McALESTER —
The United States Navy’s country music-bluegrass band will navigate its way to Oklahoma for a series of three concerts in September — including one in McAlester.
Called Country Current, the band is set to perform in McAlester on Sept. 22, which is a Saturday night.
The performance is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at Life Church, 1300 George Nigh Expwy. The News-Capital and Life Church are co-sponsoring the event.
Free tickets for the concert will be available beginning Tuesday at the News-Capital, at 500 S. Second St. A limit will be placed on the number of tickets given per person or family, according to guidelines for the event.
“Country Current is nationally renowned for its versatility and ‘eye-popping’ musicianship, performing a blend of modern country music and cutting-edge bluegrass,” according to Navy spokesman.
Most of the members play multiple instruments.
Founded in 1973, the group’s lineup has changed through the years. It originally began as a country music group, with the bluegrass unit formed in 1989.
During the group’s history, with personnel changing through the years, Country Current has performed with a number of top bluegrass and country music performers.
They include the late and legendary Bill Monroe, who is considered the father of bluegrass music. Others include Allison Krauss, Charlie Daniels, the Statler Brothers, Jerry Reed, John Anderson, Boots Randolph, Kathy Mattea and Suzy Boggus.
Country Current is led by Unit Leader and Senior Chief Musician Keith Arneson, of Waldorf, Md., on banjo, guitar and vocals, along with Leading Chief Petty Officer and Chief Musician Patrick J. White, of Williamsport, Md., on fiddle, mandolin and vocals.
The group also includes the following personnel, all of whom are Musicians 1st Class:
• Kenny Ray Horton, of Rocky Comfort, Mo., who is music director and emcee, in addition to serving as lead vocalist and guitarist.
• Patrick K. Gulley, of Nashville, Tenn., pedal steel guitar.
• Joseph M. Friedman, of St. Louis, Mo., guitar.
• Jeremy K. Middleton, of Clarksville, Tenn., electric bass, acoustic string bass, and vocals.
• Christina M. Catalanotto, of Slidell, La., drums.
• Christopher M. Trupe, of Reading, Pa., sound support technician.
The group performs concerts around the nation and has also performed overseas.
Country Current’s only other scheduled Oklahoma performances during the current tour are at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 21 at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, and at 7 p.m. on Sept. 23 at the Myriad Botanical Garden in Oklahoma City.
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