Historic Everett Theatre’s Hootenanny shifts into high gear

Published 2:28 pm Thursday, February 18, 2010

Get set for some finger-pickin’ and foot-stompin’ tunes when a bluegrass band from Brier lets loose tonight with some highly skilled and sophisticated playing that defies their years.

The Historic Everett Theatre’s Hometown Hootenanny music series continues by highlighting the sounds of Northern Departure (www.northerndeparture.com), a four-piece bluegrass band of young musicians, all under 21 years of age.

This group’s craftsmanship and captivating harmonies are captured in their masterfully re-interpreted traditional bluegrass music produced with guitars, mandolins, banjos and upright bass and blended vocals.

Three of the members of Northern Departure — Nick Dumas, Austin McGregor and Derek Gray — were part of the band Three Generations, growing up around stringed instruments and the bluegrass sound. The band’s fourth member Chris Luquette adds polish and energy to the group.

Debuting during the Hometown Hootenanny in November 2009, Northern Departure earned an extended standing ovation and audience requests for an encore.

The show also features high-energy performances by Copperhill and a loosely knit group of bluegrass musicians headed by singer Tammy Christensen.

“Down from the Hills: Bluegrass Traditions” starts at 7 tonight at Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett.

Tickets are $15, $12 and $5 for kids 12 and under. Call 425-258-6766 or go to www.brown papertickets.com or at the door one hour prior to show time.