Hard Road Trio - Christine Sanders (guitar), Anne Luna (bass) and Steve Smith (mandolin)
Following up their chart-topping CD “Monticello” with their latest release “Smoke and Redemption,” the Hard Road Trio will celebrate with an official CD release concert at the Rio Grande Theatre. The Trio – made up of mandolin master Steve Smith, guitarist and songbird Chris Sanders and cellist Anne Luna – will be joined by Senegalese guitarist, percussionist, singer and songwriter King Ibu. Copies of “Smoke and Redemption” and other CDs from the Trio and King Ibu will be available for last minute gift giving before and after the concert. The Hard Road Trio and special guest King Ibu will take the Rio Grande Theatre stage, Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 7:30 pm.
The Hard Road Trio has captured the attention of audiences across the country with the depth of their songwriting and the power of their distinctive voices. Their music grows from Steve’s love of bluegrass rooted in his native Virginia, the beauty of choral singing ever-present in Chris’ Minnesota childhood and the tradition of music in Anne’s New Mexico family. Together, their Southwestern blend of Roots and Bluegrass music provides a unique heartbeat and lilt underscored by Anne’s driving and elegant bass.
Originally from Podor, Senegal, but a transplant to Los Angeles since 1996, King Ibu is a multi-instrumentalist with an expert ear and the ability to understand and express every genre of music. His exposure to traditional West African Blues, polyrhythmic drums and Senegalese contemporary dance music was balanced nicely with his interest in jazz, rock and roll, reggae, zouk and flamenco. Masterfully weaving all of these musical influences together, he has created a sound that is both warmly familiar and mystically unique. King Ibu currently makes his home in Las Vegas, Nevada where he collaborates with great musicians from around the world.
The Rio Grande Theatre is located at 211 N. Main Street, in Las Cruces. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $17 for adults; $5 for 12 and under and may be purchased on-line at www.RioGrandeTheatre.com, by phone at (575) 523-6403 or at the Rio Grande Theatre box office, upstairs at 211 N. Main Street, Las Cruces. At the door prices are $22 for adults; $5 for 12 and under. For more information call (575) 523-6403 or visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.