DENVER — Two sensational groups that encompass the excitement of the bluegrass movement in Colorado will share the stage for one night only at Swallow Hill Music on Friday, February 12 at 8 p.m. Lending his bedside manner to both bands is Grammy-nominated bluegrass veteran Pete "Dr. Banjo" Wernick.

Pete Wernick & Flexigrass is a supercharged blend of bluegrass with classic jazz and "Dr. Banjo" originals. The all-star group blazes new trails everywhere they play, as young vibraphone master Greg Harris and hot clarinetist Bill Pontarelli trade licks with Grammy-nominated Wernick, the band's tight arrangements provide many surprises. Joan Wernick's sparkling vocals range from soulful bluegrass to stylish jazz and Kris Ditson (drums) and Roger Johns (bass) provide a strong pulse that doesn't overpower, but pops and sizzles!

Flexigrass has seen performances from Carolina to California, and have twice traveled to Ireland to showcase their unique flare. Fans from Béla Fleck to George Winston have sung its praises, and reactions from the press have called Flexigrass: fundamentally futuristic, truly great, beguiling, fantastic, wildly enjoyable, and monster players. "I love the way [Flexigrass] blends bluegrass banjo into an early jazz band. A very appealing combination." —Bela Fléck

When Long Road Home formed in 2005, some described it as a "teenage super group." The band won the 2006 RockyGrass Band Competition in Colorado, and quickly became a regional mainstay. Original members Justin Hoffenberg (fiddle) and Martin Gilmore (lead vocals and guitar) completed their current lineup of musicians in the summer of 2008 when they added Grammy nominated, 30-year banjo veteran Pete "Dr. Banjo" Wernick to the lineup. On bass is Gene Libbea, a world renowned bass player from the group known as the Nashville Bluegrass Band. During his time with them, Gene garnered two Grammy awards and five nominations. Rounding out the band on mandolin is Jordan Ramsey, the 2008 Colorado and Wyoming State mandolin champion. The band is currently touring in support of their new live album, Live From eTown Hall, recorded in Boulder, CO.

Tickets are now on sale at www.swallowhillmusic.org (now with no processing fees), or by calling (303) 777-1003 x2 to speak with a real human being, or by visiting our friendly Box Office at 71 E. Yale Ave, Denver, CO, 80210.

Thank you for supporting live music in Denver!

About Swallow Hill Music Association:
Helping people make and enjoy music since 1979, Swallow Hill Music Association celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2009 as one of the largest nonprofit institutions of its kind in the United States as a source for folk, roots and acoustic music. In 2008, Swallow Hill Music served more than 80,000 people through their concert, school and outreach programming. With more than 2,300 members, Swallow Hill provides a place to celebrate music that is rarely heard elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain Region. Three concert venues house more than 200 performances a year, featuring some of the world's great artists as well as up-and-coming new talent. Swallow Hill’s Julie Davis School of Music offers classes for every interest, skill level and member of the family. Each year, a faculty of 60 instructors provides training to more than 4,000 students. A Tier II member of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, Swallow Hill has been named one of the Top 25 Movers & Shakers in Arts & Culture by the Rocky Mountain News, has won both the Mayor's and Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts and countless "Best of Denver" awards, has been recognized by the North American Folk Alliance, and is one of the most sought-after venues by folk and roots performers in the country.