For many years, Grammy-awarded mandolin player, vocalist, and songwriter Sam Bush has been a trailblazer in the unconventional, genre-defying style known as progressive bluegrass, or newgrass. He arrives at Hodgson Concert Hall with his ensemble on May 16 at 7:30 p.m. to reminisce about his remarkable journey.
As a young fiddler, Bush clinched the title of national champion in the junior category of the National Oldtime Fiddler’s Contest three times. In the spring of 1970, he participated in the Fiddlers Convention in Union Grove, North Carolina, where he was captivated by the New Deal String Band and their rock-influenced interpretation of progressive bluegrass.
In 1971, Bush and his peers established New Grass Revival. Bush was the newgrass trailblazer, blending an array of genres into their catalog. He found a familial resemblance with the reggae beats of Bob Marley and The Wailers, subsequently cultivating a unique and compelling mandolin style. The band released five albums within their first seven years and in 1979 became the backing musicians for Leon Russell.
Bush later collaborated with Emmylou Harris’ Nash Ramblers and subsequently spent time with Lyle Lovett. He received three consecutive IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year accolades from 1990 to 1992 (and a fourth in 2007). In 1995, he toured alongside Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, reigniting his love for improvisation. Finally, after twenty-five years of performing with New Grass Revival and working with various groups, Sam Bush embarked on a solo career. Over the last two decades, he has released seven albums and a live DVD.
This concert is made possible by Dianne D. Wall and Deana and Steven Jones.
Three methods to acquire tickets
- Buy tickets online at pac.uga.edu.
- Contact the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Drop by the UGA Performing Arts Center box office, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (five-minute parking is available in the drop-off circle at the Performing Arts Center for ticket purchases or pickups.)
Patrons can design their own series of three or more performances for a 10% discount. UGA Presents individual tickets start at a mere $25 with the promo code PAC25, and student tickets for UGA are available for $10.
For additional information regarding all events at the UGA Performing Arts Center, please visit pac.uga.edu.
The article Newgrass mandolinist Sam Bush makes Hodgson Concert Hall debut May 16 first appeared on UGA Today.