The Elling House Arts and Humanities Center presented “Growling Old Men” in concert. Ben Winship (mandolins & vocals) and John Lowell (guitar & vocals) are both veterans of the Northern Rockies acoustic music world. Together the duo presents a tight yet relaxed set of original and traditional bluegrass songs, ballads and tunes. Their CDs are truly a joint effort with the lead singing, songwriting and picking duties shared throughout. Influenced equally by the music of the Appalachian hills and the western plains, their music is at once simple and powerful - furthermore, it reflects the genuine sense of fun these two guys get from playing together. The duo blends each artist’s individual talents as musician, songwriter, and vocalist in a repertoire of original and traditional bluegrass tunes and folk ballads, played on guitar and mandolin. Growling Old Men have performed on A Prairie Home Companion and Garrison Keillor has said, "I've been hearing about these young men for a long time but they do not come around American centers of population to advance their careers. They have isolated themselves out here in Montana and Victor, Idaho on account of their lifelong obsession with fishing. Not so old, not so growly, a real fine bluegrass duo. They're great."
The evening program, ideally suited for an intimate venue such as the Elling House, included a blend of well-rehearsed material and few new songs hot off the press – Ben and John like to keep it fresh with an edge of improvisational risk taking. They strive to contrast simplicity with complexity - all with good tone and a warm sense of humor.
$15 admission ~ Reservations requested. Please contact the Elling House to reserve your tickets.