Recently, hundreds of people flocked to Kenan Auditorium to hear live bluegrass music. The Travelin’ McCourys, and guest guitarists Cody Kilby and Peter Rowan, shared the music of Bill Monroe, a man considered the father of bluegrass.

Ronnie McCoury, mandolin, and Rob McCoury, banjo, continued the work of their father, bluegrass legend Del McCoury, well known for his folksy cover of Grateful Dead’s “Rain and Snow.”  Bassist Alan Bartram and fiddler Jason Carter completed the Travelin’ McCourys band.

The Travelin’ McCourys attracted a broad audience Nov. 29 by blending traditional and progressive music. Senior citizens closed their eyes and nodded their heads as the band played Monroe’s “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” and younger audience members enthusiastically clapped during upbeat songs like “Cheyenne,” a fast-paced folksy instrumental piece.

The six musicians performed flawlessly making the steady bass rhythms and the intricate guitar melodies seem effortless. Bartram’s smooth vocals were exceptional, as well.

However, the star of the show was guest guitarist Rowan. As a Grammy winner, Rowan was no novice to the stage. His persistent smile and Hawaiian print shirt showed his love for performing and comfort in front of crowds.

The other guess guitarist, Kilby, flowed seamlessly with the Travelin’ McCourys.  Kilby began playing banjo at eight years old and was the National Flatpicking Champion at 17. Kilby’s lightning-fast picking was incredible, especially in upbeat songs like “Bluegrass Breakdown.”

The show was coordinated by the office of cultural arts as part of this season’s Master Series.

To learn more about The Travelin’ McCourys, visit www.thetravelinmccourys.com.