Lamlash Parish Church is set to host one of Tennessee’s finest bluegrass and old-time groups, The Ballinger Family Band. Their concert takes place on Sunday 14 October at 7.30 p.m.
Kris, Dale and Ethan Ballinger perform music ranging from old-time fiddle tunes through gypsy swing to contemporary ballads. Along with their tight-knit vocals, Kris’s guitar work and Dale’s upright bass provide a solid foundation for Ethan to soar on mandolin and guitar.
In addition to several visits to Scotland, Kris and Dale have toured across the USA, Europe and Japan, and have performed at such prestigious venues as New York’s Carnegie Hall. They have also played for President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. The Ballingers have a long and distinguished pedigree, having taken the stage with such luminaries as The Everly Brothers, Bill Monroe, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris and Johnny Cash.
Meanwhile, Kris and Dale’s son, Ethan, is one of the world’s finest mandolin players. Still only in his 20s, he has performed with many of today’s most famous musicians in Nashville and is in high demand for his awe-inspiring musicianship. Kris (Mum) and Dale (Dad) say of Ethan that he “was jamming with Chet Atkins, John Hartford and Roy Acuff before the age of two.”
Joining the family for their Scottish tour will be their good friend Mike Whitehead, former US National Flatpicking Guitar Champion, who also plays mandolin, fiddle and banjo.
Lamlash’s minister, the Rev Gillean Maclean, is excited by the band’s visit to Scotland: “If the Ballinger Family Band is even half as entertaining as Craig Duncan & Friends were in 2010, you’re in for an absolute treat!”
Tickets for the concert are available now at Brodick Post Office or online at arranevents.com, priced £7.50. with any spare tickets available on the night.
For more information about the Ballingers, you can visit:
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