Mention the names Bobby Hicks, David Grier and the Steel Drivers to a bluegrass buff and you'll have their attention. These bluegrass stars will perform, along with the Andy Carlson Band, at the Denison Bluegrass Festival, to be held over two evenings, at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1, and at 7:30 on Saturday, Feb. 2, both in Burke Recital Hall (240 West Broadway). The festival, sponsored by Denison's music department, is free and open to the public.

Legends in their own right, these artists have played with the best of the bluegrass masters including Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, Clarence White and Tony Rice. Bobby Hicks has a career that has spanned more than 50 years, and he has won accolades and awards for his unique fiddling style. "I used to listen to my favorite fiddlers on the Grand Ole Opry when I was a kid and try to play like them," Hicks says, "but eventually developed my own style. Even now I think it's still important to develop your listening ear and play with your heart." Hicks will play with the Andy Carlson Band at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1.

Though firmly grounded in the history of bluegrass, (his father, Lamar Grier, played with Bill Monroe), David Grier has captured many awards for his guitar playing and is willing to push his musicianship into a diverse range of music. The Steel Drivers, a band that pushes to the forefront of bluegrass music, are known for their soulful take on the genre. They will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2.

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- Bluegrass Festival with Bobby Hicks and the Andy Carlson Band at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1, at Burke Recital Hall (240 West Broadway). Free and open to the public. Contact Pam Hughes to confirm (740) 587-6220.

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- Bluegrass Festival with David Grier and the Steel Drivers at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2, at Burke Recital Hall (240 West Broadway). Free and open to the public. Contact Pam Hughes to confirm (740) 587-6220.

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