Premiere Bluegrass Mandolinist Neil Rossi Makes Rare Appearance

Quiet storm; gentle monster. How else might one describe one of Vermont’s premiere bluegrass artists? Of course most of us have heard of Phish and even Cyndy Lauper, but Neil Rossi? Unfortunate, especially if you love bluegrass music. Neil, an integral part of the acclaimed Vermont-based group, BIG SPIKE, not only plays lead mandolin, but he also plays bass and has a distinctive singing voice. In fact, he’s been an integral member of The David Bromberg Band. First influenced by the Kingston Trio and Limelighters as a youngster, he first taught himself the banjo from a Pete Seeger instruction book and then some music by Earl Scruggs played on his victrola at the slowest speed possible—16 revolutions per minute for those who remember record players. In 1966, he organized his first group, The Spark Gap Wonder Boys, which received a recording contract with one of America’s most esteemed independent record labels: Rounder, the same recording company which has brought us the likes of Jimmy Sturr and The Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, scheduled to appear in Sugarloaf Dec. 4-5. Most interestingly, however, Neil holds not only a Master’s degree in physics but also a third degree black belt in Tae kwon-Do. You’ll not want to miss how all that talent comes together with Neil’s appearance as a member of BIG SPIKE and STEVE LUTKE AND APPALACHIAN RISING on Sat., Oct. 24 in The Pavilion of the Lycian Performing Arts Center, Kings Highway, Sugarloaf, N.Y. at 8 p.m. for Sugarloaf Music’s BIG BLUEGRASS BASH! Seating is limited. Tickets may be purchased at Village Music, Main St., Warwick and at Van Gelder Music, Route 17M, Monroe. Reservations can be made by calling (845) 258-JAZZ (5299). This concert is made possible in part from grants through New York State Council on the Arts, Target, The Puffin Foundation, Orange Tourism and attendees like you!