Monroe Crossing returns to Luverne

Regional bluegrass favorite Monroe Crossing will perform at the Palace Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
As a new feature to the concert, local musicians from Country Grass will also perform.
Carol Zwaan is a member of Country Grass.
"Monroe Crossing is just an all-around band," she said. They are very aggressive, but they play slow songs, too."
She’s seen them perform in the past and looks forward to opening for Monroe Crossing.
People may remember Country Grass from its recent performance at the Rock County Fair.
Zwaan describes Country Grass just as what its name implies — a mix of country and bluegrass music.
"We have fun on stage," she said. "One thing that’s unique about us is that everyone does vocals as well as instrumentals. Everyone represents their own different style."
Monroe Crossing is a bluegrass and gospel quintet that is named after Bill Monroe, the "father of bluegrass."
Their upbeat blend of classic and traditional bluegrass also takes stage with other surprising numbers such as The Temptations’ doo-wop hit "My Girl" and Etta James’ "At Last."
The group sings around a single microphone that is reminiscent of old-time radio shows, with members taking turns stepping closer to the microphone as they take a lead.
While the show is dynamic, it is also warm — the group takes requests after intermission.
Bluegrass is gaining popularity and acceptance in recent years.
Monroe Crossing is the only bluegrass band ever nominated as Artist of the Year (2004) by the Minnesota Music Academy, and it won the MMA’s 2003 Bluegrass Album of the Year award for the CD "The Green Mossy Ground." The group also took home awards for Best Female Vocalist, Best Guitar, Best Mandolin and Best Banjo from the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association.
The five members of Monroe Crossing are Mark Anderson on bass, Art Blackburn on guitar, Lisa Fuglie on fiddle, Matt Thompson on mandolin, and Jason Ericsson on banjo.
Country Grass opens for Monroe Crossing. That group has been playing a mix of country and bluegrass music for five years. They perform at fairs, banquets, festivals and churches in the tri-state area.
Country Grass includes Mary Tinant from Brandon, S.D., on guitar, Jan Johnson, also from Brandon on mandolin, Carol Zwaan from Steen on guitar, Larry Pederson from Sioux Falls, S.D., on dobro, Terry Hutchison, Garretson, S.D., on lead guitar, Bill Kroon, Steen on banjo, and Harlon Kroon, also Steen, on bass.
All contribute with the vocals and each has a unique style.
General admission is $12 in advance, $15 at the door, and students are $10. Advance tickets are now on sale at the Carnegie Cultural Center at (507) 283-8294, the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce at 283-4061, and the Coffey Haus at 283-8676.