WTC presents all-star bluegrass supergroup J2B2
The Whitefish Theatre Company is delighted to present the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, otherwise known as J2B2, on Thursday, May 12 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. An all-star bluegrass supergroup featuring four legendary, award-winning musicians, J2B2 has been called a “dream team of string musicians”, setting the bluegrass world buzzing.
J2B2 delivers bluegrass like no one has ever heard it before. With modern-day instrumental master John Jorgenson at the helm, J2B2’s stellar live shows feature his powerful mandolin and acoustic guitar work, as well as lead and harmony vocals. John is joined by his bandmates Herb Pedersen on banjo, acoustic guitar and vocals, Patrick Sauber on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Mark Fain on bass. The four combine forces to form a spot-on union of impeccable musicianship, incomparable songwriting, incredible harmony vocals, and seasoned showmanship, all with a fresh twist that combines bluegrass with elements of West Coast folk-rock. Called the “high lonesome sound” of American roots music, J2B2’s rave reviews have said to “expect fireworks and amazing playing from some of the best string players in the world.”
John Jorgenson and Herb Pedersen are founders of the formative country rock group Desert Rose Band. In 1990, Jorgenson went on to found the Hellecasters and toured with Elton John’s band for six years. Artists ranging from Barbra Streisand to Bonnie Raitt to Earl Scruggs have sought out Jorgenson’s guitar work. Jorgenson has also portrayed Django Reinhardt in the Hollywood feature film “Head in the Clouds” and in 2008, Jorgenson won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental with Brad Paisley, in addition to being nominated for Best Bluegrass Album with Earl Scruggs.
Herb Pedersen was a member of legendary bluegrass band The Dillards as well as bluegrass group Old and In the Way. A sought-after singer and musician, he has worked with such music legends as Chris Hillman, Earl Scruggs, Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Tony Rice, Dan Fogelberg, Stephen Stills, Linda Ronstadt, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, Jackson Browne and John Denver. Mark Fain toured and recorded as bass player for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder for 13 years. He’s toured and recorded with the Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt, Dwight Yoakam, Allison Krauss and Dolly Parton, as well as producing many artists in jazz, country, bluegrass and gospel genres. Finally, Patrick Sauber is a multi-instrumentalist who has quickly made a name for himself in the world of bluegrass and old time music. Equally adept on guitar, mandolin and banjo, Sauber has toured with Peter Rowan and Laurie Lewis and appeared on screen in “The Mighty Wind.”
Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students with reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish, or by calling 862-5371. Box office hours are from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. This show is partially funded by a National Endowment of the Arts Challenge America grant. A free outreach concert for local seniors is sponsored by Logan Health Whitefish.