With a deep bench of virtuosic songwriters, vocalists and instrumentalists, Blue Highway's hallmark is an unwavering commitment to the ensemble, the "democracy of the band" that makes Blue Highway a powerhouse. Individually, Jason Burleson (banjo, guitar, mandolin), Rob Ickes (Dobro), Shawn Lane (mandolin, fiddle, vocals), Tim Stafford (guitar, vocals), and Wayne Taylor (bass, vocals) are masters of their respective roles. Together, in Stafford's words, they are "a democracy in the best sense of the word": five gifted artists selflessly merging their talents into a seamlessly brilliant group sound. As a result, the band moves from strength to strength, more mature and impressive with each new album.

Blue Highway has five gifted writers in its ranks. Rob and Jason turn out the heart-pounding instrumentals, while Shawn, Tim and Wayne give Blue Highway a depth of songwriting talent unprecedented in sixty years of bluegrass bands.

With nine highly-acclaimed albums to its credit, Blue Highway has garnered two Grammy nominations, a Dove Award, topped the Bluegrass Unlimited radio charts, and won numerous International Bluegrass Music Association awards. Refusing to coast on past glories, Blue Highway continues to push its music to new levels of accomplishment. Artfully balanced between tradition and innovation, it remains in the forefront of contemporary bluegrass music.

ETSU's Bluegrass Pride Band is one of two Pride Bands within the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Program (the other is the Old Time Pride Band). The Bluegrass Pride Band is comprised of seven members representing six states (Alabama, Kansas, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee) and playing six different instruments (fiddles, guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro, and bass)."

Ticket prices are $20, ($15 students) and may be purchased at The Paramount Center for the Arts box office at 423.274.8920 or visit www.TheParamountCenter.com or www.eTix.com.

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