The Kruger Brothers Announce 2017 Tour
By: BWW News Desk Jan. 25, 2017
Since their formal introduction to American audiences in 1997, The Kruger Brothers' remarkable discipline, creativity and their ability to infuse classical music into folk music has resulted in a unique sound that has made them a highly respected fixture within the world of acoustic music. The honesty of their writing has since become a hallmark of the trio's work.
Highlights for 2017 include the release of The Roan Mountain Suite during MerleFest in April. The commissioned original composition honors the region and history of Tennessee's majestic Roan Mountain, and features the Kontras Quartet. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Kruger Brother's first appearance at MerleFest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country. Held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the latE Eddy Merle Watson, son of American music legend Doc Watson.
In May, the trio hosts its 6th annual music academy in Wilkesboro, NC., an opportunity for musicians of all skill levels to study and jam with the artists, and will one another.
Born and raised in Europe, brothers Jens and Uwe Kruger began singing and playing instruments at a very young age, and began their professional career in 1979. With the more recent addition of New York City native, Joel Landsberg, (who comes with his own noteworthy musical pedigree, having studied with jazz great Milt Hinton), the trio has been performing together since 1995, and is now based in Wilkesboro, NC.
Jens Kruger is known for innovative banjo composition and performance, integrating Folk music with European Classical music. He was nominated for Banjo Player of the Year in 2016 by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Jens was awarded the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music in 2013, the fourth recipient of this prestigious honor.
Uwe Kruger shines as a singer who is both direct and emotive, and for his impeccable guitar playing. He is also the lyricist for the group's original songs.
The Kruger Brothers' music is magically thoughtful, lyrical, simple and complex. Experiencing a Kruger Brothers performance is a profound musical experience. In their ever-expanding body of work, The Kruger Brothers - Jens Kruger (banjo and vocals), Uwe Kruger (guitar and lead vocals), and Joel Landsberg (bass and vocals) - personify the spirit of exploration and innovation that forms the core of the American musical tradition. Their unique brand of acoustic music is crafted around their discerning taste, and the result is unpretentious, cultivated, and delightfully fresh.
In addition to their regular concert schedule, The Kruger Brothers perform classical pieces regularly with select symphony orchestras and string quartets throughout the world.
For more information and additional dates as they are added, visit www.krugerbrothers.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Wayne Ebinger
2017 TOUR DATES - THE KRUGER BROTHERS
January 26 Ashe Civic Center: West Jefferson, NC
February 9 Meymandi Concert Hall: Raleigh, NC
February 11 Berger Performing Arts Center: Tucson, AZ
February 13 Highlands Church: Scottsdale, AZ
February 17 Stoughton Opera House: Stoughton, WI
February 23-24 Wintergrass Music Festival: Bellevue, WA
March 1 Country Music Festival: Zurich, Switzerland
March 16 World Café Live: Philadelphia, PA
March 18 WMC Alumni Hall: Westminster, MD
March 19 National Gallery of Art - West: Washington DC
March 21 Joe's Pub: New York, NY
March 25 Davis Theater: Concord, NC
April 27-30 Merlefest: Wilkesboro, NC
May 4-7 Kruger Brothers Music Academy: Wilkesboro, NC
May 11-12 Silver Dollar City: Branson, MO
May 13 Woodlands Auditorium: Hot Springs, AR
May 14 St. Paul's Episcopal Church: Fayetteville, AR
June 24 Willingham Theater: Yadkinville, NA
July 27-28 RockyGrass Festival: Lyons, CO
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