Bluegrass sensation Nickel Creek to kick off 2006-07 Performing Arts Series on Sept. 29

GOSHEN, Ind. – Nickel Creek, a group who’s making bluegrass hip for a new generation of fans, will bring their mix of down-home and folk-rock music to Goshen College’s Sauder Concert Hall in a bonus show to the 2006-07 Performing Arts Series on Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are sold-out for this concert, but they are often turned in at the box office the night of the concert and are then sold to interested persons.

While their roots run deep in bluegrass and traditional music, Nickel Creek’s members draw from eclectic influences including classical, jazz and both classic and alternative rock and roll, making for an energetic live show.

The acoustic ensemble consists of mandolinist Chris Thile, and siblings Sean Watkins on guitar and Sarah Watkins on violin. Nickel Creek was formed in 1989 when the three were preteens playing together in southern California. Signing with Sugar Hill Records in 1998, the band’s third album, “Why Should We Let the Fire Die?” was released last August to much acclaim. All three members continue to explore their craft through side projects, and Sean Watkins and Thile have also released several solo albums.

The Chicago Tribune describes the group as “… arguably the finest acoustic string ensemble operating today … Nickel Creek is the future of American acoustic music, and the future never looked rosier.” Time Magazine says, “The trio is making down-home music relevant for a new generation … to hear Nickel Creek is to hear the vibrant reinvention of a classic form.”

Nickel Creek is the winner of numerous awards including a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 2002, along with Grammy nominations in both 2001 and 2003. They have also received nominations from the Country Music Awards and from the International Bluegrass Music Association.

The band announced in late August 2006 that after 17 years of touring together, they will take a break for an indefinite length at the end of 2007. For more information, visit Nickel Creek’s official site at www.nickelcreek.com.

Country-rock artist Tift Merritt will open this concert. She released her second album, “Tamborine,” in 2004 to much acclaim. “Tamborine” was nominated for a Best Country Album at the 2005 Grammy Awards.

Concert tickets are $40 for A section, $35 for B section or $20 for C section seats. For further information about ticket availability, prices, reservations or more information, contact the Goshen College Welcome Center at (574) 535-7566 or e-mail welcomecenter@goshen.edu.

Future concerts in the 2006-07 Goshen College Performing Arts Series:

• Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m. – The Dave Brubeck Quartet
• Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 5, 3 p.m. – The Marriage of Figaro (other nights available for the general public)
• Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. – The King’s Singers
• Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m. – Emerson String Quartet
• Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. – Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
• March 13, 7:30 p.m. – Soweto Gospel Choir

– By Megan Blank

Editors: For more information about this release, to arrange an interview or request a photo, contact Goshen College News Bureau Director Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.

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Goshen College, established in 1894, is a four-year residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college’s Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron’s Best Buys in Education, “Colleges of Distinction,” “Making a Difference College Guide” and U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” edition, which named Goshen a “least debt college.” Visit www.goshen.edu.