"Cherryholmes is an extremely flexible band, shifting arrangements, physical and vocal, several times per song." –New York Times

Versatile family bluegrass group Cherryholmes debuts in the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater on Friday, April 23, 2010 at 7:30pm.  Cherryholmes first stormed the country music scene in 2005 when the group won the International Bluegrass Music Association Award for Entertainer of the Year.  Since then, this family sextet—comprised of parents Jere and Sandy Lee, and siblings Cia Leigh, B.J., Skip, and Molly—have taken to the stage, providing virtuosic instrumental performances of twin fiddles and claw hammer banjo, combined with richly textured vocal harmonies, country yodeling, and Irish step dancing.

Cherryholmes latest album, Don’t Believe (2008) earned the band two Grammy® nominations for Best Bluegrass Album and Best Country Instrumental Performance, for their song "Sumatra."  Previously recorded albums include Grammy®-nominated Black and White, which topped the Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart at No. 1 and the Grammy®-nominated self-titled debut album on Skaggs Family Records (2006).

Tickets for Cherryholmes are available from $27 to $32 and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online at www.kimmelcenter.org, or at the Kimmel Center box office open daily from 10am to 6pm and later on performance evenings. (Additional fees may apply.) For group sales call 215-790-5883.

Cherryholmes first formed in 1999, when the family decided to attend a bluegrass festival to alleviate some of the pain felt after the death of the eldest daughter; thereafter, the family was inspired to form their own group, and each child was given an instrument and instructed by their parents.  Eventually the group hit the road and since then has gained recognition throughout the country for their bluegrass, Celtic, and jazz rooted musical performances and lively, energetic concert experiences.

Cia was 15 when she began playing the guitar in the band, to then switch to the banjo in 2000.  She has writing credits for nearly 75 percent of Cherryholmes album releases, and is known for her strong lead and harmony vocals.

B.J. was 11 when he began playing the fiddle for the band; his masterful mandolin playing was displayed on the latest release, Don't Believe, for which he wrote and musically arranged the songs "Sumatra" and "Don't Believe."

Skip was 9 years-old when he began performing on the guitar and mandolin in the band.  He is an excellent guitar picker and provides a hard driving rhythmic energy to the band.  He also controls the show's lighting design.

Molly was only 6 years-old when she started playing fiddle for Cherryholmes. Versatile in performing jazz, R&B, Celtic, and blues music, she also lends her vocal talents to Cherryholmes' versatile sound.

Sandy plays both the mandolin and claw hammer banjo, and can switch on a dime from each instrument to perform bluegrass gospel to old-time mountain and country tunes. A country yodeler, she also entertains audiences with Irish Step dancing and gospel music writing abilities.

At the family "backbone" is Jere, who plays upright bass, sings lead with "rough around the edges" old country style vocals, and also serves as the band's only bus driver.

Kimmel Center Presents 2009/10 Season is sponsored by Citi. American Airlines is the Official Airline of Kimmel Center Presents.

Free at the Kimmel programming and subsidized tickets offered to the community and social service groups for $10 are made possible through the Wachovia Gateway to the Arts Community Access Program, supported by a generous grant from the Wachovia Foundation.

The Kimmel Center is a recipient of partnership funding through the nationally recognized PNC "Grow Up Great" initiative, a ten-year, $100 million investment preparing children for success in school and life. Funding gives support to the Kimmel Center's early childhood program "Bop and Swing," an arts program for children 1-5 years old, designed to promote an appreciation for American culture.

KIMMEL CENTER PRESENTS SPONSORED BY CITI

Friday, April 23, 2010 | 7:30pm
Perelman Theater

Jere Cherryholmes: upright bass, vocals
Sandy Lee Cherryholmes: mandolin, vocals, yodeling
Cia Leigh Cherryholmes: banjo, vocals
B.J. Cherryholmes: fiddle, vocals
Skip Cherryholmes: guitar, vocals
Molly Kate Cherryholmes: fiddle, vocals