Fort Meade, Md. — The United States Navy Band Country Current presents “From Bluegrass to Country,” episode four of the Navy Band’s “Origins” educational webcast series. The members of Country Current will explore bluegrass and examine how it influenced modern country music. Additionally, you will learn about instruments key to the development of these distinctly American art forms. The live webcast will take place Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at 1 p.m. EST and can be viewed online here. The webcast will be archived at the same link for those unable to watch live.
“Bluegrass and country are uniquely American musical styles, and Country Current bridges the gap between the two better than anyone,” said Capt. Kenneth Collins, the U.S. Navy Band’s commanding officer. “Throughout our history, Navy musicians have used music to inspire, to tell stories and to bring people together. It is our pleasure to present this educational webcast, ‘From Bluegrass to Country: Origins of Country Music.’”
The U.S. Navy Band Country Current is the Navy’s premier country-bluegrass ensemble. The group is nationally renowned for its versatility and phenomenal musicianship, performing a blend of modern
country music and cutting-edge bluegrass. This seven-member ensemble employs musicians from diverse backgrounds with extensive high-profile recording and touring experience in the music scenes of Nashville, New York, New Orleans and more. In the tradition of country music, each member is a skilled performer on multiple instruments. The band utilizes banjo, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, fiddle, electric bass, upright bass, dobro, pedal steel guitar and drum set. With a fun-filled and family-friendly stage show, Country Current has been delighting its fans for over 45 years with their musical virtuosity and humor. Reaching out to communities both locally and nationally, they regularly perform for veterans, elementary schools, and in support of our active-duty Sailors.
For the 2018-2019 school year, the United States Navy Band presents “Origins,” a series of educational webcast presentations through which we examine the origins of musical styles, musical instruments, and other questions dealing with how musical elements came into existence. “Origins of Inspiration” is an interactive performance suitable for middle and high school students, as well as adults. Questions from students are highly encouraged and may be emailed before or during each webcast to: navymusicintheschools@gmail.com. Be sure to include what school you attend and/or where you are watching the webcast.
