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Last updated on Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Morning Y'all, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge are saddlin' up and taking their untamed mountain grass down to Florida bound this weekend. They'll be charging thru Lake Worth for a gig at the impeccable Bamboo Room on Thursday, and then over to Aces Lounge in Bradenton on Friday. Sounds like fun, don't it... We'll hope on board.

Next week, we're Festival bound. Larry and Jenny will be playing with Keller Williams as Keller and the Keels at the first annual Delfest on Friday (www.delfest.com). This fest will have all kinds of top notch pickers abound, including Del and the Boys, Sam Bush, David Grisman, Railroad Earth and so many more. Saturday, has the debut performance of Keel / McMurry Farms at AMJAM in Deerfields, NC (www.amjam.net). Familiar faces but with a new direction, this rare performance will feature Larry and Jenny with Steve, Fitz, and Bryan McMurry of Acoustic Syndicate. Then on Sunday at AMJAM, Keller and the Keels will team up once again. Other acts at this fest will be Govt Mule, Burning Spear, Jason Isbell, Dumpstaphunk, and tons more.

Then to finish out the month, the band will be swinging thru Morgantown, Louisville, and Nashville on May 29-31. If you want to help with some street team stuff by hanging some posters, please drop us a msg.

Thanks and we'll see you soon.

Last updated on Dec 1, 2007

If you listen closely, you can hear the caravans forming, and the performers gearing up for the best New Year's Eve blowout in all the hills. The 4th Annual Mountain Music Family Circus rolls into Asheville, NC at the Grey Eagle Music Hall on Dec 31. There is no better way to ring in the New Year than the spectacular exhibition of tremendous performers who elevate the musical ceiling to new and enormous heights!

This year, alongside the Acoustic Alchemist Ring Leader, LARRY KEEL, and his Mischievous band, NATURAL BRIDGE, we have the most daring and remarkable acts who will amaze and astound all the beholders. This enormously-united show will feature the most sought after and ferocious percussionist in America, "APT Q 258" JEFF SIPE and his band, the JEFF SIPE TRIO. We welcome back the astonishing feats brought only to the Circus by STEVE "BIG DADDY" MCMURRY. With precision, grace, and brute strength, a performance by BIG DADDY & FRIENDS will be a breathtaking set. We are also excited to welcome Roanoke, VA's high flying, up-and-coming, THE HARWELL GRICE BAND, who take Bluegrass to new and elevated heights. As a special treat, the ringleader will also present the courageous 6-String cavalier pickers, known as THE KEEL BROTHERS who will perform their renowned and powerful presentation of authentic Appalachian mountain music. THE KEEL BROTHERS feature Larry Keel, Larry's older brother Gary Keel, and Mrs. Jenny Keel.

The Mountain Music Family Circus will kick off at 8pm on Dec 31, and Tickets for this 5 Act, nonstop extravaganza are $30. Tickets are on sale now at www.thegreyeagle.com. Advance tickets are recommended as this show will sell out early!

As a part of our Good Tidings Food Drive, we ask that each person attending please bring a 2 can food donation for the Asheville Manna Food Bank. Every year the Mountain Music Family Circus has a Canned Food Drive to help spread holiday blessings to those in need. This year, we are teaming up with Panic Fans For Food to help the hungry with food donations that will go to the Asheville Manna Food Bank. Panic Fans For Food is an Asheville based non-profit organization, that raises awareness of the domestic hunger issue and generates food donations across the country with food drives at Widespread Panic concerts. In the fall of 2007, this incredible organization began ongoing food drives at music venues in Asheville, and we are happy to assist them at our Annual New Years Extravaganza at the Grey Eagle.

Last updated on Tuesday, Nov 6

WOODSONGS::: On Monday, LKNB will be in Lexington KY, performing for Woodsongs Radio show. This nationally syndicated show will be broadcast on the radio as well as on their website. For more info: visit their website, www.woodsongs.org. During this tour, the band will also be performing in Johnson City TN, Knoxville TN, Wilmington NC, Oxford MS, Birmingham AL, Memphis TN, and Carrollton MS. Y'all come on out now ya hear.

TOUR WITH TONY RICE::: In early December the band will be a few select shows with the guitar maverick, Tony Rice. Check out our tourdates page for more info on this tour, including a performance at MTN STAGE, another incredible NPR Radio show taped in Charleston, WV.

MOUNTATIN MUSIC FAMILY CIRCUS 12.31.07::: We are so excited about our upcming NYE show, we are busting at the seams. As always, this year looks to be the best yet, with a nationally recognized line-up that will prove that the Grey Eagle is the place to be in the SE on 12.31.07. Where else could you catch the acoustic alchemist, Larry Keel, and his picking band, Natural Bridge, alongside a line-up that includes: Apt Q258 Jeff Sipe and his Trio, Steve McMurry & Friends, the Harwell Grice Band (Roanoke's blazing bluegrass band). Tickets are $30, and we will be having the Manna Food Bank Drive.

Last week, the band popped over to Nashville from the International Bluegrass Music Assoc. conference, where they attended the Gibson Showcase hosted by the McCoury Family Records. Larry got up and performed with Del and the Boys, and they blazed their way thru LK's Mountain Song, which Del recorded on his Grammy winning album, The Company We Keep. Earlier in the night, at the IBMA awards, Tony Rice won guitar player of the year, and guess what..., we are working on shows with him in early December. Already confirmed, is Dec 5 at the famed Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. Keep in touch for more info on Rice Keel shows.

Starting this weekend, the band embarks on a nice 7 show tour that includes stops in SC, AL, GA, TN, MO, KY, and WV. It includes familiar stops at the Red Light Cafe in ATL, Windows on the Cumberland in Nashville, and 123 Pleasant in Morgantown. We will also be popping in on some new spots in Mobile, Louisville, and St. Louis. PLEASE pass on the word to your friends and family that we will be passing thru. We want to see as many folks on this run, and you can help. So pick up that phone, punch out an email, send some smoke signals, whatever needs to be done to inform your peeps that the Natural Bridge is on the way!

With fall here, plans are in place for the Mouintain Music Family Circus to roll into Asheville on December 31 at the Grey Eagle Music Hall. This event has established itself as one of the premiere New Year's Eve concerts in the country, and this year looks to be the best yet. With this our first annoncement, we are proud to have Steve "Big Daddy" McMurry back in the Big Top once again. He needs no introduction, and is one of the few who have been a part of every MMFC thus far.

A new Circus addition we are excited to have on board is the Jeff Sipe Trio. That is right folks, Apt 258 and his new band. Jeff is a world renowned drumer, and his resume includes Leftover Salmon, Trey Anastasio Band, Keller William's WMDS, Aquarium Rescue Unit, Phil Lesh and Friends, Susan Tedeschi, and many more. When we heard Jeff was in the area, we jumped at the notion of having him and his band on board. The stars aligned, and now it is so. Stay tuned for more announcements on the line-up as it develops into the place to be to ring in the new year (once again).

LK&NB wrapped up their Western Tour last week with a couple of top notch shows in Colorado. Friday, they were in Denver, where the blew the doors off Dulcineas. Saturday, they played at the Stage Stop in Rollinsville, where they were joined by Jeff Austin, of Yonder Mtn String Band. Actually, the band got to pick with quite a few friends on this tour. At Targhee, Larry, Mark, and Jason sat in on Sam Bush's jam which also featured David Grisman, Tony Trischka, and Danny Barnes. Sam also joined in on the LKNB set for an encore of Manhatten Island Serenade and Roanoke. Talk about a barn burner!

We regret to announce that Keels will not be performing at Gathering of the Vibes tomorrow, due to an error by the contracted airline chosen to get Larry and Jenny Keel from WY to CT for their Keller and Keels set. After a full day and a half of phone calls and research, no alternate route can get the Keels to the GOTV in time for their performance and then back to WY for Grand Targhee on Sunday.

Our organization worked countless hours to put forth this plan and we have been looking fowrard to this special opportunity since April. We are truly disappointed that Larry and Jenny can't perform with our dear friend Keller Williams tomorrow at this renowned festival. Unfortunately, the circumstances are out of our hands, and we are left the day before the engagment with no alternatives.

For those involved in the event and those who looked forward to seeing the Keels at GOTV, please accept our heartfelt apologies.

Last updated on Thursday, July 19

This past weekend, at the All Good Festival, Keller and the Keels performed to a crowd of over 15,000. The blazing set was cranked up a notch when the three piece band was joined by Grateful Dead founding member, Bob Weir, for extended versions of the Dead's Loser and Diamond Dupree's Blues. Loser particularly stood out, as Bobby stretched the song out allowing Larry to take 6 breaks. Later in the summer, Keller and the Keels and Weir's Ratdog will both be performing at Gathering of the Vibes in CT.

On Thursday, July 26, Larry Keel will bring his family band to Hideaway BBQ in Raleigh, NC for a very special and rare performance by the KEEL BROTHERS, featuring Larry Keel, Jenny Keel, and Gary Keel . We are extremely pleased to announce that MARK SHIMICK & Ghost Driver will be supporting the evening.

Natural Bridge has finished the recording process of their next album, which will feature many new originals penned by the band. And two weeks ago, on WNCW 88.7 in Western North Carolina, Larry announced that the album will be produced by the creative virtuoso, Keller Williams. Stay tuned to the website for more info.

As always, thanks for your support and we hope to see you soon.

Last updated on Friday, March 30, 2007

Sun is shining and the weather is sweet. Makes you want to move your dancin' feet!

The past couple of months have been absolutely incredible. From Jamaica to Colorado and back, we've had the opportunity to play with Peter Rowan, CX-1, Keller Williams, Billy Nershi (SCI), Old School Freight Train, Steep Canyon Rangers, Big Daddy, and Sam Bush. The road ahead has us playing with Vine Herman in Boone, and with George Porter Jr to ring in NOLA Jazz Fest at the Maple Leaf. Then we head to Orange Beach, Al for the Swamp Meat 2 fest, where we will be playing with Col. Bruce, Jeff Sipe, DJ Logic, Chris Spies, and who knows who else!!! It is a beautiful thing, my friends.

Last updated on Jan 5, 2007

A BIG THANKS to everyone who attended the Mountain Music Family Circus, and to all the musicians, crew, and staff as well. It was by far the best NYE celebration we've had yet. Over 5 hours of straight music, with each set merging into the next, the fans were treated, a new standard was set for ringing in the New Year. For one more day, you can enjoy watching and listening to the show at www.iclips.net. After that, we will be releasing it for sale. This will be a must have for any acoustic fan.

We are real proud to announce that in the new edition of GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE, L Keel is featured in an extensive article highlighting his career and flatpicking techniques. This is yet another nod to one of America's finest guitar players.

Larry is also featued in Leftover Salmon's new Documentary film, "Years in Your Ears". You definitely want to check that one out. Festival!!!

Larry and Jenny's first performances of the new year will be with the dynamic ensemble of Keller and The Keels in early Feb. Check out the shows in Norfolk, VA and Baltimore, MD.

On Dec 26, The Keel Brothers performed to a sold out show with the Tony Rice Unit at the legendary Birchemere in Alexandira, VA. Larry and Gary performed a stunning set of music, which was celebrated by a standing ovation. The Keel family looks forward to their return to the Birchmere and as always, to performing again with TOny Rice.

Last updated on Sunday, Dec 31, 2006

With all the tickets for tonight's Mtn Music Famly Circus, we are proud to announce that our New Year's Eve show will be streamed live online to night at www.iclips.net . Iclips.net is streaming Keel and friends tonight, as well as other New Year's Eve concerts including New Monsoon, Railroad Earth, Vince Herman's Great American Taxi, and Hot Buttered Rum. So if you can't attend the circus, hop on over to iclips.net and join the party!

Have you seen the new edition of Guitar Player Magazine that just hit the stores? Notice anyone familiar? How about that feature article on Larry Keel? That is right, there is an extensive article on Keel in Feb 2007 Guitar Player Magazine (which is on the shelves now!). Whether you are a musician or someone who loves true roots music, you will enjoy thi article. Rush out and get your copy today.

Last updated on Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Larry Keel and Co. are proud to present The MOUNTAIN MUSIC FAMILY CIRCUS at the Grey Eagle Music Hall on December 31, 2006. This annual event features world class mountain inspired music to ring in the New Year with boundless energy and excitement. This year�s big top performances include 2 sets from the ringmaster himself, Larry Keel, and his red hot band, Natural Bridge. Alongside the progressive bluegrass alchemist will be the likes of musicians that have proven to be pivotal in the Natural Bridge scene. With the help of CX-1 (featuring former members of Snake Oil Medicine Show and Acoustic Syndicate), Steve �Big Daddy� McMurry, and The Domesticated Outlaws, the 2006 Mountain Music Family Circus will undoubtedly be the best.

CX-1 Is One Of The Best Examples Of Modern Fusion Music. As a Progressive Roots Power Quartet, the dynamic between Jay Sanders, Andy Pond, George Pond and Billy Seawell is an equal union. Spreading the music and message of universal harmony, these four travelers have been at the epicenter of Western North Carolina's progressive acoustic movement. Discovering combinations of World Beat, Reggae, Rock-N-Roll and Americana, CX-1's textural compositions and three-part harmony continue to expand musical boundaries. As a bassist and composer, Jay Sanders was an underlying influence in ACOUSTIC SYNDICATE. He helped propel their ten-year career through six award winning albums, including two for roots label Sugar Hill. For ten years, The Pond Brothers, George and Andy, plus Billy Seawell have been the pulsating rhythm and creative vision behind the bluegrasstafari music of The SNAKE OIL MEDICINE SHOW.

Steve "Big Daddy" McMurry needs no introduction. He is one of the Keels' closet friends and has been a staple in the acoustic music scene for quite some time. Remember Acoustic Syndicate? How about the Big Daddy Bluegrass Band? Oh yeah, he's also been a part of the Mountain Music Family Circus for the last several years. This year, by popular demand, Big Daddy will get his own set to feature his incredible material and look for him to sit in with other acts as well.

The Domesticated Outlaws are also familiar musicians in the scene. In an earlier incarnation, known as Grassoline, the band supported Keel on several tours back in 2002 and 2003, including the Asheville Magraw Gap reunion, that proved to be monumental in the long line Keel History. Led by Clint Winengar, (who has also appeared at the last 2 MMFCs as bassist for Sassagrass in '04 and bassist for Jen & the Juice in '05) and flatpicker Brian Beasley, The Domesticated Outlaws feature some of the cream of the crop of Asheville, NC's up and coming acoustic artists. Bringing fresh original material steeped in a newgrass groove, this quintet looks to be the next break through acoustic act from Asheville.

In case you haven't noticed, the running theme of this year's Mountain Music Family Circus is a musical reunion. We've got strong representation from some of our favorite bands that are no more: Snake Oil Medicine Show, Acoustic Syndicate, and Grassoline. When Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey joined forces back in the early 1900s, they used the term, "Combined Shows". Well, we like the idea of that, so this year, look for a Combined Show at the Grey Eagle Music Hall on Dec 31. We ask that all ticket holders bring canned food donations for the Manna Food Bank. Lets have a big time and help out in a big way.

Last updated on October 16

NATURAL BRIDGE is heading north! In route to embark on a fast paced northern tour, the band is energized and excited to be hitting Art Centers and Clubs in the Maine, Mass., Vermont, and NJ. After this run, they hightail it back for a series of shows in Tennessee and then onto New Orleans for Halloween weekend. Lots of driving, lots of picking, lots of fun.

LARRY KEEL and Natural Bridge are proud to announce that they are now on the Blue Mountain Aritsts Roster, which includes such renowned artists as Drew Emmitt, Steep Canyon Rangers, Garaj Mahal, Bob Margolin, Tim Reynolds, and many more. We are excited to be working with our good friend, Hugh Southard, and the entire BMA staff.

MOUNTAIN MUSIC FAMILY CIRCUS is just around the corner and we are proud to announce that CX-1 will be joining us as a part of the line-up. CX-1 features former Snake Oil Medicine Show members, George Pond, Andy Pond, and Billy Seawell, and former Acoustic Synidcate bassist, Jay Sanders. Look for more announcements on the circus in the coming week.

LK&NB IN JAMAICA!!! On Feb. 17 Larry Keel & Natural Bridge will be performing as a part of the Chinese New Years Festival near Negril, Jamaica. Other artists include CX-1 and the Overtakers. Come join us in the islands for some incredible music, fun, and maybe a little fishing! More info on the festival can be found at www.chny.org

Last updated on Friday, August 18

JASON FLOURNOY JOINS LARRY KEEL & NATURAL BRIDGE... Former Member of Colorado�s Shanti Groove teams up Keel.

Renowned banjoist, Jason Flournoy has been a solid force in the bluegrass circuit for quite sometime. For the past 5 and half years he helped lead the Colorado jamgrass phenomenon, Shanti Groove, to major festivals and concert halls across America. Now Jason joins flatpicking legend and progressive bluegrass alchemist, Larry Keel and his band, Natural Bridge. With the addition of Flournoy, Natural Bridge has not only retained the services of an incredible banjo player, but also a seasoned songwriter. Jason penned many of Shanti Groove�s instrumental songs heard both live and on their release, River�s Mould.

Born and raised in the Southeast, Jason attended college at Brevard College in North Carolina. It was in western NC that he got his first dose of �real� banjo picking thanks to spending time with the likes of Billy Constable and Mark Shimick, and their band at the time, Sassagrass. After a few years in Alabama performing with the Dixie Slam Mob, Jason relocated to Colorado and joined Shanti Groove, with whom he performed over 600 shows. As life tends to go in full circles, Jason crosses musical paths with Mark Shimick again as members in one of today�s most important touring acoustic acts.

"Jason is a solid and very inventive banjo player that has lived on the road and understands all that touring has to offer, which is very valuable in a band mate. Musically, he can handle all the traditional stuff and can go as far out on a limb as needs be. Not only is he on top of all his skills and ready to tour, but he's also one hell of a nice guy. Jason is a great fit in Natural Bridge and I can�t wait to pick with this band all over the country and world.� � Larry Keel

Starting Sept 8, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge features Larry Keel (guitar, vocals), Jenny Keel (bass fiddle, vocals), Mark Schimick (mandolin, vocals), and Jason Flournoy (banjo, vocals).

Last updated on Thursday, Aug 3

Grateful Grass This Weekend! A Bit of confusion occured on the Grateful Grass set this weekend in Terra Alta. This weekend's set will feature Keller Williams and Larry & Jenny Keel. While Keith Moseley(SCI) and Jeff Austin(YMSB), do regularly appear in the Grateful Grass line-up, they will not be appearing at this event. The Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash will be an incerdible event and we look forward to seeing you there!

Recently, Larry Keel was endorsed by D'Addario, makers of some of the best guitar strings on the market. We are real proud to be partnering with this great company. As Larry says " I am proud to be associated D'Addario, a company of down to earth folk, whose strings have stood the test of time." So all you pickers out there, give ol' D'Addario a try, we think you will like them.

Pickin and Fishin Festival Promoter, David Ramsey informed us that the incredible songwriter and musician, David Via has been added to the already stout Pickin and Fishin line-up. Look for a full afternoon, evening, and late night of high energy bluegrass and acoustic music. Only 100 tickets are being sold for this event, so don't delay in getting yours. Follow the link of the front page of www.larrykeel.com formore info.

Now on iTunes! You can now get Larry Keel & Natural Bridge: self titled, LK: Journey, and Keel Brothers: Vol 1 at iTunes. Stop on by and get your copy today if you don't have it already. Larry Keel can also be found on Myspace at www.myspace.com/larrykeel. Check us out, listen to some tunes, and add us to your friends network.

Last updated on Wednesday, Aug 2, 2006

This weekend, Larry and Jenny will be taking part in the Grateful Grass set at the Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash in Terra Alta, WV. This incredible set, showcasing some of the most revered music by the legendary band, The Grateful Dead, in a bluegrass format, will be performed by what could be called a legendary band. We are proud to announce that Grateful Grass will feature alongside LARRY and JENNY KEEL, KELLER WILLIAMS, JEFF AUSTIN of Yonder Mountain String Band, and KEITH MOSELEY of String Cheese Incident. With some of Virginia's and Colorado's most renowned musicians, Grateful Grass will certainly make the Grateful Dead legacy proud.

Last updated on Thursday, June 22

Now on iTunes! You can now get Larry Keel & Natural Bridge: self titled, LK: Journey, and Keel Brothers: Vol 1 at iTunes. Stop on by and get your copy today if you don't have it already.

Vist us on www.myspace.com/larrykeel . Come on by, say hello and add us to your friends network.

Larry and Del: LK&NB performed with Del McCoury Band on Monday, June 19. The McCoury boys and Jason Carter joined Natural Bridge for a few and then Larry came out and played with Del. Hopefully this will be the beginning of more shows together. Any tapers out there?

Last updated on Monday, May 22, 2006

Be a part of History! In mid Sept, we will have a Magraw Gap 10 year anniversary concert at a special and private location. There will be 3 sets of the ultra progressive and ground-breaking act that helped pave the way for so many acoustic groups today. This event will take place at a private location near Charlotte, NC and will be filmed by high definition cameras. There will be only 100 tickets for sale and they will be pre-sale only. Stay tuned to our site for more info and pre-sale info.

Keller and the Keels 'Grass' is #8 on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts!!! It has been in the Top 15 for the last 8 weeks. Keller and the Keels will perform at both Smilefest and Wakarusa.

Smilefest lineup includes: Michael Franti and Spearhead, Kelller and the Keels, Sam Bush, Yonder Mountain String Band, Darol Anger, The Biscuit Burners, David Via, Curtis Burch, Big Blue, and many more. Smilefest is located 35 miles from Asheville, NC at Lake Toxaway. June 2-4. www.smilefest.com

Wakarusa lineup includes: Government Mule, Greyboy Allstars, Yonder Mountain String Band, Bela Fleck, Keller and the Keels, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, ALO, Les Claypool, and many many more. Wakarusa is located in Lawrence, KS. Jne 8, 9, 10. www.wakarusa.com

Keller and the Keels 'Grass' is #7 on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts!!! Thus far the album has peaked at #3. Keller and the Keels will perform at both Smilefest and Wakarusa.

Last updated on Thursday, April 20

Ah, its a beautiful thing. Spring is upon us, and that means it is good fishing weather and good festival weather. We are extremely excited about our upcoming festivals. Look for us at Smilefest (NC), Wakarusa (KS), Appalichain Uprising (OH), Aiken Bluegrass Fest (SC), and many more.

Have you heard Grass yet? The groundbreaking Keller and Keels release is making waves and buring up stereos across the country. The album is getting extensive airplay on both satilite and broadcast stations, and hopefully on your speakers too. If you haven't, then stop on by our merch page and get a copy today. One listen, and you will agree, that "it makes everything better."

We've had inquires about what guitars Larry is playing right now. We got Larry to chime on his axes, since he knows them best. "My Gibson is a 1930 L00. It is one of the first of its kind and better sounding live than any Martin I have ever heard. The Santa Cruz is their orchestra model and while being a new guitar it has great sound to be new and very easy to play. The Rockbridge is developing so nice and will be an incredible sounding guitar in the near future."

Larry and Jenny Keel are happy to announce that they�ll be a featured act at the 12th annual Smilefest (www.smilefest.com), featuring Michael Franti & Spearhead, Yonder Mountain String Band, Keller Williams, Sam Bush, The Everyone Orchestra and more! This year�s festival takes place June 2-4, at the Gorges Music Park in Lake Toxaway, NC, and we�d love for all of our extended family to join us there. Smilefest features not only a lineup of world-class music, but an entire weekend of serene camping, terrific food, exciting kids� activities, important community and environmental service info exchanges, and so much more. Early bird tickets are on sale now for $85 ( a discount off the gate price) at Musictoday.com (http://www.smilefest.musictoday.com/SmilefestProductions/calendar.aspx), while supplies last. Act fast, because the price jumps up after this limited block of tickets is gone! Thanks so much for supporting the Keels and live music, and we�ll see you at Smilefest!

Last updated on Wednesday, Dec 7

Keller Williams & the Keels Release GRASS: Keller Williams' self released album GRASS is a delightfully bizarre collection of anything-but-traditional bluegrass songs. Like most recordings from Keller, GRASS is self indulgent and possibly offensive to those who lack a sense of humor, but Keller had a damn good time recording it. For the project Keller teamed up with old buddy and award-winning flat picker Larry Keel on guitar, and Larry's beautiful rock-solid in-the-pocket acoustic bass playing wife, Jenny Keel. The result is an organic and airy acoustic record featuring 10 songs, originals and unexpected cover tunes, that yield to a pure love of music. Discs will be available on Jan. 2 but downloads are available now at http://www.disclogic.com/details.jsp?albumId=7673&itemId=49445&brandID=6. Cut and paste this link and get your copy today! Tracks are for sale for $.99 and the entire album is only $9.99.

The Mountain Music Family Circus '05 at the Grey Eagle Music Hall in Asheville, NC featuring: Larry Keel & Natural Bridge with special guest Steve �Big Daddy� McMurry, Hollywood Red featuring Woody Wood, the Mad Tea Party, Town Mountain, Jen & the Juice, and a specail John Hartford Tribute set led by Larry Keel.

All ticket holders to the Mountain Music Family Circus are asked to bring a 2 can donation for the MANNA FOOD BANK as apart of our Good Tidings Raffle. Each person bringing a donation will receive a raffle ticket good for MMFC prizes.

Last updated on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005

We are excited to announce that we will be ringing in the New Year with the Mountain Music Family Circus once again at the Grey Eagle Music Hall in Asheville, NC. By presenting a unique and diverse line-up, Keel and company look to welcome 2006 with boundless energy and excitement. This year�s big top acts range from traditional bluegrass to folk fusion, 20�s ragtime to rock n� roll, all the while anchored by the Big Natural Bridge that we all know and love. The M.M.F.C. is proud to present the following line-up: Larry Keel & Natural Bridge with special guest Steve �Big Daddy� McMurry (bluegrass), Hollywood Red featuring Woody Wood (rock n� roll), the Mad Tea Party (vintage 20�s and 30�s), Town Mountain (bluegrass meets roots country), and Jen & the Juice (fusion folk). All ticket holders are asked to bring a 2 can donation for the MANNA FOOD BANK as apart of our Good Tidings Raffle. Each person bringing a donation will receive a raffle ticket good for MMFC prizes.

Hollywood Red steps out with a unique yet familiar sound that every listener can relate to. With themes ranging from rock to soul, bluegrass to funk, they deliver an intricate interpretation of American Music with an infectious sound. Hollywood Red utilizes the three piece rock formula that pioneered the straightforward but heavy Rock sound by Rock bands such as Cream, Johnny Winter, and Hendrix�s Band of Gypsies. Woody Wood (guitar), Aaron Price (bass), and John Spurrier (drums) take it one step further by applying this proven formula to the various sounds that shaped their lives. Like a diverse neighborhood with kids in each yard looking over fences to see what the kid next door is doing only to find they are playing by the same rules; their sound resonates many different styles within the same community of powerful music. Hollywood Red�s music is found at the intersection of crisp talent and poignant originals where the families of rock, soul, acoustic, and metal all live together harmoniously. www.hollywoodred.net

Asheville, NC�s Mad Tea Party has a unique retro sound that mixes vintage music from the 1920�s and 30�s with modern energy and a hint of rock and roll. Shows flow seamlessly between original songs and old hokum numbers. �The jazz, rag-time and folk-influenced songs are enchanting in their light-heartedness, even when the whimsical notes are delivering a cutting social satire. And that�s part of the joy of Mad Tea Party; no matter what they do or say, they make you happy� (Al Haroldson, Kyndmusic.com). Mad Tea Party is Ami Worthen (ukulele), Jason Krekel (guitar, fiddle, kazoo, slide whistle), and Lora Pendleton (bass). These charismatic performers will charm you with their toe-tapping tunes and yummy three-part harmonies. Jason Krekel is a former member of L.K.E. www.themadteaparty.com

Winner of the 33rd Annual Rockygrass Festival bluegrass band competition in Lyons, CO, Town Mountain is what bluegrass and roots country need to bridge the gap between them and push forward. What really defines Town Mountain's sound is their repertoire of original music that seamlessly fuses the two styles of music that have influenced them most. The influence of the first generation bluegrass masters such as Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin and the Stanley Brothers, as well as that of early country legends like George Jones and Merle Haggard, are apparent in the band's sound. Town Mountain has enthralled audiences across the nation and look to continue to set their mark on the acoustic industry. This quintet is comprised of Robert Greer (guitar, vocals), Jed Willis (mandolin), Jesse Langlais (banjo, vocals), Barrett Smith (bass), and Josh Goforth (fiddle). www.townmountain.net

Jen & the Juice has been serving up its fresh-squeezed blend of homegrown jazz, swing, hip-hop and folk for two years, bec. Fronted by singer, songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Jen Greer, the band has been described as Alanis Morrisette meets Joan Baez or the love child of G-Love and Jack Johnson (were the latter possible). Rounding out the band are Clint Weningar (upright bass), Joe Buzzelli (drums), and Michael Libramento (lead guitar). This group has evolved into the snowball of energy and disturbingly appealing music that quickly catching speed and grabbing the attention of many music lovers. www.jenandthejuice.com

Last updated on Tuesday, Sept 13

Hello Friends, Now is the time for our country to put aside our differences and come together as national community and help those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Please lend a nickel or dime, or even a thoughtful prayer, as what you can spare will save the life of a brother or sister. The devastation we all see on TV hits home, until the channel is changed or the power turned off. Our citizens are hungry, thirsty, homeless, or even worse. We are not talking about a crisis overseas, we are talking about one in our backyard. Now is the time to act and to give. If one can't count on their neighbor, who can they count on.

"Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate compassion and mercy." -Dalai Lama

#41 on the Roots Music Charts for bluegrass airplay for the last week of July!!! Please call your radio station and request some Natural Bridge.

A LK&NB review From Bluegrassworks.com::: "You want to love guitarist and musical alchemist Larry Keel. And in many ways you really have to. With a style rooted firmly in bluegrass, Keel has ventured off tasting fruits of various musical traditions (from New Orleans Jazz, jam-bands, jazz and folk) mixing all these influences into a coherent and fun blend. Put it this way, in a world where dreadnaught shaped guitars dominate the bluegrass world, Keel more than holds his own on a small 00 shaped Gibson (similar to the model used by bluesman Robert Johnson) playing with a mature authority and unique voice." Check the rest of the review at http://www.bluegrassworks.com/review.php?reviewID=139

From Cybergrass.com::: "Larry Keel and Natural Bridge's debut album shows that this band can pick with a vengeance. They draw from the well-established bluegrass canon that has plenty of support. Keel's vision is to nurture and preserve America's musical heritage while letting it inspire his own writing and playing. So, in that sense, this talented band is walking on a "natural bridge" that stretches from the old tradition to their own musical prologue today that builds on this heritage."

The Del McCoury Band's version of Keel's "Mountain Song" is getting major airplay and coverage across the country. This song can be heard on Del McCoury's latest album, The Company We Keep, and Larry's album, Journey.

Last updated on Tuesday, Aug 2, 3005

#41 on the Roots Music Charts for bluegrass airplay for the last week of July!!! Please call your radio station and request some Natural Bridge.

A LK&NB review From Bluegrass Now::: "You want to love guitarist and musical alchemist Larry Keel. And in many ways you really have to. With a style rooted firmly in bluegrass, Keel has ventured off tasting fruits of various musical traditions (from New Orleans Jazz, jam-bands, jazz and folk) mixing all these influences into a coherent and fun blend. Put it this way, in a world where dreadnaught shaped guitars dominate the bluegrass world, Keel more than holds his own on a small 00 shaped Gibson (similar to the model used by bluesman Robert Johnson) playing with a mature authority and unique voice." Check the rest of the review at http://www.bluegrassworks.com/review.php?reviewID=139

Last updated on Tuesday, July 19

Wow, what a tour! The Keel van has just returned home from a monumental western tour that encompassed 17 shows, 6 states, and lots of music. Anchored by festivals like High Sierra, Northwest String Summit, and the Founders Folk and Bluegrass Fest, we were able to hit lots of familiar stops as well as several new ones. Certain highlights include LK&NB playing with Darol Anger in Oregon, Andy and Mark sitting in with YMSB in CA, the Keller and Keels set with Jeff Austin at High Sierra, and most certainly all the new friends we made (hello Blue Lake!).

The road ahead has us reuniting the Big Keel line-up for a special benefit for the Canary Coalition at the Orange Peel in late August. Then in Sept, �Big Daddy� Steve McMurry will join LK&NB for a special show at the Flatrock Fest. Look for us at several festivals coming up including Jugbay Jamfest, Bele Cher, Floyd Fest, Firelake, and several more.

Only five months until the Mountain Music Family Circus!

Last updated on Wednesday, June 1, 2005

Spring is turning into Summer and LK&NB is moving with as much momentum as Larry's signature solos. This summer holds an extensive western tour that includes stops in Idaho, Montana, California, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. On this tour they will also be performing at High Sierra Music Fest and the NW String Summit.

Before the Keel van heads west, Larry and Jenny will be performing with Keller Williams at one of the largest festivals in America, Bonnaroo. Keller and the Keels have done several events thus far, including a monumental set at Smilefest where they were joined on stage by BELA FLECK!!

The self-titled release from Natural Bridge is currently in radio airplay rotations across the country, so please call your favorite station and request a few songs.

Well folks, this year is rolling by like a steam powered aeroplane cruising at the comfortable speed of Larry's signature solos. The new band is steadily bridging the gap to new fans across the country. Reports from the streets have been consistently stating that this is the best band Keel has presented yet! The debut album from Larry Keel and Natural Bridge is so close to being done, we can almost feel it. And if that isn�t enough, Keel Brothers Vol. 2 is on its heels and should be out soon as well.

We are extremely excited, and you probably are too, about the convergence for a few select shows with KELLER WILLIAMS. Keller and the Keels have played a few shows already thus far, and we have some gigantic ones on the horizon. That is right folks, gigantic. How about Bonnaroo? How about High Sierra? Two of the largest and most reputable festivals in the country and the dynamic trio of Keller Williams, Larry Keel, and Jenny Keel will be there to demonstrate the versatility of their Virginia roots.

Our western tour is shaping us nicely. It looks as though we will be on the road for close to 4 weeks covering Colorado, California, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington. This tour will include stops at the NW String Summit (OR), High Sierra Music Fest (CA), the Founders Title Company Folk & Bluegrass Festival (UT). Then the band returns to the east coast for three festivals in a row, Jugbay Jam Fest (MD), Bele Cher (NC), and Floydfest (VA).

Come out and support live music, because there is nothing like it. Hope you all are doing well and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Come out ands support live music, because there is nothing like it. Hope you all are doing well and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Last updated on Jan 28, 2005

The Keels kicked off 2005 with a fresh start and a new band. Larry Keel and Natural Bridge features Andy Thorn, Mark Schimmick, alongside Larry and Jenny. Folks, this is a hard driving, red hot bluegrass band. Several folks have emailed in and said that this is the absolute best Keel shows they have seen. New pictures of the band in action should be in the gallery soon.

Larry and company have been in the studio a lot lately. Expect a release be Natural Bridge very soon, as well as Keel Brothers, Vol 2.

Last updated on Sat, Nov 20, 004

LKE proudly presents the Mountain Music Family Circus, featuring the LARRY KEEL EXPERIENCE, STEVE "BIG DADDY" MCMURRY, CURTIS & RUTH BURCH, THE BISCUIT BURNERS, DAVID VIA, and SASSAGRASS. This incredible night of music will take place at the Grey Eagle Music Hall in Asheville, NC on Dec 31, 2004.

All ticket holders are asked to bring a 2 can donation for the MANNA FOOD BANK as apart of our Good Tidings Raffle. Each person bringing a canned donation will receive a raffle ticket good for Mountain Music Family prizes .

Tickets are $20 and are available for advanced purchase at the venue or at www.greyeaglemusic.com.

:::Local Accommodations::: Days Inn Downtown at 120 Patton Ave is .7 miles from the venue. Thier phone number is (828)254-9661. // The Best Western at 22 Woodfin St is 1.4 miles from the venue. Their phone number is (828)253-1851. // The Holiday Inn Express at 234 Hendersonville Rd is 2.7 miles from the venue. Thier phone number is (828)274-0101. // The Super 8 Motel (Pet Friendly) at 8 Crowell Rd is 5.4 miles from the venue. Thier phone number is (828)667-8706.

Looking for the whole NYE weekend Package? Ultimate Experience, an Asheville based Travel Agency, is offering a New Year�s Eve weekend package which includes accommodations at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville, a cocktail party on the 30th, a dinner on the 31st, tickets to the Biltmore Estate, tickets to the Mountain Music Family Circus, your Manna Food Bank drive donation, and transportation to and from the events by private bus. Visit www.ultimateasheville.com and click on the travel button for details on this package.

Last updated on Sat, Nov 20, 004

Tickets are $20 and are available for advanced pruchase at the venue or at www.greyeaglemusic.com.

:::Local Accommodations::: Days Inn Downtown at 120 Patton Ave is .7 miles from the venue. Thier phone number is (828)254-9661. The Best Western at 22 Woodfin St is 1.4 miles from the venue. Their phone number is (828)253-1851. The Holiday Inn Express at 234 Hendersonville Rd is 2.7 miles from the venue. Thier phone number is (828) 274-0101 �. The Super 8 Motel (Pet Friendly) at 8 Crowell Rd is 5.4 miles from the venue. Thier phone number is (828) 667-8706.

Last updated on Oct 20, 2004

New Year's Eve Celebration: The Mountain Music Family Circus! December 31, 2004 at the Grey Eagle Music Hall in Asheville, NC.

With old friends and new, the Larry Keel Experience family would like to cordially invite you to experience New Year�s Eve like you have never before. The Larry Keel Experience presents the Mountain Music Family Circus featuring an all star line-up of Sassagrass, the Biscuit Burners, David Via, Curtis and Ruth Burch, and LKE. The magnitude of this could only be brought together for December 31 and in the city of Asheville, NC. All ticket holders are asked to bring a 2 can donation for the MANNA FOOD BANK as apart of our Good Tidings Raffle. Each person bringing a canned donation will receive a raffle ticket good for Mountain Music Family prizes . Come early, bring the family, and plan to stay late, as this will be an evening you will not want to miss.

Led by renowned banjoist Billy Constable and mandolinist Mark Shimick, SASSAGRASS fuses the traditions of old with the ingenuity of the new to deliver a presentation that is purely their own. Mark and Billy have been a part of the LKE family for many years and we look forward to rekindling the energies of past tours with them and their band... The BISCUIT BURNERS have caught fire and nobody can put them out. Their blend of progressive bluegrass with the flavor of old country ballads, has been heralded as an �arrestingly captivating sound.� The Biscuit Burners have shared the stage several times with LKE this year including Bele Cher and the Appalachian Uprising. Bill Cardine is a former LKE member and we are excited to be performing with him once again.

A three time winner of the Merlefest Songwriter�s Award, DAVID VIA�s songs are real. He sings of times good and bad, of living a simpler life, and of the power of music. He uses force and conviction in both his playing and singing to deliver his �blues-grass�. There is no mistaking, David Via represents everything about Mountain Music... A two time Grammy winner and founder of the legendary New Grass Revival, CURTIS BURCH is an amazing musician, songwriter, magician, and a flat out nice guy. He and his incredibly talented wife, RUTH BURCH, perform regularly with Larry and Jenny in numerous projects including LKE and the Big Daddy Bluegrass Band. Dr. Dobro and Mrs. Ruth are pillars in the Mountain Music Family and New Year�s Eve wouldn�t be the same without them.

Led by Larry and Jenny Keel, LKE is dedicated to traditions of mountain living and its progression into tomorrow. Larry Keel has set out to break all genre lines and create what has been penned as NEW MOUNTAIN MUSIC, which is characterized by profound quality, whether it is ultra improvisational or meticulously arranged. Keel has taken the traditions of bluegrass and old time and applied them to other forms music with equal stature. On December 31, we will congregate for one reason, our connection to the Keels and the new legacy that the Mountain Music Family is leaving.

Keel Brothers has arrived! This traditonal style guitar duet album is a unique glimpse into the origins of Larry's career. This album is avaiable on the merchandise page, so get your copy today.

NEW YEAR'S EVE ANNOUNCEMENT** We are pleased to announce that LKE will be in Asheville, NC for for a third straight New Year's Eve. This year we will take our journey to the Grey Eagle Music Hall! With pennies in his pocket, Dr Dobro will be there. The Biscuit Burners will be cooking up the show with us as well. Thye only ingredient we need is you. So come one, come all to the finest New Year's celebration in the land.

Last updated on Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004

Keel Brothers is oh so close. Larry and Gary Keel have finished the recording and mastering of the new album Keel Brothers. It will be ready very soon. This long awaited and well deserved album is an representation of Larry paying respect to his roots, in both his older brother, Gary, and to his love for traditional bluegrass music.

A String update*** Last weekend Larry broke over 20 strings at his performances at Smilefest and Bele Cher. He was keeping old Turbo quite busy.

GET YOUR COPY OF BLUEBRASS TODAY! **"BLUEBRASS", recorded at Ultrasonic Studios in New Orleans with members of the Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Acoustic Syndicate and Wild Magnolias, is available on our site. July 30 marks the BlueBrass Blowout at the Orange Peel in Asheville. Check the concerts page for more info.

NEW MERCHANDISE!!!!!!!!!!!! We are unveiling the new line of LKE gear. New Shirts and Hats are available at Experiences and will soon be online for sale. Many kind thanks to David Ramsey for facilitating the new line. Job well done.

Last updated on Friday, Jun 25, 2004

Headin West Tour kicks off with a Independence Weekend Extravaganza at the TroutHunter. LKE embarks on a 3 week tour covering Idaho, Montana, and Colorado. The lineup for Idaho and Montana is LKE featuring DC area native Chance McCoy. In Colorado, LKE will feature our good buddy and Colorado native JEFF AUSTIN on mandolin.

The Merlefest release of Beautiful Thing was a major success! Initially there was a substantial line at the door to enter the theater. The crowd was pumped and the movie delivered. Ryan followed up with questions from the audience and gave praise to the Keels for letting him do this film. The most outstanding aspect of the showing is that the crowd was made up of new fans and old, even some who found themselves on the film. You will be able to purchase the dvd through the site in the next few days, so check back and get your copy!

The new edition of FLATPICKING GUITAR Magazine has none other than LARRY KEEL on the cover! Look for a feature article and songs transcribed.

BEAUTIFUL THING!!! Many of you know that this film is going to be released at Merlefest this saturday, but did you also know that it will also be shown at the Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co. as a tribute the Larry's roots on May 19. Check out our concert page more for details.

**"BLUEBRASS", recorded at Ultrasonic Studios in New Orleans with members of the Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Acoustic Syndicate and Wild Magnolias, has been released! It is currently available at only a few select locations (including Thibodaux Jones Creole Kitchen in Asheville and Tower Records in New Orleans) but they will become more widely available very soon. Watch our site for this groundbreaking release to be here in our store!

**"SONGS FROM COLD MOUNTAIN COUNTRY" RELEASE DATE MAY 23 Larry was called to represent traditional flatpicking guitar style with a song of his choice from preturn-of-the-century western north carolina. * KEEL BROTHERS Album is due in late spring. As the name implies, the album is a guitar duo featuring Larry and Gary Keel. This album touches on the traditions and roots embedded in Appalachian acoustic music.

Last updated on May 5

The new edition of FLATPICKING GUITAR Magazine has none other than LARRY KEEL on the cover! Look for a feature article and songs transcribed.

**"BLUEBRASS", recorded at Ultrasonic Studios in New Orleans with members of the Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Acoustic Syndicate and Wild Magnolias, has been released! It is currently available at only a few select locations (including Thibadeaux Jones Creole Kitchen in Asheville and Tower Records in New Orleans) but they will become more widely available very soon. Watch our site for this groundbreaking release to be here in our store!

Last updated on April 28

The new edition of FLATPICKING GUITAR Magazine has none other than LARRY KEEL on the cover! Look for a feature article and songs transcribed.

**"BLUEBRASS", recorded at Ultrasonic Studios in New Orleans with members of the Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Acoustic Syndicate and Wild Magnolias, has been released! It is currently available at only a few select locations (including Thibadeaux Jones Creole Kitchen in Asheville and Tower Records in New Orleans) but they will become more widely available very soon. Watch our site for this groundbreaking release to be here in our store!

* KEEL BROTHERS Album is due in late spring. As the name implies, the album is a guitar duo featuring Larry and Gary Keel. This album touches on the traditions and roots embedded in Appalachian acoustic music.

Last updated on April 26

**"BLUEBRASS", recorded at Ultrasonic Studios in New Orleans with members of the Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Acoustic Syndicate and Wild Magnolias, has been released! It is currently available at only a few select locations (including Thibadeaux Jones Creole Kitchen in Asheville and Tower Records in New Orleans) but they will become more widely available very soon. Watch our site for this groundbreaking release to be here in our store!

**"SONGS FROM COLD MOUNTAIN Country", to be released on KOCH INTERNATIONAL RECORDS and is firmly associated with the blockbuster film. Larry was called to represent traditional flatpicking guitar style with a song of his choice from preturn-of-the-century western north carolina.

** KEEL BROTHERS Album is due in late spring. As the name implies, the album is a guitar duo featuring Larry and Gary Keel. This album touches on the traditions and roots embedded in Appalachian acoustic music.

Last updated on April 16

FESTIVAL SEASON! Between Flatrock and the VA Roots Revial Post Festival Show, with Aiken, Auburn, and Merlefst in between the Festival Season is here! Check out the concerts page for all the details.

**"BLUEBRASS", recorded at Ultrasonic Studios in New Orleans with members of the Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Acoustic Syndicate and Wild Magnolias, is in the final stages of mastering and will be out in a matter of weeks.

**"BEAUTIFUL THING" a BROWNPENNY FILM, is a live-footage documentary style movie recounting a year in Larry Keel's life as a traveling musician- includes appearances and interviews with Steve McMurry, Curtis Burch, Yonder Mountain String Band, Tony Rice, Vassar Clements, David Via, many more- TO BE PREMIERED AT 2004 MERLE WATSON MEMORIAL FESTIVAL, SAT. May 1 at 5pm on the Pit Stage.

LKE with Danny Knicely! LKE will be doing a 3 night run this weekend with Danny Knicely, one of the best mandolin pickers this side of the pacific. This is a rare series of shows, so you do not want to miss this!!! Check out the concerts page for more detials.

Last updated on Feb 17

~~~~NEW PROJECTS~~~~ **"BLUEBRASS", recorded at Ultrasonic Studios in New Orleans with members of the Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Acoustic Syndicate and Wild Magnolias, is in the final stages of mastering and will be out very soon.

The 8th annual Suwannee Springfest will be held March 25-28, 2004 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL. The festival continues it's long-standing and widely-respected tradition of presenting the absolute best in American Roots Music, this year featuring Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, the Del McCoury Band, the Tony Rice Unit, Psychograss (Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Todd Phillips, David Grier, Tony Trischka), Peter Rowan, Vassar Clements, Guy Clark, Donna the Buffalo, and many others of course including the Larry Keel Experience. Four big days of nothing less than superior music on several stages combine with a perfectly gorgeous (and well-equipped) natural setting to give the event a most magical quality that must be experienced to be completely understood. The festival's laid-back attitude is the perfect antidote to the long chill of winter and an excellent way to celebrate the arrival of spring. Complete information is avialalble online at www.magmusic.com or by calling 904-249-7990. LKE's lineup for Spring Fest will feature Dr. Dobro himself, Curtis Burch, Steve "BIG DADDY" McMurry of Acoustic Syndicate, and the fiddle virtuso David Vandeventer.

Last updated on Feb 6

LKE's lineup for Spring Fest will feature Dr. Dobro himself, Curtis Burch, Steve "BIG DADDY" McMurry of Acoustic Syndicate, and the fiddle virtuso David Vandeventer.

KEEL BROTHERS Album is the final stages of production and should be available very soon. As the name implies, the album is a guitar duo featuring Larry and Gary Keel. This album touches on the traditions and roots embedded in Appalachian acoustic music.

Last updated on Tuesday, Feb 3

CURTIS BURCH, BIG DADDY, AND FIDDLIN DAVID VANDEVENTER to be a part of LKE for SPRINGFEST!!! We are so thrilled and excited that the honorable and majestic Curtis Burch has just been added to the bill. We hope and pray that Mrs. Ruth and Ms. Morgan will join us some too.

**"BEAUTIFUL THING" a BROWN PENNY FILM, is a live-footage documentary style movie recounting a year in Larry Keel's life as a traveling musician- includes appearances and interviews with Steve McMurry, Curtis Burch, Yonder Mountain String Band, Tony Rice, Vassar Clements, David Via, many more- TO BE PREMIERED AT 2004 MERLE WATSON MEMORIAL FESTIVAL, SAT. May 1 at 5pm on the Pit Stage.

Last updated on Wednesday, Jan 21, 2004

LKE with BIG DADDY at Springfest in Live Oak, FL for 2 Days!!!!

BEAUTIFUL THING, a film about Larry Keel to be premiered at this year's MERLEFEST!!

2004 Here we go! Big Daddy Bluegrass Band, Big Keel Experience, LKE w/ Fiddlin Dave and that is just January. Hope you all had a wonderful Holidays, we throughly enjoyed spending ours with many of you. For those of you we did not see at NYE, don't worry we will see you soon.

ACOUSTIC COMPANY's debut album due out soon as well. Some of Larry's home town buddies are releasing their first album and they called on Larry to produce it. This is Larry's first opportunity to produce an album outside of his own and for obivious reasons it hits close to home. Acoustic Company's harmony and writing ability are turning heads across VA and soon will be known across the country. You will most certianly want to check it out as well

Last updated on Jan 15

2004 Here we go! Big Daddy Bluegrass Band, Big Keel Experience, LKE w/ Fiddlie Dave and that is just January. Hope you all had a wonderful Holidays, we throughly enjoyed spending ours with many of you. For those of you we did not see at NYE, don't worry we will see you soon.

Last updated on Dec. 3

JOURNEY IS HERE!!!!! Larry's fifth release has just arrived and will be on sale tomorrow through this website. Purchase the new album between Dec. 5 and Dec. 19 and you will recieve a special stocking stuffer from Larry Claus.

NEW YEAR'S EVE......... We are pleased to announce that on Dec. 31 we will be in one of our favorite cities in the country with our favorite Dobro player and magician Curtis Burch. New Year's Eve finds us, for the second year in a row, in Asheville, NC where as the Chamber of Commerce says "altitude affects attitude". We are honored and privileged to be a part of the FIRST NIGHT ASHEVILLE Festivities by performing at the DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE (see info below)!!! Following our performance we will scurry over to the Emerald Lounge and welcome 2004 with bang along side some of our long time buddies! So come let Asheville's altitude affect your attitude and get the New Year started with a marquee Experience!

�Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place is located in the center of downtown Asheville on Pack Square with abundant parking and restaurants. The theatre is wonderfully intimate with 500 seats, exceptional acoustics and sightlines.� For more information about first night, visit www.asheville.com/firstnight or call the City of Asheville Parks and Recreation at 828.259.5800.

The good folks at the Emerald Lounge keep the good ale flowing and the jubilant times lasting throughout the evening. We always have incredibly exciting times here and our post First Night picking session will be no exception. WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUCE THAT THE JEREMY SAUNDERS PROJECT FEATURING MEMEBRS OF ACOUSTIC SYNDICATE ARE OPENING. Expect Blackbeard the Picker to toast the New Years with you here. 112 N. Lexington Ave. 828.232.4372.

Last updated on Friday, Nov. 14

NEW YEAR'S EVE......... We are pleased to announce that on Dec. 31 we will be in one of our favorite cities in the country with our favorite Dobro player and magician Curtis Burch. New Year's Eve finds us, for the second year in a row, in Asheville, NC where "altitude affects attitude". We are honored and privileged to be a part of the FIRST NIGHT ASHEVILLE Festivities by performing at the DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE (see info below)!!! Following our performance we will scurry over to the Emerald Lounge and welcome 2004 with bang along side some of our long time buddies! So come let Asheville's altitude affect your attitude and get the New Year started with a marquee Experience!

The good folks at the Emerald Lounge keep the good ale flowing and the jubilant times lasting throughout the evening. We always have incredibly exciting times here and our post First Night picking session will be no exception. Expect some of our good bluegrass buddies to start the night off and Blackbeard the Picker to toast the New Years with you here. 112 N. Lexington Ave. 828.232.4372.

You only have to park once to catch to very different Experiences. We are looking forward to it and I know you are too. See you there.

Larry Keel's fifth album, Journey, is coming in early dec.It may prove to be the best release yet from the LKE camp! This album will feature both traditional favorites and orignials backed by renowned musicians such as Danny Knicely, Fiddlin David Vandevender, Gary Ruley, and Will Lee to name a few. In this album, Larry and his bluegrass buddies come together for the ultimate musical Experience! This album crosses genres just like Larry crosses the country. Look out, here comes Black Beard the Picker...

Last updated on Monday, Nov 2, 2003

BIG SHOWS WITH GOOD FRIENDS!!! We are excited and energized by the big shows with our several of our good friends coming up. We have lots of special shows planned for the rest of the year and want to see you at all of them!

On Nov 6, LKE will be co-billing with DARRELL SCOTT at The Grey Eagle Music Hall in Asheville, NC. On Nov. 14 LARRY & JENNY KEEL supporting DONNA THE BUFFALO at the State Theater in Falls Church, VA. Special thanks to Walther Productions. On Nov. 19 THE BIG KEEL SHOW featuring LARRY & JENNY KEEL w/ STEVE "BIG DADDY" MCMURRY will be at Solaris in Greensboro, NC. Thanks to Smilefest Productions. On Nov.29 LARRY & JENNY KEEL supporting the one and only ACOUSTIC SYNDICATE at The Orange Peel in Asheville, NC. On Dec.18 THE BIG KEEL SHOW featuring LARRY & JENNY KEEL w/ STEVE "BIG DADDY" MCMURRY will be performing at The Sylvia Theater in York, SC. Dec.19 THE BIG KEEL SHOW featuring LARRY & JENNY KEEL w/ STEVE "BIG DADDY" MCMURRY will be at The Sophisticated Otter in Johnson City, TN. On Dec. 20 THE BIG KEEL SHOW featuring LARRY & JENNY KEEL w/ STEVE "BIG DADDY" MCMURRY will be at Eddie's Attic in Atlanta, GA. This is a T-Dawg Production.

Larry Keel's fifth album, Journey, coming soon.It may prove to be the best release yet from the LKE camp! This album will feature both traditional favorites and orignials backed by renowned musicians such as Danny Knicely, Fiddlin David Vandevender, Gary Ruley, and Will Lee to name a few. In this album, Larry and his bluegrass buddies come together for the ultimate musical Experience! This album crosses genres just like Larry crosses the country. Look out, here comes Black Beard the Picker...

Recently, LKE was signed by Piedmont Talent Booking Agency. This is a monumentous step for the band. Piedmont Talent represents such legendary artists as Hurbert Sumlin, Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater, and Papa Mali. They also represent Acoustic Syndicate, Garaj Mahal, and Modereko. Some of Piedmont's acts were even featured in Martin Scorsese's Year of Blues Films and elsewhere.

New Year's plan to be announced on Nov. 14!!!

Last updated on Thursday, Oct 23

Larry's New Guitar*** As some of you might have noticed, black beared the picker got a new ax. This custom built Rockbridge Guitar is outfitted with the finest materials available. It has a pearl inlay of a large mouth bass and a pearl inlay of "Keel" on one of the frets. The tone is impeccable and it certainly fits Larry's demeanor. His pickin buddies seem to have taken to it as well. Curtis gave him a rattle from a rattlesnake to put in side of it. Jack Lawrence told him "Now you need to take it out back and beat the hell out of it".

*** NEW LKE ALBUM COMING SOON*** Look for its release in the coming months. It may prove to be the best release yet from the LKE camp! This album will feature both traditoinal favorites and orignials backed by renowned musicians such as Danny Knicely, Fiddlin Dave, Gary Ruley, and Will Lee to name a few. In this album, Larry and his bluegrass buddies come together for the ultimate musical Experience!

LKE signed by Piedmont Talent Recently, LKE was signed by Piedmont Talent Booking Agency. This is a monumentous step for the band. Piedmont Talent represents such legendary artists as Hurbert Sumlin, Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater, and Papa Mali. They also represent Acoustic Syndicate, Garaj Mahal, and Modereko. Some of Piedmont's acts were even featured in Martin Scorsese's Year of Blues Films and elsewhere.

The last month has been absolutely wonderful. In late August, we journeyed North West on the second western tour of the summer. We stopped off at some familiar places, Portland, Missoula, and Moscow, ID. and a new one, Vashon, WA. Between good picking, good fishing, and great buddies, we can�t wait to go back and do it again. Since then, the Keel duet show performed at the Graymont Bluegrass Festival in Ashland, VA. LKE played at the historic Green Acres with our good buddy Tony Williamson. As always, Green Acres was a blast and we greatly appreciate the Metcalf family and all that they do.

Larry and Jenny have been spending lots of time in the studio working on their long awaited fifth album. This album has great diversity, lots of originals, and feature many of the incredible artists you see performing with the band. We are very excited about this project and its release, which will be soon. If any of you remember seeing a camera following LKE around last year, then you will be happy to know that a full length documentary on the Larry Keel Experience will also be released soon. Ryan Gielan did amazing job producing, filming, and directing this project. The film allows the world to see a glimpse into the life of a non-mainstream acoustic act that maintains their roots and dreams throughout the rigorous life of touring this vast nation. This film will be entered in independent film festivals across the country. We gratefully thank Ryan for all of his time and energy and we want to support him in all of his endeavors. Hope you all are doing well and please continue to support good live music.

Last updated on Wednesday, August 13, 2003

Pickin� and Fishin�, ah the dog days of summer. Life has been good for us in the last two months. We had an exceptional time on our first western tour of the summer. We received a warm and receptive welcome at all of the stops along the way to Montana and back. I can report to you that Roots Music fans are strong and plentiful across this great country, and we look for any and every opportunity to share good times with these fine people.

We are so fortunate to be tracing our footsteps and following new trails as we embark on our next tour across country. But before we head out, we can be found at the Cedar Hill Music Festival in Asheville, NC on August 15; and at Floyd Festival in Floyd, VA on August 16, 17. This will be a weekend to remember for quite some time. In Ashville, we will be performing with Tony Rice, Tony Williamson, and Curtis Burch. Then the next day Larry, Jenny, Tony W., and Curtis will head up to Floyd and catch up with Vassar Clements and do some picking. �It�s a beautiful thing!� Folks, we have big things in store for you this fall so please stay in touch with us so we can continue to keep you informed on what�s new. Holler in the moonlight, sip the mountain shine, Sound of the music playin, everything so fine!

Last updated on Monday, June 2

The past couple of months LKE has been burning up the road from Pennsylvania to Alabama and everywhere in between. On May 2, Larry and Jenny performed a duet show at the Blue Star in Lancaster, PA. The duet shows provide an intimate view into the musical lives of the Keels. The backbone that Jenny provides with her intricate yet subtle bass playing provides a forum for Larry to wander wherever his fingers will lead and back again. From there we traveled down to Charleston, WV, a stop we haven�t been able to make in quite some time. Fiddlin� Dave Vandeventer joined Larry and Jenny for this show at The Sound Factory. The second week of May, and the Keel�s were back in North Carolina. Larry and Steve �Big Daddy� McMurry from Acoustic Syndicate played together at Canyon�s in Blowing Rock. We always have a great time at Canyon�s and this was no exception. Hopefully, Steve and Larry can find time in the busy schedules of Acoustic Syndicate and LKE to do something like this again soon. From here, LKE traveled to the Pour House in Raleigh, over to Sylva, NC and then down to AL. Stops in Nashville and Johnson City, TN and we were due a much needed Fishing vacation.

We are certainly looking forward to this summer and know you are too. As plans unravel everyday, our western tour looks to be one that we will remember for a long time. The invitation to play at the North Western String Summit at the incredible Horning�s Hideout, in North Plains, OR, is an honor. For those of you have not been to Horning�s Hideout, imagine music and friends in the Oregon Mountains amongst wild peacocks. It will be quite an experience. Don�t worry all of you East Coast fans, we have some big things in store for you too. The weekend of August 15 - 17, we will be performing at two incredible festivals. On the 15th, LKE will be at the Cedar Hill Music Festival, in Asheville, NC along side Tony Rice. Then we will scurry up the road to this year�s Floyd Festival. Other acts at Floyd Fest include, the David Grisman Quintet, Nickel Creek, and Old and in The Gray. Hope to see you there!

Festival Season has begun with Spring Fest down at the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. And it was yet another stellar event. LKE was able to share the bill with such acts as Earl Scruggs, Mike Marshall and Darol Anger, Tony Rice, Vassar Clements, and Peter Rowan. LKE played two sets, one on Main Stage and one on the Dance Stage. The Dance Stage set was accompanied by three fiddlers, Vassar Clements, Darol Anger, and Brian Goodpastor. Larry also led a workshop, which was an intimate look into the art of flatpicking.

On April 12, LKE will be joined by Curtis Burch, Vassar Clements, and Tony Williamson at the Floyd Country Store, in Floyd, VA. Curtis Burch is a two time Grammy award winner and original member of the New Grass Revival. As we all know, Vassar has performed with artists ranging from Bill Monroe to the Grateful Dead. Tony Williamson, a renowned mandolin player, has appeared with artists ranging from David Grisman to Pavarotti. Adding these two eclectic players into the picture will create a rare and explosive Experience. Tickets for this event are $20. More information can be found at www.floydcountrystore.com. Check out all of our upcoming dates on our concert page on our website. Hope to see you all real soon, remember to find the kind of time to ease your mind, and SMILE!

Last updated on Wednesday, March 19, 2003

Howdy Friends, LKE and Across te Way Productions are pleased to announce this event:

April 12 � Vassar Clements, Larry & Jenny Keel,Curtis Burch and Tony Williamson $20.

Living legend Vassar Clements, the world�s most versatile fiddle player, played with Bill Monroe (1949-56) and Jim & Jesse (�57-61), and has since played and/or recorded with John Hartford, Old and In The Way, David Grisman, The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers, Paul McCartney, Stephanie Grappelli and Linda Ronstandt, to name just a few. He has played on over 4,000 recordings including the ground-breaking �Will The Circle Be Unbroken� records. Vassar turns 75 in April and will be celebrating at the Store with two-time Telluride guitar champion Larry Keel, himself a legend in the making, Grammy-winning dobro player Curtis Burch, a founding member of New Grass Revival, and mandolin great Tony Williamson who has played with everyone from Monroe to Pavarotti and, like Vassar, is comfortable in multiple genres. Jenny Keel rounds out the band on the doghouse bass. This show brings together this particular group of musicians for the first time on the same stage, an event that will likely never happen again.

Last updated on Tuesday, Feb 26, 2003

Well 2003 got kicked off to great start. Our first show of the year was the all-star band, Big Daddy Bluegrass Band at Asheville�s new prestigious venue, The Orange Peel. It was a night of good clean picking and harmonious vocals. Intimate solo shows in Harrisonburg and Warrenton allowed for Larry�s creative juices to flow. We had another great time at Canyon�s, our favorite Blowing Rock venue. Larry and Jason Krekel, playing mandolin with Larry recently, have been using the second set of some shows to add a little electricity to the air.

At the end of January, Larry started a four show solo run supporting Yonder Mountain String Band. These sellout shows took Larry to St. Louis, Covington, Athens, and Asheville. The entire stretch of shows pinnacled in Asheville with Larry performing his �Jerry�s Farewell� with the guitarist from YMSB. It was also announced that night that Larry will be performing a solo set at YMSB�s String Summit, outside Portland, Oregon on Sunday, June 29.

In the next month, Larry will be performing a duet series with Jack Lawrence. This incredibly powerful combination of flatpicking artists can be found in Asheville at the Grey Eagle on Feb. 28 and the Sylvia Theater, in York, SC on March1. We will be heading to Live Oak, FL once again for Spring Fest. Other acts at this festival will be Earl Scruggs and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. We will also be playing the Bluegrass to Blues Art Party at the Neverland Farms. This festival will be in North Georgia, April 5-6. Watch our website for more information. Thanks for your support, Hope to see you soon!

Last updated on Thursday, Nov. 14 2002

Hello friends, what a wonderful fall season we are having. We started it all off in late September with T�Dawg and High Sierra�s Harvest Fest in Atlanta, GA. Each year has brought that festival to higher heights of musical magic and fun for all who attend. We are the only band to play every single Harvest Fest, and (according to the festival newsletter) �for good reason�! October was launched with a spectacular weekend in Fredericksburg, VA with the incredible Haymaker Festival, a Magraw Gap Reunion (the band Larry played in years ago and which won 1st Place at the 1995 Telluride Bluegrass Band competition) , and four incredible shows of Larry playing solo as a special guest with Yonder Mountain String Band. Later in the month LKE traveled to the Magnolia Festival in Live Oak Florida for another phenomenally fun and powerful experience on the great Suwannee River. How about main stage with Tony Rice, Vassar Clements, and Curtis Burch? It doesn�t get much better than that. In the beginning of November, Larry played solo with Leftover Salmon in shows across the Carolinas. It was Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass, kicked up a notch with some Appalachian spice, �Larry� Style! And to top it all off, Larry was the very special guest of Keller Williams at the Lyric Theater in Blacksburg, VA where Larry�s solo set received a standing ovation by the sell out crowd. In December, we have six events scheduled as the Larry Keel Experience with the all-star band of Larry Keel, Jenny Keel, Tony Rice, Vassar Clements, Danny Knicely, and Rex McGee. On December 5, this Experience will have the honor of having the Jerry Douglas Band getting the night started at the Tennessee Theater in Knoxville. Please check out our concert page for all Larry Keel Experience dates. Hope to see you soon.

Last updated on Tuesday, Oct 29 2002

Howdy Bluegrass Lovers! Welcome to the launch of our brand-new web site, lovingly and painstakingly crafted by the good people at MagicBus.com, based in the Asheville, NC mountains.

We�ve been busy with all kinds of activities- pretty much non-stop touring, playing some wonderful venues and festivals this summer and early fall (it�s been extra fun having the likes of Tony Rice, Vassar Clements, Curtis Burch, Keller Williams, John Molo, Leftover Salmon and Yonder Mountain String Band involved in our music lately!), planning Larry�s next couple recording projects, and� oh yea! somewhere in there we�ve found time to pick on our porch, write music, and do some fishin� back at home in Natural Bridge, Virginia!

Thanks for checking in with us along the information highway- we�ll keep in touch, and hope you will too!

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