Presented By KGNU
Door time: 7:30
Show time: 8:00
The FLEXIGRASS band is the creation of Colorado’s own “Hot Rize” bluegrass legend, Pete “Dr. Banjo” Wernick, renowned in bluegrass music worldwide, bestselling author, songwriter, teacher, and long-term President of the International Bluegrass Music Association.
What is “FLEXIGRASS”? It’s Pete’s combination of his fiery and melodic bluegrass banjo picking with clarinet, vibraphone, bass, and drums—a mix of both traditional and modern elements of American roots music. The band includes Colorado all-stars of traditional jazz and country: Greg Harris (vibraphone), Bill Pontarelli (clarinet), Kris Ditson (drums), Roger Johns (bass), and featured vocalist “Colorado Songbird” Joan Wernick, popular KGNU radio host.
Surprising listeners is nothing new to Wernick. Grounded in a deep knowledge of musical traditions, he follows the lead of groundbreaking innovators by fusing compatible sounds into a unique and appealing band style.
FLEXIGRASS has performed throughout the U.S. from its Colorado home base. Fans from Béla Fleck to George Winston have sung its praises, and the music press has described it with phrases like: “fundamentally futuristic”, “an amazing accomplishment”, “beguiling and instantly accessible”, “fantastic”, and “wildly enjoyable”. Check out the one and only FLEXIGRASS!
