Nitty Gritty Dirt Band founder John McEuen tells the stories and sing the songs of years of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band music and more.

When John initiated the Will the Circle Be Unbroken album with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band it brought together the icons of Bluegrass, Country, and West coast country rock: Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Merle Travis, Jimmy Martin, Roy Acuff, Junior Huskey, Vassar Clements, and Maybelle Carter. Six hot August Nashville recording days produced this 35 song benchmark album, relevant to this day – (on Amazon, Circle occupies a spot in the top 20 on 3 different charts for the past 2 years!)   

Appearing in 4 episodes of Ken Burns Country Music, John is thought of as an integral part of the history of country music – He closes Episode 6, titled “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”, and describes the making of this milestone album.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  McEuen’s joined by Matt Cartsonis as they go for a special night to share the music and memories of the landmark Will the Circle Be Unbroken record and his incredible career with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. (Matt has played with John for over 25 years; T. Michael was Doc Watson’s bassist 26 years.)

His multi-media show with archival photographs, film, (including 8mm footage from 1967), “…Circle…”  session photos, and NGDB music in front of screen takes us on his 50+ year journey – interwoven with Dirt Band favorites, hot bluegrass, and new music ….

John McEuen has performed for 50 years worldwide with his banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin. Often referred to as ‘the String Wizard’, he humorously weaves stories of his travels and family life (he has raised 7 kids), taking us on a multi-media show through where his musical path has taken him.

A founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1966, John realized his teenage dream: to record with Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson.  When he initiated the 1972 classic Will the Circle Be Unbroken album with his band (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Earl and Doc with Roy Acuff, Mother Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, Merel Travis, Vassar Clements, Norman Blake gathered for an historic week in the studio! (inducted in to the Library of Congress as ‘one of America’s most important recordings and the Grammy Hall. of Fame).

Appearing in several episodes of The Ken Burns Country Music show (PBS), it is Episode 6, called Will the Circle Be Unbroken, has John describing the whole session and how ‘it went down’. He has taken this a step further – to the stage with footage of early NGDB (1966) up thru the Circle sessions to now.. and beyond. McEuen has earned Emmy nominations, Grammy Awards, CMA acclaim, The Western Heritage Award – many other accolades  can be found on his website: www.johnmceuen.com.

Proud to be an integral part of the first American band to go to Russia (in 1977!), John’s love of performing is evident when during his shows he takes us ‘behind the curtain’ of the music world that so many of us know of only as listeners, and shows us how we have all been a part of it, more than we may know. McEuen’s XM radio show, Acoustic Traveller, is in its 10th year.

As winner of the 2010 Best of the West Performer award from the Folk Alliance organization, John’s show is sure to be one enjoyed by all. He also won Best Bluegrass Album Grammy that year for his production of The Crow – Steve Martin). John in June of 2013 was honored with the Charlie Poole Lifetime Achievement Award in North Carolina.

With music from 1860’s to now, original songs laced with known hits, and a special tribute to the ‘Circle’ album music (and the stories behind it in his multi-media show – with two previous other NGDB members!), it all comes to life in an evening of acoustic music in overdrive.

Joining John is Matt Cartson & special guest musical comedian Drew Jacobs.