Organized in the spring of 2000, the Denison Bluegrass Ensembles bring together students interested in the performance of traditional Appalachian, country, bluegrass, and progressive acoustic music. The ensembles will give a concert at 3 p.m. and a second, slightly different show at 8 p.m. on Sunday (April 23) in Burke Recital Hall. The Ensembles are directed by Associate Professor of Music Andrew Carlson and Associate Professor of English Richard Hood. The concert is free and open to the public.

Carlson is a recognized performer on the "fiddle," as well as the classical violin. He began learning traditional fiddle music from his grandfather at age 5, and has been twice named the State Champion fiddler in George and once named the Grand Champion fiddler of Ohio. As a studio musician and string arranger Carlson has recorded for Warner Bros., Atlantic, Elektra, and Polydor. Having earned his bachelor and master degrees in music at the University of Georgia and his doctorate at the University of Iowa, Carlson joined the Denison faculty in 2000 and teaches violin and music history.

Hood joined the Denison faculty in 1990 and teaches American and modern literature. He earned a bachelor's degree in English with high honors from Wesleyan University in 1972, a master's degree in English from the University of Chicago in 1973, and holds a doctorate from the University of Rochester (1984). He is a published bluegrass music composer, banjo player, and an authority on the history and techniques of Southern mountain music. A member of the Bristol Brothers, Hood released "Old Style," a collection of traditional and traditional-sounding acoustic music, on Dynamic Records.

out written music, to help them absorb the style as they learn specific notes and rhythms. Instrumentation includes fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, bass, and vocals.

Members of the ensemble include: seniors Chris Davis (Newark), Emily Hickman (), Craig Howard (Getzville, NY), Bethany Hurst (New Concord), Greg Mecoli (Union), Travis Moles (Cincinnati), Ethan McGory (Westerville), Matt Morrell (Medford, Ore.), and Curtis Plowgian (Gurnee, Ill.); juniors Jenna Lawson (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Rachel Liber (North Canton); and sophomores Nellie Schrantz (St. Johns, Mich.) and Jimmy Sheppard (Columbus).

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- The Denison Bluegrass Ensembles in concert, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday (April 23), Burke Recital Hall (240 W. Broadway). Free and open to the public. Call (740) 587-6220 to confirm information.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575