02 Sep 2016 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to open UCA Public Appearances season

by Audrey Forbes

College of Fine Arts and Communication Media Office

To kick off the new season of University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances, iconic American entertainers the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will perform to a sold-out crowd in the Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22.

“Ticket holders can expect the band to play all of their favorite hits, tell behind-the-scenes stories and offer insights into their extensive musical history,” said Director of UCA Public Appearances Amanda Horton.

The Grammy award-winning band is credited with helping to create the country rock movement in American music history. Hit song “Fishin’ in the Dark” was certified platinum in digital downloads in 2014, and the band’s version of “Mr. Bojangles” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010.

Members Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter and John McEuen will celebrate their 50th anniversary as a band this year.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the band’s commemorative tour as they celebrate their 50th year of making music together,” Horton said.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and friends Vince Gill, Alison Krauss and former member Jackson Browne filmed a 50th anniversary special, which aired on PBS in March at the Historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

For additional information, contact Horton at 501.450.3682 or [email protected], or visit uca.edu/reynolds.