School of Liberal Arts to host bluegrass concert

Chuck Lahr & The Purdy River Band will perform a bluegrass music concert in the Fayette Opera House, located at the corner of Main and Clark streets in Fayette, Iowa, on Saturday, April 16. Sponsored by Upper Iowa University’s School of Liberal Arts, the event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The free, public concert is funded in part by the John and Honorine Falb Family Performance Grant and UIU’s Office of Student Development.

Formed in 2013, Chuck Lahr & The Purdy River Band performs primarily original music, written by Chuck Lahr, in the traditional and contemporary style of bluegrass, along with classic standards, instrumentals, and gospel. The four members of the band are diverse in their musical talents, bringing together many years of experience.  Founding member Chuck Lahr is the primary lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitar player. Dave Anderson plays banjo and sings lead and harmony vocals. Jon Anderson plays mandolin and fiddle, as well as singing lead and harmony. Beth Anderson plays upright bass and sings lead and harmony vocals.

Chuck Lahr & The Purdy River Band’s first CD, Midnight Run, which was completed and released in 2014, was selected as the “2015 Vintage Bluegrass CD of the Year” by the Rural Roots Music Commission.  The group is currently recording a second CD of original songs, which will be released in the near future.

For more information, see the band’s website at www.chucklahrmusic.com.