Four bluegrass performers from Durango are helping keep one of the nation’s roots’ sounds alive by taking their craft to a segment of the population they hope will become an appreciative audience for years to come.
The members of Sugar Creek performed Friday at Park Elementary School.
The origins of bluegrass and the secrets of their instruments were explained by Dan Peha (banjo), Charlotte Overby (bass), Jim Harvey (guitar) and lead singer Anna McBrayer (walkabout dulcimer) between musical pieces.
Sugar Creek is part of the 20-year-old “Bluegrass in the Schools” program, which runs in conjunction with the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown.
The Meltdown marks its 21st year April 17-19 with various activities.
The sponsors of Bluegrass in the Schools this year are the La Plata Electric Association’s Roundup program, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Growth Fund, High Noon Rotary and the Katz family, Jane and Marc.
Bluegrass in the Schools, which started with only Durango High School, now visits some 15 schools from Pagosa Springs to Dove Creek, Peha said.
Sugar Creek will perform the following days: at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the Strater Hotel open house; from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, April 17, at a free concert at the Powerhouse Museum; and from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Palace Restaurant.
daler@durangoherald.com
