This just in from “Roger’s Bluegrass”

ALISON KRAUSS AND UNION STATION TO PERFORM IN BILLINGS IN AUGUST DURING THE BLUES FEST

Alison Krauss and Union Station, featuring Jerry Douglas, will headline the South Park concert during Magic City Blues on Sunday, Aug. 12.

Magic City Blues organizer Tim Goodridge made the announcement Monday. Krauss and Union Station will perform from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with opening acts to be announced later.

Roots rocker Chris Isaak is headlining the Friday night concert at Magic City Blues on Aug. 10. The Saturday night headline act will be announced on April 23.

Tickets go on sale May 18 at magcicityblues.com, Billings Holiday stations and Rimrock Mall. Tickets are $49 per night, $79 for a two-night combo or $119 to attend all three days of the event.

There is not a better bluegrass band today that Union Station.  Alison Krauss played the Alberta Bair theatre in the late ‘90s to a sellout crowd.  She had two big crossover hits that year and put on an outstanding show.  That was BEFORE she added Dan Tyminski and Jerry Douglas to the lineup.  Dan was the voice singing “Man of Constant Sorrow” to George Clooney’s lip syncing in “Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou.”  Jerry Douglas is just the best dobro player ever, period.  Ron Block is really an excellent musician as he doubles on banjo and guitar. This should be a great show.  When I was growing up during the 40’s and 50’s the South Park was one of Billings finest.  On weekends it was full of families having picnics, swimming, playing horseshoes and generally having fun.  The community band played concerts in the shell every Monday night during the summer.   I spent countless hours there playing baseball or football and in the pool.  It had the only skating rink in Billings during the winter.  Unfortunately it has developed an undeserved bad reputation due to drugs and gangs.  There is now a great Mexican festival and car show held there annually and bringing in top rated bluegrass will only help in restoring this park’s  great traditions.

Roger Koch

gdaefiddler@q.com