David Grisman and John Sebastian

Two music legends come together for one magic night, mandolinist extraordinaire David "Dawg" Grisman, and Lovin' Spoonful's singer/songwriter guitarist and harmonica player John Sebastian. Their musical history dates back to college days at New York University circa 1963 when the Greenwich Village folk revival was in its heyday. They made their first recording together as members of the Even Dozen Jug Band with future luminaries Maria Muldaur, Stefan Grossman and others. John Sebastian went on to form his wildly successful group, The Lovin' Spoonful, whose first seven singles hit the Top 10, including the now iconic tracks Daydream and Summer in the City. After leaving the group, John performed at Woodstock and wrote music for the films of Francis Ford Coppola and Woody Allen. His 1976 theme song for the television show Welcome Back Kotter became a chart-topping solo record. The ‘90s saw John return to the group format with the J-Band, a contemporary take on the classic jug band. Inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, John continues to spread the gospel of American Roots music, lending his voice in support of social, environmental, and animal rights causes.

Meanwhile, David Grisman spearheaded his own acoustic music revolution. For more than 40 years, mandolinist/composer David Grisman has been busy creating "dawg" music, a blend of many stylistic influences (including swing, bluegrass, latin, jazz and gypsy) so unique he gave it its own name (after his nickaname Dawg, given to him by longtime friend Jerry Garcia). In doing so, David has inspired a whole new genre of acoustic string instrumental music with style and virtuosity while creating a unique niche for himself in the world of contemporary music. Praised for his mastery of the instrument as well as his talents as a composer, bandleader, teacher and record producer by the New York Times, David's role as an acoustic innovator continues to grow. After recording for several major and independent labels, Grisman founded his own company, Acoustic Disc, which he runs from his studio in northern California. After launching the label in 1990, David entered the most prolific period of his distinguished career, producing over 50 critically acclaimed, high quality recordings of acoustic music (five of which have been nominated for Grammy Awards). Today his discography includes recordings with Bela Fleck, the Grateful Dead, Stephane Grappelli, Emmylou Harris, Chris Isaak, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt , Earl Scruggs, Dan Fogelberg, Maria Muldaur, James Taylor, and of course, the David Grisman Quintet.

Now, forty plus years later, the paths of Sebastian and Grisman have crossed again and they are performing a limited number of concert dates, following up from their 2007 release Satisfied, a stunning collection of acoustic duets featuring traditional folk tunes, blues, classic instrumentals, and originals.
Tickets are on sale now from the Cedar Ticketlne (612-338-2674 ext 2), Cedar outlets, and online at Ticketweb.
$40 general admission, $55 front and center

Supported in part by MBOTMA.