Monroe Crossing live at Central Square on October 12

Monroe Crossing is coming to the Lee Paulson Stage at Central Square and Civic Center in Glenwood on Saturday, October 12. Tickets cost $30 in advance, and at the door $35. Children under 12 are admitted free with a paid adult.

From the group's website: Named in honor of Bill Monroe, "The Father of Bluegrass Music," Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, original bluegrass and even selections outside the bluegrass genre. Their superb musicianship and on-stage rapport have entertained audiences across the United States, Canada and Europe.

For nearly 20 years this Minnesota based band has averaged over 100 shows a year performing in intimate rooms, community theaters, major venues and outdoor festivals. They are favorites among bluegrass connoisseurs and non-bluegrass audiences alike. They love introducing newcomers to bluegrass music!

Monroe Crossing is made up of five very distinct personalities with differing musical backgrounds. When combined, their individual histories make for a unique sound. The three original members are: Mark Anderson (bass), Lisa Fuglie (fiddle & lead vocals) and Matt Thompson (mandolin & harmony vocals). Derek Johnson (guitar & lead vocals) joined in 2011. David Robinson (banjo, dobro & backing vocals) joined in 2012 and now performs with the band on a part-time basis.

In 2007, Monroe Crossing was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. They have twice been selected to showcase at the annual World of Bluegrass convention hosted by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and they have appeared twice at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2016, Monroe Crossing had the honor of being the first Minnesota bluegrass band to perform in South Korea.

Monroe Crossing has recorded 17 CDs to date. The band's discography consists of: traditional & original bluegrass, three bluegrass gospel recordings, a tribute to Bill Monroe, a collection of Classic Country, two Christmas recordings, and two collaborations with the award winning choir Vocal Essence.

Whether playing traditional bluegrass, original bluegrass or some surprising songs outside the bluegrass genre, Monroe Crossing is one of the most entertaining acts in bluegrass today! Source: http://www.monroecrossing.com/band.html. Their Twitter handle is @Monroe_Crossing.

To purchase tickets, call the office at 320-634-0400 or go online at https://ticketpeak.com.

Other upcoming concert nights include PowderFinger (Neil Young music tribute) on October 26 and Buddy Holly and Friends "Not Fade Away" on November 9. Also, don't forget to mark your calendars and purchase your tickets in advance for a great Christmas-season show of The Nutcracker performed by the Continental Ballet Co. on December 22.