The Watchung Arts Center is delighted and honored to present two outstanding performers, each at the top of his field on Friday, April 8 at 8PM. Tony Trischka, “known as the father of modern bluegrass” (New York Times), and Bruce Molsky, “one of the world's premier Appalachian-style fiddlers” (Bloomberg News), will join together in this very special performance. There’s some virtuosic and joy provoking common ground in the fusion of Tony Trischka’s bluegrass banjo world view and Bruce Molsky’s new but true to tradition old time southern mountain fiddling and singing. Their new and old songs and tunes showcase the best of each, and hearing them together is always a wonderful visit between old friends.

Tony Trischka, the man who made the banjo bigger, jazzier and more worldly! Some musicians open up whole new realms. In the world of the banjo, the music that marked the change came from Tony. Up out of bluegrass and country and then all over. To roots in Africa. To heights of jazz. Banjo, unbound. Trischka set it free. “...the great banjo liberationist...” (Tom Ashbrook NPR). Embracing all manner of possibilities, while keeping one foot firmly planted in the traditional bluegrass roots that first inspired him to make music.

Mr. Trischka has over the past half-century garnered a reputation as one of the most influential figures in roots music. As a banjoist he set new standards for genre-bending virtuosity, inspiring legions of younger players, among them Béla Fleck. Through his tireless efforts as an educator and such divergent projects as his collaborations with his friend and fellow banjoist Steve Martin, he’s helped to elevate and transform his chosen instrument’s profile within American culture. His album, This Favored Land, is a visionary exploration of Civil War history featuring an all-star cast. Tony’s newest release Shall We Hope is a work of historical fiction tells tales of love, loss, and hope, drawn from our nation's fraught history. The narrative is told through brilliant songwriting and stellar musicianship, with a gathering of artists that includes Michael Daves, Guy Davis, Phoebe Hunt, John Lithgow, Maura O'Connell, and Catherine Russell.

Bruce Molsky is one of the most revered “multi-hyphenated career” ambassadors for America’s old-time mountain music. His authentic feel for the repertoire transports audiences to another time and place. His collaborations range from classic old-time fiddling to Andy Irvine’s world fusion ensemble Mozaik. For decades, Bruce has been a globetrotting performer and educator, a recording artist with an expansive discography including seven solo albums, well over a dozen collaborations and two Grammy-nominations. His live and recorded work has not only drawn raves from his fellow musicians but the media. No Depression calls Molsky “an absolute master,” while Mother Jones calls him “easily one of the nation’s most talented fiddlers… he transports you, geographically, historically and most of all emotionally”. NPR says, “his playing is mesmerizing, transporting and best experienced live.”

“Performing and teaching traditional music is the biggest thing in my world,” concludes Molsky. “For me, being a musician isn’t a standalone thing; it informs everything I do in my life. It’s always been about being creative and being a part of something much bigger than myself, a link in the musical chain and part of the community of people who play it and love it.”