DESERT ROSE BAND
The Desert Rose Band was formed in 1985 with primary songwriter Chris Hillman on lead vocals, guitar, and mandolin. Other members, culled mainly from Southern California session players, included banjoist/guitarist Herb Pedersen, guitarist John Jorgenson, steel guitarist Jay Dee Maness, bassist Bill Bryson, and drummer Steve Duncan. Their first single was a 1986 cover of Johnnie & Jack’s “Ashes of Love,” which climbed into the country Top 30. Their self-titled debut album followed in 1987 and spawned a number one hit in “One Step Forward,” plus two more Top Tens in “Love Reunited” and “He’s Back and I’m Blue.” 1988’s Running produced two number one smash hits, “I Still Believe in You” and “Summer Wind,” as well as the number three hit “She Don’t Love Nobody.” 1990’s Pages of Life brought their final Top Ten hits in “Story of Love” and “Start All Over Again.” Three albums were recorded between 1991-1993, “True Love”, Traditional” and “Life Goes On”. The Desert Rose band has won three Academy of Country Music Awards and has received several nominations from the Country Music Association and the Grammys.
Tickets for this event are $32 per person. $17 for Students with ID.
CHRIS HILLMAN
Arguably the pioneer of the genre known as “Country Rock,” Chris Hillman has carved a permanent niche in the history of contemporary American music through his work with such notable bands as The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and the Desert Rose Band.
HERB PEDERSEN
Herb began his career in Berkeley, California in the early 60’s playing 5 string banjo and acoustic guitar with people like David Grisman, Butch Waller, David Nelson, and Jerry Garcia. Herb has done well in adding his talents to the recordings of many folk and country music artists of today.
For the last thirty years, Herb has lived in southern California, and participated in select music groups, either in recording, or traveling on the road doing concerts. His recording discography is like a who’s who of the singer/songwriter scene, so prevalent in the 70s and 80s. His own groups, like The Desert Rose Band, and The Laurel Canyon Ramblers, show why Herb is so respected in the industry.
JOHN JORGENSEN
Music virtuoso John Jorgenson, known for his blistering guitar and mandolin licks and mastery of a broad musical palette, has earned a reputation as a world-class musician, as evidenced by his collaborations with Earl Scruggs, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, Luciano Pavarotti, Bob Dylan and many others. In 2008, Jorgenson won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental with Brad Paisley and received a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album with Earl Scruggs. Jorgenson, who has played with Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Jim and Jesse, David Grisman and others, has enjoyed a successful career with the Desert Rose Band and the Hellecasters; as a member of Elton John’s band for six years; and most recently, in his John Jorgenson Quintet and John Jorgenson Electric Band configurations. One of the elite Gypsy Jazz players in the world, Jorgenson portrayed Django Reinhardt in the Hollywood feature film Head in the Clouds.
