Banjo legend Tony Trischka has been selected to perform at a special multi-act, two-night concert event celebrating America’s 250th birthday called Music America: The Songs that Shaped Us. It will be held at the at the OceanFirst Bank Center on the campus of Monmouth University in West Branch, NJ June 4-5.
Sponsored by the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University, this event is dedicated to the rich tapestry of American songs and songwriting, and will feature artists from across the stylistic spectrum. Set to perform over the two days are Jon Bon Jovi, Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Kenny Chesney, Gary Clark Jr., Dion, Dropkick Murphys, Shemekia Copeland, Valerie June, Keb’ Mo’, Nils Lofgren, Darlene Love, Public Enemy, David Sancious, Bruce Springsteen, Tony Trischka and Sister Sadie, Mavis Staples, Trombone Shorty and the New Breed Brass Band, Stevie Van Zandt, and Jimmie Vaughan.
Tony, of course, was chosen to represent bluegrass music and the banjo, and says that he was personally invited.
“I was approached by Bob Santelli, who is the founding executive director of the Grammy Museum. We had worked together previously and he called to see if I’d be interested in performing at the History of American Music concert to represent the bluegrass end of the spectrum.
Originally it was going to be a one day event on June 5, but he ended up adding more acts, and so expanded it to two days.
He asked me to do two iconic tunes in the bluegrass oeuvre, and I decided that I wanted to work with Sister Sadie. I’d used them on Maple on the Hill for Earl Jam 2 and loved their music. I’d also done the Opry with them in January, so this seemed like a nice opportunity to reconnect.
He was interested in having at least one tune by Bill Monroe, so Blue Moon of Kentucky was the obvious choice. I’ll probably also do Foggy Mountain Breakdown to represent Earl.”
What a wonderful thing to have Foggy Mountain Breakdown included in such a stellar presentation!
Tony and Sister Sadie will appear during the Thursday, June 4, concert. Tickets will go on sale starting April 21 at noon.
This two-day event is the opening salvo for the Springsteen Center, which is set to officially open on June 7.
Let’s hope there is a video recording or a live stream of this prestigious event. And congratulations to Tony Trischka and Sister Sadie for being invited to participate!
