Banjo Doctorate

Ralph Stanley transcends genre, era, place and taste. His unique tenor voice has graced the world of bluegrass for 55 years, with his late brother Carter as the Stanley Brothers and with The Clinch Mountain Boys. He hypnotized old fans and the uninitiated alike with his heart-stopping performance of “O Death” in the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou? He has played on over 170 records, and let's not forget he's a helluva banjo player! A trailblazer in playing style, Stanley took what Earl Scruggs had done and pushed it farther, developing his own oft-imitated method. No matter what "kind" of music you thought you liked or disliked, if you really love music and you really listen to Ralph Stanley, you will be blown away. Known as "Dr. Ralph Stanley" (after being awarded an honorary Doctorate of Music from Lincoln Memorial University in 1976), he holds a solid place in the hearts and history of the world of Bluegrass. But he has long been regarded as a solid force in the wider world of music, as well, and has won several Grammy awards and the prestigious National Medal of Arts. Stanley will be giving it to you down-home 5 p.m. Sunday at the Granada Theater. Tickets are $25 to $35. Visit granadatheater.com.
Sun., April 20, 5 p.m., 2008