Diana & Sarvis Ridge vs. High Grass
HayesGrass II final May 15

They applied, we listened and now eight High Country bands and musicians have been selected to participate in HayesGrass II, a playoff-style contest taking place between April 13-May 15, with the winner performing as the opening act for the renowned Lonesome River Band, when the popular bluegrass outfit plays at the Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock on May 16.

The prize package also includes a percentage of the ticket sales each night the band advances and a future concert booking at the Center this year. Last year’s winner was Surefire Bluegrass Band.“We’re very excited to present this second installment of HayesGrass,” said Kenneth Kay, artistic director of the Hayes Center. “We hope that we’ll be able to do something like HayesGrass each and every year. Last year’s contest was great fun for the audiences. They got to see and hear some of the best up and upcoming bluegrass bands around.”

Bands representing the surrounding High Country area were asked to apply for consideration in HayesGrass II by submitting a CD, tape or electronic file of their music, a brief history/biography of the band, a list of past appearances and a schedule of upcoming performances.

HayesGrass II schedule
(winners in bold)

Quarterfinals
April 13, Diana & Sarvis Ridge vs. Back Porch Bluegrass
April 14, John T. Woodall Band vs. The Moore Brothers
April 20, Roland Jones Orchestra vs. High Grass
April 21, CreekSide Grass vs. Kudzu

Semifinals
May 4, Diana & Sarvis Ridge vs. John T. Woodall Band
May 5, High Grass vs. CreekSide Grass

Finals
May 15, Diana & Sarvis Ridge vs. High Grass

The final round of HayesGrass II consists of two bands performing a 40-minute set. A change in this year’s contest is the addition of two surprise guest judges each night.

Audience members will be the third component in deciding which band advances. Bands are encouraged to bring as many fans as they can for support.

“We also want folks to know that this year’s judging is going to be a bit different than last time,” Kay said. “The audience will still have a vote, but we are going to bring in two independent judges for each phase of the contest.”

HayesGrass II finals are on May 15 at 7:30 p.m.; and Lonesome River Band, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the final round is $15 and are available by calling the box office at (828) 295-9627 or online at www.hayescenter.org.

The mission of the Mariam & Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center is to pursue excellence in every way including programming and superior services for our patrons; engage audiences of diverse ages, cultures, and economic backgrounds; instill in the children and youth of the community a life-long love and participation in the arts; and be a community gathering place for active exchange about culture and creativity.

The Hayes Performing Arts Center is located at 152 Jamie Fort Road (off U.S. 321) in Blowing Rock. For more information, call (828) 295-9627.

Lonesome River Band performs May 16

Celebrating 26 years as one of bluegrass music’s most popular and influential acts, the current incarnation of the famous Lonesome River Band brings its signature sound to the High Country.

The Hayes Performing Arts Center presents the acclaimed quartet, back by popular demand after last year’s sold-out show, in concert for one night only on May 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20, $14 for students, and are available now by calling the box office at (828) 295-9627. You may pay by credit card or by cash (in person). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.HayesCenter.org by credit card. Special group rates are also available. Season and Flex Passes can be purchased and used throughout the entire ‘09 season.

Upcoming Shows

June 10-28
SHEAR MADNESS
The Blowing Rock Stage Company kicks off its 24th season with this hilarious you-choose-whodunit set in a salon. In collaboration with the Kennedy Center and the NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

June 13
MICHAEL COOPER
Eye-popping visual artist and virtuoso mime combines breathtaking masks with original stories of courage and wonder. Special 10 a.m. family performance.