Door and Bar 6:00PM; Show at 6:30PM

Americana-bluegrass quartet True North brings a treasure trove of gorgeous songs and mind-blowing guitars to the Old Stone Church in Bend.

Deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest, True North has enjoyed national and international success, particularly the band’s recent release, “Elsebound.” This beautifully-captured collection of thirteen songs spent 25 weeks in the top ten on the National Roots Music Report folk charts, including a week at No. 1, rubbing elbows with big-timers like Nickel Creek, Ray Lamontagne and Sarah Jaroz.

Lead singer Kristen Grainger’s velvety voice and fresh songwriting have been nationally celebrated, most recently winning the IMEA 2015 Song of the Year (folk) for Elsebound’s “Be Here Now.” She took second in the prestigious 2015 Merlefest songwriting competition in North Carolina. Grainger also was chosen as one of ten nationwide finalists in the 2014 Telluride Troubadour songwriting contest, and selected from more than 800 entrants to perform two originals in the finals at the Kerrville (TX) New Folk Songwriters’ Contest.

Located at 157 NW Franklin Avenue in Bend, the Old Stone Church’s acoustics are ideally suited for live music. Doors open at 6 p.m.; acoustic duo Free Range kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, www.bendticket.com, or $15 at the door. Additional information is available on FaceBook or True North’s website, www.truenorthband.com.

MEMBERS:
Kristen Grainger (vocals, original material) is a rising star songwriter, winning the International Music and Entertainment Association’s 2015 Song of the Year (folk), and finishing second at the 2015 Merlefest song contest. She was one of ten finalists in the Troubadour Songwriting Contest at the 2014 Telluride Bluegrass Festival, performing solo in front of 10,000 ‘festivarians’. Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel’s song “Mountain Boy” was featured on the 2008 European World Bluegrass Festival’s live CD. Grainger’s song “Doris Dean” was chosen from more than 800 entries, and she and Wetzel performed in the finals at the 2007 Kerrville (TX) New Folk Songwriters’ Contest. Their song “Hard Place to Suffer (And That Really Gets Me Down)” won the 2010 Wintergrass song contest.

Dan Wetzel (guitar, mandolin, vocals) provides direction and leadership for True North. He has earned considerable recognition as a singer-songwriter, having toured nationally as a solo artist after winning a national songwriting contest. His superb instrumental skills — guitar, both flat-pick and finger-style, and mandolin — give True North’s songs their driving groove. Dan’s talents are frequently tapped by other artists and bands for recording projects and live performances.

Dale Adkins (guitar, 5-string banjo, vocals) brings considerable skill and experience to True North’s signature sound. Both versatile and highly accomplished, Dale is regarded as one of the finest flat pickers on the West Coast. His vocal style is perfectly suited for the tight harmonies distinctive to True North. Dale is also an outstanding recording engineer, and was instrumental in developing the unique and acclaimed sonic quality of True North’s recordings. “Alone in the Red Room” is a collection of his own solo guitar compositions and interpretations of three traditional tunes. He has produced and performed on countless outstanding recording projects – Bluegrass Regulators, Jim Faddis and Prairie Flyer, and many others, through his media outfit, Big Owl Studios.

Suzanne Pearce (bass, vocals) is influenced by a deep love of traditional bluegrass as well as an affinity for a more contemporary acoustic sound. Her proficiency on the bass and her ability to add just the right harmonies, give complexity and depth to True North’s performances. An excellent producer and arranger, Suzanne’s diverse set of skills have made her much in demand for recording projects and live performances.