Thursday 05/16/2024, 7-9pm with doors at 6:30. Tickets are $20
I've been a big fan of both the High 48's and Monroe Crossing have seen them both mulitple in last decade. When I got a chance to email with Derek about possible shows we decided we sneak one more show in the cocktail room before the summer outdoor show. The talent these to bring to playing rhythm and lead flatpicked guitar is something to see. Check out the attached video for a medley of the things they do. Your gonna want to get on this quick as I think these tickets are going to go fast.
Gentlemen Dreadnought
The combined effort of Clint Birtzer and Derek Johnson. In 2006, after years of playing rock-n-roll, Derek Johnson helped form the bluegrass band The High 48s. Derek went "full time" in 2011 when he joined Monroe Crossing where he maintains a very busy schedule performing throughout the USA, Canada and Europe.
All the while the much younger guitar slinger, Clint Birtzer, was winning flat picking guitar contests and performing, as a teenager, in the traditionally minded Sawtooth Bluegrass band. As the boys grew to men they established a more progressive and original sound as the Sawtooth Brothers. In 2018 the circle became complete when Clint took over Derek's old guitar and vocal duties in The High 48s.
The two enjoy the simplicity of a duet where they have fun exchanging guitar licks, but what Clint and Derek enjoy the most is the way their vocals merge together in "brother duet" like harmony. Whether picking out blazing bluegrass numbers, singing heart breaking old time country songs, or harmonizing on traditional gospel tunes these two established and seasoned musicians put on a great show in any setting.
