Bill Monroe and the Birth of Bluegrass

The Fall 2019 session of the Lamoille Valley Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) opens on September 4th to the sound of music. Locally well-known professional musician and lifelong bluegrass enthusiast Bob Amos will present "Bill Monroe and the Birth of Bluegrass". Have you ever wondered what bluegrass music is and how it came to be? Bob will lead us through a fascinating historical tour of the musical roots of Bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe. He will explain through music and story the birth of this unique American art form.

Bob Amos was one of four musicians who formed a bluegrass band called Front Range in Colorado in the late 1980s. They traveled the world, playing at clubs, theaters and bluegrass festivals for 15 years. They recorded five albums between 1991 and 2003. The band split up when a member became gravely ill. Amos came to Vermont with his family in 2005 and joined a bluegrass jam group in St. Johnsbury. He began playing with other Vermont musicians, including Colin McCaffrey and Patti Casey. He Joined the Board of Directors of Catamount Arts. He now plays with a bluegrass group called Catamount Crossing, one of the biggest draws each year at St. Johnsbury's First Night. Over many years Amos has been universally praised for his musical arrangements and original bluegrass material. Who better to bring us "Bill Monroe and the Birth of Bluegrass"?

Osher lectures begin at 1:30 sharp. Doors open at 12:45 p.m. at the Commodores Inn restaurant, 823 S. Main Street, Route 100, Stowe.

Fees for non-members are $5.00.