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MARK HEMBREE in conversation with JOHN SIEGER at Books & Company

Event Type
Lecture
Sponsor
Books and Company
Location
Books and Company
Date
Dec 9, 2022   8:30 am  
Views
5
Originating Calendar
University of Illinois Press Events Calendar

Local bassist, vocalist, writer and editor, Mark Hembree joins John Sieger for an in person conversation about his latest book, On the Bus with Bill Monroe. John’s experience as a songwriter, singer, guitarist and writer will lead us in conversation with Mark on a behind the scenes journey into the world of bluegrass music with the bluegrass icon, Bill Monroe as the center of the journey. John and Mark will be bringing instruments along and there could be a taste of music included in the discussion.

Please register for this free event so we have a headcount for seating!

 

About the book: 
A backstage audition led Mark Hembree into a five-year stint (1979-1984) as the bassist for Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys. Hembree's journey included playing at the White House and on the acclaimed album Master of Bluegrass. But it also put him on a collision course with the rigors of touring, the mysteries of Southern culture, and the complex personality of bandleader-legend Bill Monroe. Whether it's figuring out the best time for breakfast (early) or for beating the boss at poker (never), Hembree gives readers an up-close look at the occasionally exalting, often unglamorous life of a touring musician in the sometimes baffling, always colorful company of a bluegrass icon.

The amusing story of a Yankee fish out of water, On the Bus with Bill Monroe mixes memoir with storytelling to recount the adventures of a Northerner learning new ways and the Old South.

 

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