Whitefish Theatre Company Receives National Endowment for the Arts Grant

The Whitefish Theatre Company has been approved for a $10,000 Challenge America award from the National Endowment of the Arts to support two live performances by the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band (J2B2), including one public performance and one free outreach show for Flathead Valley veterans, senior residents, and community members with disabilities. The Whitefish Theatre Company’s project is among 168 projects across America totaling $1,680,000 that were selected to receive fiscal year 2022 funding in the Challenge America grant category.

“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects like this one from the Whitefish Theater Company that help support the community’s creative economy,” said NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers. “The Whitefish Theatre Company is among the organizations nationwide that are using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.”

J2B2 is an all-star supergroup featuring four legendary, award-winning musicians delivering bluegrass like no one has ever heard it before. Lead vocalist John Jorgenson, who also plays acoustic guitar and mandolin, is joined by Herb Pedersen on banjo, acoustic guitar and vocals, Patrick Sauber on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Mark Fain on bass. Called the “high lonesome sound” of American roots music, the four combine forces to form a spot-on union of impeccable musicianship, incomparable songwriting, incredible harmony vocals, and seasoned showmanship, all with a stellar live show that has the bluegrass world buzzing. The grant provides a free afternoon performance for senior residents of the Flathead Valley, community members with disabilities, and veterans. The public is invited to purchase tickets to their evening performance on May 12, 2022.

“With the generous support of the National Endowment of the Arts, the Whitefish Theatre Company is thrilled to be able to bring J2B2 to the Flathead Valley,” says WTC Executive Director Jen Asebrook. “Not only will the evening concert be a unique night of exceptional bluegrass music for our community, but it is exciting to be able to offer a free outreach concert to local seniors and veterans who may not have the means or opportunity to see this type of live music.”

For more information on other projects included in the Arts Endowment grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news. To purchase tickets to the J2B2 evening performance, call the WTC box office at 862-5371 or buy online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org.