights. Seating is general admission.

Authentic Unlimited is band of pickers and singers from Tennessee and Kentucky that blends 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 have been nominated for a GRAMMY, received numerous awards from International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music 

(SPGMA) and Dove Award nominations. AU consists of: Stephen Burwell (fiddle), Eli Johnston (banjo), Jesse Brock (mandolin), Jerry Cole (bass) and Colton Baker (guitar).

“Authentic Unlimited had such a wonderful time last year at Zoograss, we’ve decided to return this year for yet another exciting performance,” Brock said. “Bring your enthusiasm and cheers for yet another offering of great music and authenticity.”

The Lonesome River Band has been part of Zoograss each year. They continue to uphold their 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,” Hartgrove of Albemarle said. “It’s always special when we play in North Carolina!”

Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road will be making their debut on Zoograss, but have been an important part of the bluegrass scene for decades. Jordan — known as “the lady of tradition” — runs Lorraine’s Coffee House & Music in Garner and features live bluegrass acts weekly.

“Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road are so excited to be a part of Zoograss,” Jordan said. “I will have my award-winning band consisting of Honorary Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame member and past banjo player of the year Ben Greene. There will be some great vocals by Allen Dyer (on guitar) and Kevin Lamm (on bass). I’ll have twin fiddles with Matt Hooper and a special added fiddler Adam Burrows who is from Asheboro. 

“We will be performing each of our No. 1 one hits that night along with some gospel, classic country tunes and bluegrass standards. I traveled the world playing music for 25 years and am excited to be playing close to home at Zoograss.”

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.

“I am thankful to Asheboro Parks & Rec and Sunset Theatre,” Moon said, “so that we can bring these pro bands to Asheboro and Randolph County.”