Bluegrass concert set a Sliman Saturday

The contemporary bluegrass sounds of Tennessee can be heard at this weekend’s Saturday Night on the Teche when Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain perform at the Sliman Theater on Main Street.

Jane Braud, director of the city’s Main Street Program, said the city — in conjunction with the South Louisiana Bluegrass Association — is sponsoring the event that has already sold more than 100 tickets.

Lynn Springer, the show’s producer who describes the band as “young, energetic and tremendously successful,” said that anyone familiar with traditional bluegrass music will hear some of those elements mixed with a newer more contemporary sound.

“Traditional bluegrass started in 1946 by Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys on the Grand Ol’ Opry,” said Springer. “By (the) early ’50s disc jockeys started to call it bluegrass music to reflect the name of his band.”

Springer said the band’s music encompasses instruments like the violin and bass and mixes elements of jazz and rock and different kinds of folk music.

Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain is a young band that has climbed bluegrass music charts across the country including a recent chart topper called “Seven Miles from Wichita” and a number five chart spot for its first album. Band members include Josh Swift, Keith McKinnon, Travis Anderson, Josh Miller and Kevin McKinnon.

General admission for Saturday Night on the Teche is $12 for adults, $7 for SLBA members and free for children 12 and under.

Tickets are available for pickup at New Iberia City Hall or may be ordered from Brown Paper Tickets calling 1-800-838-3006. Tickets also may be purchased online by visiting www.southlouisianabluegrass.org.