Barns at Wolf Trap Announces a Newgrass Pioneer, High-Energy Celtic Rock

Diversity Reigns at The Barns at Wolf Trap with a Newgrass Pioneer, High-Energy Celtic Rock, Crossover Classical, Throwback Jazz and Traditional Folk

Sam Bush

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 8 p.m.

$35

Last appearing at The Barns in 1993, the massively influential Sam Bush returns to showcase his fusion of bluegrass with jazz, rock, reggae, and other musical styles that have earned him the title of a New grass pioneer. A child prodigy on the fiddle, Bush cultivated an expert knowledge of the mandolin, banjo, and guitar by the time he formed the New Grass Revival in the early ‘70s. Bush went on to further cultivate his innovative sound with a series of solo recordings and a multitude of projects with a revolving door New Grass Revival lineup including Bela Fleck, John Cowan, and Pat Flynn. In this decade alone, Bush was awarded an Album of the Year GRAMMY for his work on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack (2001) and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association. His performance at The Barns is poised to be an extremely rare treat.

Enter the Haggis

Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 8 p.m.

$20

Debuting on The Barns at Wolf Trap stage is Enter the Haggis, a Canadian indie/Celtic-rock world-fusion band that has been performing all over the globe since its inception in 1996. Known primarily for their instrumental eclecticism, the band's sound features tin whistle, Highland bag pipes, harmonica, keyboard and guitar, all of which contribute to the punk-rock, pop, and folk influences of their new album Gutter Anthems. ETH-as they are affectionately known-tour quite extensively in an effort to expose themselves to a broad international audience. In December of 2003 the band recorded two nights of shows at Plattsburgh State University's Hartman Theater for a PBS TV special that aired on several affiliate stations throughout the U.S. The DVD is available for purchase from the band's website. Come drink and be merry with the Celtic-inspired Enter the Haggis on October 13.

The Ahn Trio: BraziliAHN

Founder's Day Celebration

The Discovery Series

Friday, October 14, 2011 at 8 p.m.

$40

Returning to The Barns at Wolf Trap for the first time since 2007 is The Ahn Trio, three sisters who are redefining the art and architecture of chamber music. This performance will help celebrate Founder's Day with a brand new Wolf Trap co-commissioned piece. Named three of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in 2003, Maria, Lucia, and Angella Ahn have captured international attention with their unique brand of crossover classical music. Intent on dissolving the barriers between art forms, they have incorporated their work into that of dancers, pop singers, DJ's, electronica artists, painters, photographers, and even kite makers. As a testament to their broad popularity, the Ahns were the only classical group to perform at the 2008 iTunes LIVE Festival in London. The Ahns are in high demand and have some of the world's most respected composers commissioning works on their behalf. The trio's rare Barns appearance is not to be missed.

Chaise Lounge

Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

$20

Chaise Lounge, a local jazz collective composed of some of the finest musicians in the area, arrives at The Barns for its second appearance after a wonderfully attended 2010 debut. For those who are fans of early '60s jazz, they might say this band came around four decades too late, but the music also manages to capture its own unique flair and theatrics with covers of tunes including The Talking Heads' "Burning Down the House." They also boast a healthy catalogue of originals with intelligently written lyrics full of sensitivity and humor. The band recently finished mastering their new studio album Insomnia, which is pending release later this year.

Interestingly, the band met at a recording session hosted by film composer Charlie Barnett, who has composed scores for more than 400 films and television shows including Weeds, The Cosby Show, and Saturday Night Live. The musical chemistry was immediate and a new lounge jazz sextet was born, with Barnett on lead guitar and singer/songwriter Marilyn Older as the front-woman.

Noel Paul Stookey

Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

$25

Activist, artist, and founding member of the popular folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary, Noel Paul Stookey returns to The Barns as part of the 2011 fall season. With more than 45 albums to his credit, Stookey released three alone in 2007 titled Facets, Song for Megumi, and Promise of Love. Aside from his successful solo career and ubiquitous status as an agent for social, political, and environmental causes, Stookey continues to record and tour, oversees a children's multimedia software organization, and works as an artist-in-residence, editor, and producer at Northfield Mt. Hermon prep school in Massachusetts.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 1 (877) WOLFTRAP; or online at www.wolftrap.org