Snake Mountain Bluegrass to Play Middlebury's Town Hall Theater, 9/27

Bluegrass is the ultimate good-time music, and Snake Mountain Bluegrass plays some of the best around. The band returns to Middlebury on Friday, September 27, to play their annual gig at Town Hall Theater.

Snake Mountain Bluegrass is a four-piece band based in Middlebury. Middlebury College teacher Gregg Humphrey and Middlebury construction company owner Mike Connor formed Snake Mountain Bluegrass about twenty five years ago. At the time, both Gregg (guitar and vocals) and Mike (banjo and vocals) were living near Snake Mountain, and when someone asked them what style of bluegrass they played, "Snake Mountain Bluegrass," was their immediate response. It's been the band's name ever since.

They have recently released two CDs, 'Bout Time, which features their unique blend of bluegrass music and tight harmony singing, and Under the Radar, where they have included seven original songs. The band uses both a traditional and more modern approach to the bluegrass style, from hard driving "breakdowns" to softer, folk-type arrangements.

Lately the band has joined forces with Mike's nieces, the Connor Sisters - Monica, Katie and Megan. Raised on a local farm, they started to play instruments and sing under the influence of their uncle. "I love the sound they make," says THT executive director Douglas Anderson. "It's authentic bluegrass, and they're terrific musicians as well. When they join forces with Snake Mountain, it's a big, joyful sound."

Snake Mountain Bluegrass and the Connor Sisters come to Town Hall Theater on Friday, September 27 at 8 pm. Tickets are $17 general, $10 students, and may be purchased at www.townhalltheater.org, 802 382-9222, at the THT Box Office (Mon-Sat, noon-5 pm) and at the door, if available. .

PHOTO CAPTION: The Connor Sisters join Snake Mountain Bluegrass for a concert at Middlebury's Town Hall Theater on Friday, September 27 at 8 pm. Tickets: www.townhalltheater.org, 802 382-9222, at the THT Box Office (Mon-Sat, noon-5 pm) and at the door. A cash bar and snacks will be available.