Country music star Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder will take the stage at the Clark State Performing Arts Center (PAC) at 8 p.m., Saturday, February 11.
A life full of music. That’s the story of 15-time Grammy winner, Ricky Skaggs. By age 21, he was already considered a “recognized master” of one of America’s most demanding art forms, but his career took him in other directions, catapulting him to popularity and success in the mainstream of country music. His life’s path has taken him to various musical genres, from where it all began in bluegrass music, to striking out on new musical journeys, while still leaving his musical roots intact.
In the past decade, Skaggs has been honored with inductions into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame. In 2018, a landmark year, Skaggs was also awarded membership into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame, the IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and country music’s greatest honor, the Country Music Hall of Fame. Most recently, he was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Arts in 2020 for his contributions to the American music industry.
“Kentucky Thunder is a group of guys that meet my approval every night," Ricky says. "Each and every one of the pickers in Kentucky Thunder totally amazes me in every show...and that, to me, outweighs any award we could ever win." The all-star lineup of Kentucky Thunder includes Russ Carson (banjo), Jake Workman (lead guitar), Dennis Parker (baritone vocals, guitar), Jeff Picker (bass, bass vocals), Mike Rogers (tenor vocals, rhythm guitar) and Billy Contreras (fiddle).
Dan Hunt, general manager of venue operations at the PAC, said he is excited to have Skaggs return to Springfield. Skaggs and his band last performed in October of 2000.
“They are the best of the best in the world of country and bluegrass musicianship,” said Hunt. “It is a great privilege to have Ricky Skaggs and his Kentucky Thunder play the Kuss Auditorium. They are the all-stars of pickin'!”
Tickets range in price from $20 to $50 (plus fees) and are available by calling the Ticket Office at 937.328.3874 or purchasing your tickets online at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/5992325/ricky-skaggs-and-kentucky-thunder-springfield-clark-state-performing-arts-center-kuss-auditorium
Learn more about the PAC and upcoming shows at https://pac.clarkstate.edu.