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BLUEGRASS GOSPEL PROJECT WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

May 29, 2008

The Bluegrass Gospel Project is pleased to announce that it will end a six-month hiatus with its annual performance on the Castleton, Vermont common on July 1.

The show will also mark the debut of the band’s two newest members, Colby Crehan and Kirk Lord. Crehan takes over the female lead vocalist role for singer Patti Casey while Lord follows in the footsteps of bassist Jim DiSabito. Long time members Casey and DiSabito left the BGP at the end of 2007 to pursue other musical and family endeavors.

Colby Crehan of Burlington Vermont has been a member of the talented Vermont band PossumHaw since 2004. George V. Nostrand of The Rutland Herald writes: “…the vocals of Colby Crehan rival the likes of Rani Arbo and Patti Casey.” Reviewer Michael Devlin (Music Matters) calls her voice “front-porch real and otherworldly sweet.” In addition to her talents as a vocalist, Crehan is a respected songwriter and guitarist.

Kirk Lord of Essex Junction Vermont traces his musical influences to folk, pop, jazz, country, and bluegrass. He has served as bassist and vocalist with many of Vermont’s most popular bands including Lost Posse, Hell Toupee, Buck and the Black Cats, Big Spike Bluegrass, and Bob Degree and the Bluegrass Storm.

The other, founding members of the Bluegrass Gospel Project are Taylor Armerding, mandolin/vocals; Paul Miller, guitar/vocals; Gene White Jr., fiddle; and Steve Light, banjo/guitar/vocals.

The BGP is six of the Northeast's finest bluegrass, country and folk musicians. Their music is solidly based in the American bluegrass tradition while paying homage to the beautiful and inspirational message of gospel lyrics. Their concerts include classic and original tunes carefully selected to showcase the band’s textured vocal harmonies and instrumental virtuosity.

Each member brings many years of musical experience to the band’s sound. Their multiple vocal and instrumental talents allow BGP concerts to feature a diversity of lead singers and styles as the band members take on different vocal and instrumental roles for each selection.

Gene White assembled the BGP in 2001 for what was intended to be a one-time event at the First Night celebration in Burlington, Vermont. The promoter asked him to bring together a group of musicians to offer a performance centered on a theme of his choice. White chose bluegrass gospel because of its haunting beauty and the uplifting message of its lyrics. Seven years and four CDs later the BGP is still performing concerts across New England and New York. During this time the band has raised tens of thousands of dollars for many charitable causes and organizations.