News Release

Note: For artist bios and photos, see end of story.

Nickel Creek added to lineup
for Carolina Performing Arts

CHAPEL HILL - Grammy-winning trio Nickel Creek will play Memorial Hall Sept. 19 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Mammals will open.

The 7:30 p.m. performance, in the hall's Beasley-Curtis Auditorium, was just added to the lineup for the 2006-2007 Carolina Performing Arts season, set to open on Sept. 15 with a concert by Lyle Lovett and his Very Large Band.

Rooted in bluegrass, Nickel Creek integrates elements of classical, jazz and rock 'n' roll into its music. The acoustic California trio won a 2003 Grammy Award for Contemporary Folk Album for "This Side." Their latest album, "Why Should the Fire Die?" received a Grammy nomination.

"We are thrilled to present Nickel Creek on this campus," said Emil Kang, executive director for the arts. "They are one of the finest acoustic ensembles touring today. We've been excited about the response to our American Roots artists. Presenting these great musicians will only be a positive for our audience."

Nickel Creek has appeared on television shows including "Austin City Limits," "CBS Sunday Morning" and "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno. Time Magazine assessed the trio as follows:

"The traditionally flavored pop-folk lyrics and sparkling acoustic licks performed by guitarist Sean Watkins, his violinist sister Sara and mandolinist Chris Thile reflect an eclectic mix of influences that include classical, jazz and rock. The trio is making down-home music relevant for a new generation ... To hear Nickel Creek is to hear the vibrant reinvention of a classic form."

The Mammals, a string band that adds drums and electric guitar, includes Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, son of folk singer and writer Pete Seeger, and Ruth Ungar, daughter of roots artists Jay Ungar and Lyn Hardy. Jay Ungar wrote "Ashokan Farewell," the theme song of Ken Burns' PBS documentary "The Civil War."

Lovett's concert is sold out, but those interested still may attend by buying season-opening packages. Those include a pre-concert reception and a post-concert party with live music and dancing. For information, call (919 843-3333).

The concert will highlight the season-opening celebration "A Night in Texas," which may see some patrons showing up in "Texas formal" attire: Western pearl-snaps shirts, Stetsons, cocktail dresses with shined cowgirl boots or shirts with rhinestones. Others may stick to tuxedos and gowns. Memorial Hall commemorative bolo ties will be available for purchase.

Besides the season itself, the Lovett concert will launch this year's American Roots series. Other series this year will present performances of classical and jazz music, world stage, urban voices and dance.

The season is the second since the $18 million renovation and expansion of Memorial Hall. The improvements allowed UNC to present larger productions and more high-profile artists than ever before.

More than 50 of the world's best performers will appear in Memorial from mid-September through May 2007. The roster includes Chick Corea and Gary Burton, the Kodo Drummers of Japan, Andre Watts, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Sweet Honey in the Rock, The Cleveland Orchestra, Barbara Cook and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

Nickel Creek tickets, ranging from $20-$45, are available online at www.carolinaperformingarts.org, by calling (919) 843-3333 or from the Memorial Hall box office on Cameron Avenue, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Tickets for Carolina students are $10. Series subscriptions and single-event tickets also are on sale for all other performances. For more information, visit www.carolinaperformingarts.org.

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Note: For artist media kits and downloadable photos, visit www.carolinaperformingarts.org; for more information on The Mammals, visit http://www.themammals.net

Carolina Performing Arts contact: Don Smith, (919) 843-3119, donsmith@email.unc.edu
News Services contacts: Print, L.J. Toler, (919) 962-8589; broadcast, Karen Moon, (919) 962-8595