Nationally Acclaimed Bluegrass Artists Eric Christopher and Anthony Ihrig to Appear Together at Northfield’s Tavern Lounge

The Tavern Lounge is pleased to present Eric Christopher & Anthony Ihrig on Friday, Oct. 5 from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Considered to be two of the nation's best string players, Christopher and Ihrig are acclaimed for their solo work as well as with bands like The High 48s, Free Range Pickin’ and The Minor Planets. Christopher (fiddle, vocals) and Ihrig (banjo, dobrow, guitar, percussion, vocals) are both award-winning composers and musicians in their own right -- joining forces they bring their bluegrass chops to the world of modern folk and Americana music, combining smart and thoughtful lyrics with tight vocal harmonies and expert picking.

A popular and in-demand fiddler, Eric Christopher has performed, recorded and/or toured with dozens of bluegrass, Americana and alternative country acts, including bluegrass legends James King and Alan Munde, as well as a range of local and national Americana artists including Bellwether, Tina Schlieske, Dana Thompson, Eliza Blue and Vic Chesnutt. Along with co-founding the award-winning bluegrass band The High 48s, Christopher is part of the popular duo The Minor Planets, who have been featured on National Public Radio’s “Radio Heartland” and Minnesota Public Radio’s “The Current.” Learn more about Eric at www.ericchristopher.net.

Musician Anthony Ihrig is a former rock and roll drummer turned bluegrass banjo player and songwriter who has made a big name for himself in the Upper Midwest’s booming acoustic music scene. He co-founded the Twin Cities-based string band Free Range Pickin,’ who, alongside young acoustic bands like Trampled by Turtles and Pert Near Sandstone, were at the forefront of a “newgrass” revolution in Minnesota that helped introduce modern string band music to a whole new generation of fans. Along with Eric Christopher he also co-founded The High 48s, considered to be one of the premier traditional bluegrass bands in the nation and winners of the prestigious RockyGrass Bluegrass Band Competition in 2008. Ihrig has recorded with Grammy-winning Nashville musicians Randy Kohrs and Mike Compton, and performed with Prairie Home Companion’s Garrison Keillor. More information at www.anthonyihrig.com.

The Tavern Lounge is located in the historic Archer House River Inn, 212 Division Street in Northfield. For more information, call (507) 663-0342 or visit www.tavernofnorthfield.com.