Biography

“Ever since I was a young boy I played the silver ball”

Forty-five years after its initial release, The Who’s rock opera TOMMY has been transformed by The Hillbenders into a full-length bluegrass tribute with all of the original record’s energy, instrumental showmanship, and rock star vocals in tact.

Originally recorded with a full rock band, the dynamic bluegrass quintet recreated the legendary album with a banjo, Dobro, mandolin, bass, and guitar. The “Bluegrass Opry,” as its been dubbed, brings a new perspective to TOMMY while paying homage to its creators.

SXSW co-founder and musician/producer Louis Jay Meyers conceived the idea of a “bluegrass opry” and felt he’d found the right band to pull off this high-wire approach to the record when he met The Hillbenders, a band known for its ability to bridge the gap between musical genres and fans.

The live performance is a full 75-minute show covering the original album from start to finish with special video accompaniment and audience participation.

SUMMER TOUR DATES
3/09 – Tuscon, AZ - Rialto Theatre
4/16 – Tim Faulkner Gallery, Louisville, KY
4/17 – The Strand at 38 Main, Waynesville, NC
4/18 – The N.C. CueGrass Festival, Raleigh, NC
4/26 – Guthrie Green, Tulsa, OK
5/08 – Knuckleheads Saloon, Kansas City, MO*
5/09 – Patton Alley Pub, Springfield, MO*
5/10 – The Station Inn, Nashville, TN*
5/15 – Down Home Guitars, Frankfort, IL
5/16 – BBW & Blues Festival, St Joseph, MI
6/11 – AMP By Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD*
6/12 – Smyrna Opera House, Smyrna, DE*
6/13 – Mountain View Park, Wind Gap, PA
6/14 – The Sportsmen's Tavern, Buffalo, NY*
6/16 – The Ale House, Troy, NY*
6/17 – Valley Creek Park, Malvern, PA*
6/18 – Rockwood Music Hall 2, New York, NY*
6/19 – Squeezers, Rochester, NY
6/20 – Quiet Oaks Campground, Cross Fork, PA
7/09 – Frisco Historic, Frisco, CO
7/10 – High Mountain Hay Fever Fest, Westcliffe, CO
7/11 – High Mountain Hay Fever Fest, Westcliffe, CO
7/18 – The Walsh Farm, Oak Hill, NY

*Tommy Tour Dates