Published: April 10, 2008 01:09 pm            

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

A band familiar to music lovers of all ages will step on stage at The Rosebud Theatre in Effingham on Friday, April 18, when Nitty Gritty Dirt Band performs at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 to $60 and are available online at www.therosebudtheatre.com or by phone at 217-540-2787.

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is a country/rock band that first began performing in pinstripe suits and boots in California in 1966.

The original band members were Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Ralph Barr, Les Thompson, Bruce Kunkel and Jackson Browne.

The band has had a number of changes in members, with the two constants being drummer Jimmy Fadden and guitarist Jeff Hanna.

The band performed and recorded from 1976 to 1981 as The Dirt Band before resurrecting the original Nitty Gritty Dirt Band name.

The group’s hits include “Mr. Bo Jangles,” “Fishin’ in the Dark” and “Modern Day Romance.” It’s first album was “Nitty Gritty Dirt Band” released in 1967. That first album has been followed by over 30 albums. The most recent release was “Welcome to Woody Creek.”

The band’s era has spanned over 40 years, and along the way the group has picked up two Grammy awards, along with numerous Grammy and Country Music Awards nominations.

Current Nitty Gritty Dirt Band members are Bob Carpenter, Jimmie Fadden, Jeff Hanna and John McEuen.

Local singer and songwriter Matt Poss will take the stage as the opening act for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Poss will open the show with a solo performance.