World-class bluegrass entertainers “Monroe Crossing” will appear in concert at The Sounds of Spirit Lake in Menahga, on Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m. Named in honor of bluegrass legend Bill Monroe, “Monroe Crossing” dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and heartfelt originals. Their airtight harmonies, razor sharp arrangements and on-stage rapport make them audience favorites across the United States, Canada and Europe. The concert is free, on the shores of Spirit Lake, near the public access.
Bring a lawn chair. The rain venue is the Menahga School. A freewill collection will be taken to apply for matching grant funds for next year’s concert series. Food for purchase will be available on-site, provided by the Menahga United Methodist Church. Founded in 2000, “Monroe Crossing” plays 140 to 150 shows each year, including Branson’s Silver Dollar City; the legendary Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Ark.; the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and a command performance at Carnegie Hall in 2014 following their debut concert there in 2013. They are the only bluegrass band ever inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame (2007), and have been invited twice (2007, 2014) by the International Bluegrass Music Association as an Official Showcase Artist at the IBMA World of Bluegrass convention.
Just released in January, 2015, “Because You Asked” is the band’s 14th CD in their 15 years together. One of their trademarks is their willingness to perform audience requests. Since it’s such a large part of each show, they assembled a collection of popular requests recorded live throughout the past year for this latest CD. “Monroe Crossing” regularly performs to sold-out theatres and performing arts centers across the country, headlines bluegrass festivals, state and county fairs and makes numerous other public and private appearances. They are renowned both for their dynamic stage show and for the warmth they share on and off stage, interacting with the audience and always honoring requests after the intermission. Monroe Crossing’s two-set performance typically features original compositions and unique arrangements of bluegrass classics, such as “Orange Blossom Special” and “I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow,” and gospel favorites like “I’ll Fly Away,” “Amazing Grace” and ”Down To The River To Pray.” This concert is funded, in part, by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Five Wings Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
