The members of Monroe Crossing are no strangers to the International Falls community. The bluegrass entertainers will appear in concert at Backus Community Center at 7 p.m. Sept. 21. 

Named in honor of Bill Monroe, the creator of bluegrass music, Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with a blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. Their airtight harmonies, razor sharp arrangements, and on-stage rapport make them audience favorites across the United States and Canada, said a release.

Tickets are available at the Backus office, City Drug, Betty’s in Fort Frances and at the door. Admission is $12 for adults; $6 students ages 5 to 18; and family tickets are available for $25. Children under age 5 are free.

The Birchdale-based family band, Sloughgrass, will open for Monroe Crossing.

Since 2000, Monroe Crossing has released 11 albums and a live concert DVD. The group has made more than 1,250 concert appearances throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. The secret to the band’s longevity and success? According to fiddler and lead singer Lisa Fuglie, “It’s just plain hard work and dedication. We all share a love for bluegrass music and for performing on stage. We appreciate every audience, large or small, and understand that we’re there for them, not the other way around.” 

Mandolin player Matt Thompson adds, “We have learned the importance of entertaining audiences and not just playing top-quality music. We regularly hear people say that they didn’t think they liked bluegrass music until they saw us play.” 

Monroe Crossing has been showered with awards, including best female vocalist, guitar, mandolin and banjo at the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association’s 25th Anniversary Awards banquet. Monroe Crossing is the only bluegrass band ever nominated as the Minnesota Music Academy “Artist of the Year,” which also recognized the band with an award for “Bluegrass Album of the Year.”

In 2007, they were selected as an Official Showcase Band at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass Convention in Nashville, and later that year, they were inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.

See Monroe Crossing’s recordings, schedule and booking information on the band’s website, www.monroecrossing.com, or contact Art Blackburn at 763-213-1349 or art@monroecrossing.com for more information.