Alexandria, VA
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DRY BRANCH FIRE SQUAD IN CONCERT:
Often regarded as one of bluegrass' most popular and engaging touring acts, Dry Branch Fire Squad has been entertaining concert goers since forming in 1976. Nearly four decades later, the quartet's old-timey music is as powerful as ever under alluring front man Ron Thomason's effortless leadership. Thomason is well-known for delivering drawling monologues brimming with biting satire, as he comments on everything from his background as a horse trainer and his rural southern upbringing to social and political affairs. His pseudo-standup comedy routine is well worth the ticket price on its own, but the real magic happens when the quartet dives into its collection of rich material. Playing traditional Americana tunes with steady ease and emotional flair, Dry Branch Fire Squad is can’t-miss live act that promises a truly unique live experience.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Old-time bluegrass music is alive and well today, and Dry Branch Fire Squad is living proof. Since forming in 1976 the group has been wholly dedicated to preserving the genre's traditional roots, while infusing a healthy dose of soulfulness into their sound with southern gospel influences. The band signed with Rounder Records in 1978, and since then they've released an impressive catalog of 18 records that includes their landmark album Thirtieth Anniversary Special (1998) and their latest effort, 2009's Echoes of the Mountains. Over the years the band has weathered a series of roster shakeups, but founder Ron Thomason has remained a constant. As the group's de facto emcee, the singer and mandolin player is famous for bringing uproarious wit and self-deprecating humor to the stage. That penchant for comedy has made the band's live albums some of its most popular releases to date. Under its current lineup -- which has been intact since 2010 -- the band includes Thomason, guitarist Brian Aldridge, banjoist and guitarist Tom Boyd, and bassist Dan Russell. They have performed at every single Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival since its inception in 1979, and also serve as the host band at Grey Fox Festival (formerly known as Winterhawk) and High Mountain Hay Fever Festival. They may be veterans, but Dry Branch Fire Squad shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to captivate fans with their wit, energy, and showmanship on tour.