Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain perform at Chicago Bluegrass Legends Concert Series November 14.

When: Friday, November 14 at 8:00 PM (doors open 7:00 PM)

Where:American Legion Music Hall 1030 Central Street, Evanston IL

Tickets:$20.00 Donation Adults, $15.00 Seniors & Kids 16 & under. Reserve tickets at chicagobluegrass.com

For More Information: visit: chicagobluegrass.com

Energetic and crisp, Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain are a hard-driving bluegrass band that showcases one of the most talented and imaginative sets of musicians in the genre today. They were recently named in the top ten of Country Stars On-Line and their newest album, CHHR2, made its debut at #3 on BILLBOARD’s Bluegrass Top 50 in August.

CHHR2 was produced by Grammy nominated and Mountain Heart band member, Jim Van Cleve who was thrilled to hear the news of the Billboard debut: “This band displays a versatility, maturity, and focus that is not often seen in a band just entering their third year.”

A native of Pikeville, Tenn., Carrie Hassler started singing when she was 12 and it wasn’t long after she realized she wanted to pursue a career in music. Says Carrie: “I started out singing in church at an early age and from then on music became a major part of my life.”

Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain have a unique sound, with strong vocals and incredible instrumentals. The band includes: Carrie Hassler, Travis Anderson, Josh Miller, Keith McKinnon, Kevin McKinnon and newest member Jamie Harper. All the members have a lengthy history in the bluegrass scene. Carrie adds pure and rich vocals which are unmatched among other female bluegrass singers today. Critics have been singing the praises including:

“This is a top-notch bluegrass band… an Alison Krauss on high-octane gas, with incredible instrumentalists on fiddle, banjo, Dobro and mandolin. All led by Hassler’s sweet and strong classic country voice.” Mac McDonald, Monterey Herald

Mandy & The Bandits
Opening the show is Chicago’s own Mandy & The Bandits. In the short time since forming, this band has been creating a buzz in the Chicago area. Shortly after their acclaimed debut show at Katerina’s in Chicago, the Bandits recorded a 3-song demo, which has just been released. Their original song, “The River Bend”, received an Honorable Mention in the Billboard International Songwriting Contest. Comprised of Chicago musicians with a broad spectrum of musical backgrounds, the Bandits’ sound is a highly-conductive amalgam of styles. A whole lot of bluegrass, inspired by artists such as Allison Krauss and Dolly Parton, mixed with bit o’ folk and a dash of jazz.

About Bluegrass Legends Concert Series
Bluegrass Legends Concerts (Evanston, IL) is the only running bluegrass & acoustic music concert series in the Chicago area that features national headline bluegrass talent. The 2008/09 fall/winter series marks our 10th year of presenting the nation’s top acoustic bluegrass talent and local folk-roots opening acts in an all-ages, non-smoking concert setting for families. Bluegrass Legends Concerts are all about great music in a truly community setting for families, friends, and neighbors.