Join us for Hall of Fame member Rodney Dillard on January 15th! Rodney Dillard, the lone surviving member of the original Dillards, calls Old Road New Again the “bookend” to the band’s 1968 masterpiece, Wheatstraw Suite. That album saw The Dillards evolve from a basic bluegrass ensemble to musical risk-takers who used a full orchestra, electrical instruments, studio-layered voices and drums to convey their visions. In so doing, they gave license and inspiration to generations of other experimenters. This was the album that caught Elton John’s fastidious ear and led him to pick The Dillards as the opening act on his first North American tour.
The original Dillards included Rodney’s brother, Doug, Dean Webb and Mitch Jayne. One of their picking buddies early on was the wildly inventive John Hartford. After making a name for themselves in their hometown of Salem, Missouri, they moved to Los Angeles in 1962 and began performing in local clubs. Within two weeks of their arrival in L.A. they were signed to appear as “The Darlings” on The Andy Griffith Show, a gig that lasted until 1966 and one that through the show’s continued airing has made The Dillards the most viewed bluegrass act in the world.
At this time, no Covid-19 protocols are in place for this show. Face masks are recommended but not required. Bar and concessions will be available. Doors open at 6 pm, and the concert begins at 7 pm.