Elton John calls him “Brilliant!” and he was AMC’s Guitarist of the Year for three straight years. Grammy-winner John Jorgenson and his Bluegrass Band, straight from a packed house performance at the Grand Ole Opry, are set to appear Saturday, March 29th at The Ellen Theatre. Jorgenson’s career has already been a full one, co-founding The Desert Rose Band and Hellecasters, and collaborating with a number of musical luminaries including Sting, Bonnie Rait, Bob Dylan, Luciano Pavarotti, Billy Joel and Barbra Streisand. Elton John was so impressed when he first saw him play, he immediately recruited Jorgenson to join his band, a teaming that lasted six years. In 2008, Jorgenson won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental with Brad Paisley and received a nomination for Best Bluegrass Album with Earl Scruggs. One of the elite Gypsy Jazz players in the world, Jorgenson portrayed Django Reinhardt in the Hollywood feature film Head in the Clouds.

“We’re thrilled to be back to The Ellen,” said Jorgenson. “The acoustics are perfect and I like to call it Carnegie West. I’m truly looking forward to introducing our Bluegrass Band to Bozeman.”  If you have yet to see a live performance by Jorgenson, known for his blistering licks on guitar and mandolin, here is your opportunity to witness a master at the absolute top of his craft, along with three legendary fellow musicians. Joining Jorgenson are Herb Pedersen on banjo, guitar and vocals; Jon Randall on guitar and vocals; and Mark Fain on bass.

Herb Pedersen was a member of legendary Bluegrass band The Dillards as well as Bluegrass super-group Old and In the Way. A highly sought after singer and musician, he has performed with such music icons as Jerry Garcia, Gram Parsons, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Jackson Browne, John Denver, Dan Fogelberg, James Taylor, Vince Gill, Stephen Stills,  John Prine and Kris Kristofferson. Pedersen wrote the classics “Old Train” and “Wait A Minute.” Jon Randall first gained recognition as guitarist for Emmylou Harris’ band, the Grammy-winning Nash Ramblers. He has also toured with Earl Scruggs and recorded with Harris, Lyle Lovett and Linda Ronstadt. Among his several hit songs, Randall penned “Whiskey Lullaby,” the CMA Song of the Year in 2005 for Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss. Mark Fain toured and recorded as bass player in the award-winning Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder for 13 years. He’s also toured and recorded with Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, and Dwight Yoakam and has produced many artists in the bluegrass, jazz, country, and gospel genres.

Reserved Seats for this incredible night of Bluegrass are $28.00 and may be purchased online at www.theellentheatre.com. Beer, wine and other refreshments will be available in The Ellen lobby starting at 7 PM and the music will begin at 8 PM. For questions or to order tickets over the phone, please call The Ellen box office at 406-585-5885.