Rodney Dillard and the Dillard Band

Rodney Dillard – music history legend, recording artist, and speaking talent – is overwhelmingly credited as the “father of modern bluegrass.” Rodney Dillard, one of the original Darling Boys from The Andy Griffith Show, returns with his band to Mayberry Days for another great bluegrass concert, filled with songs performed on the show and original Dillards hits. Rodney is a member of the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and two time Grammy Nominee. Dillardgrass – often imitated, never duplicated!

Noted as being the first bluegrass ensemble to introduce electric instruments in the mid-1960s, they are considered to be one of the pioneers of the burgeoning Southern California Folk Rock, Country Rock and Progressive Bluegrass genres, and are credited with directly influencing artists such as The Eagles, The Byrds, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, Elton John, and scores of other well-known acts of the last fifty years. In 1972, Elton John cited The Dillards as his “musical inspiration,” actually requesting the band’s addition to the bill during John’s first U.S. tour.

Tickets are $45-$50 at www.surryarts.org.