Press release
PAC offers New Artists series, beginning Feb. 1
PAC is offering a wintertime series beginning Saturday, February 1, with Asheville based Red June. With a dynamic yet refined sound featuring striking three-part harmonies, electrifying instrumental work, and honest, soulful songwriting, Red June has been capturing the hearts of audiences all across the country. A power trio consisting of Will Straughan on Dobro and guitar, Natalya Weinstein on fiddle, and John Cloyd Miller on mandolin and guitar, the three seamlessly blend country, bluegrass, and American roots music with a dash of indie rock sensibility to create something entirely original and inspiring.
Red June recently signed with Organic Records and 2014 is promising to be momentous with the release of their highly anticipated third album. 2013 was highlighted with John winning 1st place in the bluegrass category at the venerable Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest as well as a coveted Artist Fellowship for songwriting from the NC Arts Council.
The band members have been longtime friends, first jamming together at an Asheville music party in 2005. In late 2008 they formed Red June and went on to release their first album, Remember Me Well, two years later. Their debut was very well received, and was voted the #1 regional release of 2010 by the discerning listeners of WNCW. Their follow up studio project, Beauty Will Come (2012) also garnered much attention, with Chuck Dauphin of Music News Nashville proclaiming,
“Red June possesses an airtight harmony that will impress even the toughest critic. Listen to their vocal blend on ‘I’m Willing To Try,’ and you may need to have your jaw surgically removed from the floor – they are that good!” Saturday, February 1 at 7:30pm Tickets are $20 and are available online at www.highlandspac.org or by calling 828.526.9047
Highlands PAC 507 Chestnut Street HighlandsNext up, Saturday, March 29 is The Malpass Brothers: Christopher & Taylor
The Malpass Brothers’ momentum is growing as fast as their sideburns. They’re as authentic as country ham & red-eye gravy — and things just don’t get much better than that. NC natives, the Malpass Brothers — Chris, 27 and Taylor, 23 — are the real deal in traditional country music. Touring as opening act for music legend Merle Haggard has broadened their introduction to audiences across America, and their ArtsMarket showcase this fall ripped the barn roof off. They’ve made festival appearances in Northern Ireland and The Shetland Islands, and the title cut video from their album “Memory That Bad” topped the chart at number seven in CMT’s Pure Country. Gifted musicians and songwriters, the brothers have recorded three gospel and three country music projects, and have shared the stage with artists including Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Rhonda Vincent, Marty Stuart, Doc Watson and more. Chris and Taylor Malpass were born to be on stage, promoting the work and music of artists they treasure while creating new music and making their own mark in the lineage of a rich cultural heritage.
Playing music since he was a small boy, Christopher has grown up before our eyes playing the best Country music we’ve ever heard. His love for music and enthusiasm on stage defines who he is a gifted songwriter and musician. He comes from a wonderful musical family playing and singing along beside his brother and his father. When you you give him a stage he is ready to sing and perform from his heart for everyone to hear and enjoy. He is truly a talented young artist. His love for traditional country music is evident in the songs he sings and the songs he writes. He stays close to his roots and keeps real country music close to his heart.
Loving country music and singing has always been a passion of Taylor’s. He is a country music force to be reckoned with when it comes to playing traditional country guitar. He does a wonderful job in playing all the lead and rhythm parts with his family. He takes pride in every note he plays and sings. He has learned to play from the best in the business and you can tell his heart and soul in everything he plays. He is a wonderful talented musician and when you place him beside his brother Christopher you have the best country music has offer. He is a very talented gifted guitar player keeping traditional country music alive and well. Don’t take our word for it you have to come see him in person make that guitar talk.
“Music is what we love and it’s what we do. Traditional country music is the heart and soul of what makes us who we are.” Malpass Brothers
Saturday, March 29 at 7:30pm Tickets are $20. Tickets for both concerts are available online at www.highlandspac.org or by calling 828.526.9047
Highlands PAC 507 Chestnut Street Highlands
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