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The John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band performs in Whitefish

| May 5, 2022 12:00 AM

Whitefish Theatre Company presents the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, aka J2B2, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

An all-star bluegrass supergroup featuring four legendary, award-winning musicians, J2B2 has been called a “dream team of string musicians.” With modern-day instrumental master John Jorgenson at the helm, J2B2’s live shows feature his powerful mandolin and acoustic guitar work, as well as lead and harmony vocals. Jorgenson is joined by Herb Pedersen on banjo, acoustic guitar and vocals, Patrick Sauber on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Mark Fain on bass. The four combine forces to form a union of impeccable musicianship, songwriting, harmony and seasoned showmanship, with a fresh twist that combines bluegrass with elements of West Coast folk rock, called the “high lonesome sound” of American roots music.

Jorgenson and Pedersen are founders of the country rock Desert Rose Band. In 1990, Jorgenson founded the Hellecasters and toured with Elton John’s band for six years. Artists ranging from Barbra Streisand to Bonnie Raitt to Earl Scruggs have sought out his guitar work.

Jorgenson won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental with Brad Paisley, and was nominated for Best Bluegrass Album with Earl Scruggs.

Pedersen was a member of legendary bluegrass band The Dillards, as well as the bluegrass group Old and In the Way. He has worked with such music legends as Chris Hillman, Earl Scruggs, Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Stephen Stills, Linda Ronstadt, John Prine, Jackson Browne and John Denver.

Fain toured and recorded as bass player for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder for 13 years, as well as the Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt, Dwight Yoakam, Allison Krauss and Dolly Parton.

Sauber is a multi-instrumentalist, equally adept on guitar, mandolin and banjo. He’s toured with Peter Rowan and Laurie Lewis and appeared on screen in “The Mighty Wind.”

Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students with reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish, or by calling 406-862-5371. Box office hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org.