Monroe Crossing

Named in honor of Bill Monroe, "The Father of Bluegrass," Monroe Crossing plays an upbeat blend of classic and traditional bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. Audiences can sing along to the music of Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs, the Osborne Brothers, and Jimmy Martin, performed in unique arrangements by the band.

"Working close" around a single microphone in a style reminiscent of old-time radio shows, Monroe Crossing presents an artistry of world-class musicianship and choreography that continues to win over audiences wherever they go. One of the group's visual trademarks are the 1940's vintage ties worn by the four men in honor of the decade in which bluegrass music -- an American original -- was born.

Always a crowd pleaser, Monroe Crossing plays 125 shows a year at major venues across the Midwest. They have appeared on Minnesota Public Radio's "Talking Volumes" and "Stage Sessions" radio shows, which are taped before a live audience at the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul.

Monroe Crossing is the only bluegrass band ever nominated as "Artist of the Year" (2004) by the Minnesota Music Academy, and they won the MMA's 2003 "Bluegrass Album of the Year" award for "The Green Mossy Ground." They were selected as the "Emerging Artist of the Year" by the California Bluegrass Association in 2006 and showcased at the International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass in 2007.

For a complete listing of Monroe Crossing's performance schedule and more information, visit their website at www.monroecrossing.com.

The members of Monroe Crossing are Mark Anderson, string bass; Benji Flaming, banjo; Matt Thompson, mandolin; Lisa Fuglie, fiddle; and Art Blackburn, guitar.