Bluegrass series moves to a larger venue

Berryville — The Berryville Bluegrass Series, a major fundraiser for the Clarke County High School Eagle Athletic Association, will host its first concert at its new venue, Clarke County High School auditorium, at 7 p.m. Saturday.

The series, started in 2000, has been held at the Williams Community Auditorium at the Johnson-Williams Middle School in Berryville, but more space was needed.

“The Williams Community Auditorium has been a wonderful venue for us. The sound, acoustics and comfort of the auditorium, plus the support of the staff at Johnson-Williams, have been a real blessing. This move is because of the high demand for tickets for our concerts,” said promoters Frank and Cyndy Jurney.

While the Williams Community Auditorium seated less than 500, the new venue approaches 750.

So far, 650 tickets have been sold for the concert, featuring Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out with Cold Stream Road opening.

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out has won the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Vocal Group of the Year seven times and band leader Moore is the reigning and five time IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year.

The latest release, on the Cracker Barrel label, “Timeless Hits From the Past – Bluegrassed,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Magazine Bluegrass Chart and has remained there for the past three weeks, Jurney said. “Russell and the guys was the first band to perform at the series in 2000 and have performed every year in February, so it’s fitting that they perform at the first concert at the new venue,” Jurney said. “It’s always been treated as a Valentine Day performance, especially when they sing ‘Rose Of My Heart’”

The first performance of the night will be Cold Stream Road. The band, based in Capon Bridge, W.Va., is led by longtime series supporters Bobby and Tina Steelman and Kathy Davis.

“Having this local talent as the opening act for the first concert has added to the excitement of the night,” said Cyndy Jurney.

Clarke County High School is located at 627 Mosby Blvd. in Berryville off of West Main Street. The doors open at 6 p.m., and food and drinks are available. This is a smoke-free and alcohol-free event.

Advance tickets are $22 and tickets at the door are $25, if available.

Next month’s concert March 9 will feature Nothin’ Fancy and Bill Emerson & Sweet Dixie and be held at the new venue.

Information

For tickets or information, contact Frank and Cyndy Jurney at 540-837-2187, jurney@comcast.netor visit berryvillebluegrass.com.