Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's New Live EP Under the Big Top Vol. 1 Available Now

The iconic and profoundly influential Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (NGDB), often cited as a catalyst for an entire movement in Country Rock and American Roots Music, released their new live EP called Under the Big Top Vol. 1 this week. The EP features six fan favorites performed live including "Mr. Bojangles," "Bless the Broken Road" and "Fishin' in the Dark," which was recently certified GOLD by the RIAA for digital sales. Recorded in 2010 at the band's performance at Big Top Chautauqua in Wisconsin, the EP perfectly captures a live experience with NGDB. 
 
"It's a little slice of Dirt...a combo platter of hits, fan-favorites and even some music from our latest CD, Speed of Life," said band member Jeff Hanna. "We recorded it last summer at one of our favorite venues, Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield, Wisconsin. We had such a blast we knew it had to be shared with the fans!"
 
Available now and featured for digital download at iTunes and in the band's online store, Under the Big Top Vol. 1 is a must-have for any Nitty Gritty fan. Physical albums of this new Live EP are available now, only at nittygritty.com or a live NGDB show.

With multi-platinum and gold records, a string of top ten hits, multiple Grammy, IBMA, CMA Awards and nominations, and recent GOLD Digital Certification, the band's accolades only continue to accumulate. Showing no signs of slowing down, NGDB is currently on an extensive North American Tour in support of their most recent release, the critically acclaimed album Speed of Life (2009, Sugar Hill Records). Proving the "circle won't be unbroken," the band is celebrating another HUGE milestone this year, over four decades of touring and making music!

For a full list of tour dates visit www.nittygritty.com. 

Nitty Gritty Dirt BandTo Head All-Star Concert For Japan Tsunami Relief

World-renowned musician Marcus Miller is focusing his philanthropic and creative energies into assembling an amazing all-star concert to provide financial relief and support to those devastated by the recent tsunami tragedy in Japan. The concert is taking place Sunday May 15 at the Highline Ballroom in New York City from 7:30PM to 10PM. 

"Marcus Miller Presents: A Concert for Japanese Tsunami Relief" will feature performances by cutting edge artists from around the globe and across the musical spectrum, including soul singer Raheem DeVaughn, progressive pianist Robert Glasper, jazz trumpeter Sean Jones, African vocal superstar Angélique Kidjo, Swiss harmonica master Gregoire Maret, soul singer/guitarist Raul Midon, hip hop/jazz pioneer Q-Tip, trumpeter Wallace Roney (Miles' heir apparent), drummer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson (leader of the "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" show house band The Roots), Taiko drummer/bamboo flautist Kaoru Watanabe, drummer Vince Wilburn (Miles' nephew) drummer Louis Cato, saxophonist Alex Han and keyboard wizard Federico Gonzalez Peña. 

Japan has always held special place in Marcus Miller's heart. His performances there have always been nothing short of pan-cultural musical love-ins, and he has often released projects there first with exclusive material. The epic misfortune that has taken place there was a crushing personal blow. Marcus swiftly found support for the cause within his top-notch network of eclectic and excellent musical friends. 

"My heart goes out to the people of Japan who are suffering through the effects of the earthquake and tsunami," Miller humbly states. "So many musicians like me have enjoyed the love and support of Japanese music lovers over the years. We're putting this show together to try to return some of that love and support in their time of need." 

Net proceeds from "Marcus Miller Presents: A Concert for Japanese Tsunami Relief" will be donated to the Japan Relief and Recovery Fund spearheaded by Direct Relief. The event was organized by Bibi Green, Nelson George, Marcus Miller, Rikke Brogard, Mbacke Dioum and Steven Ocean, with special thanks to The Highline Ballroom, Eventi: a Kimpton Hotel, Studio Instrument Rentals, A. Scott Galloway, The Jazz Network Worldwide for their singular contributions, to Ujima Sound Productions Ltd. for their generous donation of Production Support Services., and to all the amazing musicians who are graciously donating their talents and time for this important cause. 

Concert starts @ 7:30PM
Doors open @ 6PM 

Tickets: 
$45 General admission in advance/$55 day of show 
$75 Reserved VIP seating 
VIP tables available for groups of 2, 4 and 6 
Buy Tickets Online: http://www.highlineballroom.com

Full dinner menu available / General Admission Seated Show / All Ages / First come, first seated, come early / $10 minimum per person at tables

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Celebrates First Gold Digital Certification

Over two decades after its release, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's (NGDB) No. 1 hit single "Fishin' in the Dark" is still setting records.  The classic song has been certified GOLD by the RIAA for digital sales of over 500,000 copies.  "Fishin' in the Dark" was a monster hit for NGDB dominating the No. 1 spot on the country charts in both the US and Canada in 1987.  It was first released digitally in 2009.

 

"'Fishin' in the Dark' seems to have a life of its own and has certainly become a signature song for us over the years," said band member Jeff Hanna. "We love that this song has become a summer anthem and continues to appeal to new audiences year after year." 

 

Often cited as a catalyst for an entire movement in Country Rock and American Roots Music, NGDB continues to add to their already legendary status.  With multi-platinum and gold records, a string of top ten hits, multiple Grammy, CMA, ACM and IBMA Awards and nominations, and now a GOLD Digital Certification, the band's accolades continue to accumulate. Showing no signs of slowing down, NGDB is currently on an extensive North American Tour.  The band is celebrating another HUGE milestone this year, over four decades of touring and making music!

 

NGDB is currently on the road in support of their most recent release, the critically acclaimed album Speed of Life (2009, Sugar Hill Records). For a full list of tour dates, visit www.nittygritty.com.