Listen to the Higher Ground Bluegrass Band live in Ruidoso at Sacred Grounds on Saturday, September 14, 2019.
Higher Ground Bluegrass (HGB) has established itself as New Mexico's premier Bluegrass band. Founded by "Duke" Weddington (Banjo, Guitar, Vocals) in 1998, 2018 marked their 20th anniversary as a musical ensemble which they celebrated with the release of their 7th album HGB20, which was nominated for 6 2019 New Mexico Music Awards. Band members include Dave Devlin (mandolin, dobro), Fred Bolton (Guitar, vocals), Pat Mahoney (Fiddle, Vocals), Laura Leach-Devlin (Bass, Vocals).
Performing original material penned by members of the group, the band also plays a variety of traditional and contemporary selections influenced by the American traditions of folk, bluegrass, Celtic, country, and rock ‘n roll. Their philosophy remains one of developing dynamic arrangements of their original material, as well as lesser known songs, and adding something new and unique to standard bluegrass tunes to make them their own.
With four members providing vocal contributions, the swapping of lead and harmonies offers something new and appealing for each song in their repertoire. HGB has recorded seven independent albums: Black and White – Faded and Torn (2001); People, Places, Memories (2003); Miles and Miles (2008); Bluegrass Classics (2013); HGB V (2016); CLANN (2017), HGB20 (2018 – 20th Anniversary Album). They have been the recipient of 5 New Mexico Music Awards (2004, 2017, 2018, 2019) for their original music. They have opened for Peter Rowan, Tim O'Brien, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, Jim Lauderdale, and the band serves as the Host Band for the Southwest Pickers Annual Bluegrass and Traditional Music Festival, now in its 45th year.
HGB delivers a superb blend, and interpretation of Bluegrass music with tight harmonies and tasteful instrumentation. Come enjoy.