3.5.1999 RETROGRADEA CONCERT SERIES TO DEBUT MARCH 27TH The old and the new - it's the interplay between them that defines the family of styles called roots music. Join four of the Cincinnati's best roots music bands at Covington's Hayes Brothers Music Center on Saturday, March 27th, 8 pm, for the debut of the RetroGradeA concert series, as they recreate the classic "package" shows of yesteryear - with a modern twist. Opening the bill with a wholehearted salute to tradition is The Comet All-Stars, a collection of some Cincinnati's most experienced and talented bluegrass pickers. With veterans of a dozen bands (including award-winners like the Ohio Valley Rounders, Katie Laur Band, and Union Springs), the All-Stars have been holding forth at Northside's Comet Bar & Grill for over two years, delighting audiences with a repertoire drawn from the classics of the 1940s and 1950s, from Bill Monroe's high lonesome sound to the hardcore, Appalachian-refugee style of Dayton's late Red Allen. Next up, and cutting a broader swath through bluegrass, old-time and country styles, are the Lazy Boys. Pioneers of the booming Main Street entertainment district - they're now in their fifth year of weekly appearances at Kaldi's - the Lazy Boys are as likely to charm listeners with an acoustic version of a country-rock classic like the Byrds' "Tulsa County Blues" as they are to set toes tapping with a driving, old-time fiddle tune like "Katy Hill." Ma Crow and the Flock are familiar to Cincinnati roots music fans, thanks to two acclaimed CDs and a dozen years of frequent appearances around town. They've built a devoted following - and won Cammy nominations - by mixing blues, bluegrass, country, folk and rock influences with original songs into a sound all their own, from the wailing harmonica of Dave Gilligan to the tough and tender vocals of Ma Crow herself. Closing the show will be Prospect Hill, a band that rocks out as easily and as often as it serves up electrified versions of bluegrass classics like "Muleskinner Blues" and "I'll Just Go Away." Fronted by Ed Cunningham, Prospect Hill brings together musicians from bluegrass, country, blues and Cajun backgrounds. The band has appeared at places like the Comet and Arnold's, as well as on WNKU, featuring original songs and well-selected numbers from the blues, bluegrass and country traditions. For more information, visit the RetrogradeA website at http://www.retrogradea.com, or contact the Hayes Brothers Music Center (581-8422) or Jon Weisberger (578-8001 or [EMAIL PROTECTED]).
