REGIONAL: The Gibson Brothers bring bluegrass to Troy

Published 10:52 am Thursday, February 14, 2019

For the third time, the Gibson Brothers will travel from their home in northern New York state to Troy to entertain bluegrass music lovers Saturday.

The duo has been performing professionally since the late 1980s. Brothers Eric and Leigh, who play banjo and guitar respectively, were awarded the International Bluegrass Music Association “Emerging Artist of the Year” honors in 1998.

Since then, they have also won IBMA’s Song of the Year (“Ring the Bell”) in 2010 and 2013 (“They Called It Music”).

In 2012 and 2013, they garnered “Entertainer of the Year” awards and Eric, the eldest, was awarded IBMA’s “Songwriter of the Year” in 2013.

The pair have performed on the Grand Ole Opry and Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion.” In 2015, the siblings received honorary doctorates of fine arts form State University of New York.

“This is the third time we’ve played in Troy,” Eric Gibson said. “We had a great time last year and are looking forward to it again this year.”

“I am looking forward to having the Gibson Brothers back in Troy,” promoter Jeff Branch of Oakboro said. “This group from New York has one of the most entertaining shows on the bluegrass circuit. Brother duets from this group are fabulous and it brings back memories to the days of the Louvin Brothers and Jim and Jesse. The humor between the two brothers is what makes their show complete.”

The siblings have performed in 44 states and seven foreign countries.

“We play more in North Carolina than any other state,” Eric said. “N.C. is the hot bed of bluegrass. They know their bluegrass. which makes it a little intimidating.”

The Gibson Brothers will perform at the James Garner Center, 210 Burnett St., Troy, at 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $25 reserved, $20 at the door. Kids 6-12 are admitted for $10.

Concessions will be provided by the West Montgomery Lions Club.

For tickets and more information, contact Jeff Branch at 704-985-6987 or jbranch205@ windstream.net.