John McEuen
$45.00
Gram Parsons Derry Down welcomes back Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's John McEuen, with co-founder Les Thompson, with special guest Muriel Anderson, November 21, 2025. Doors at 6 PM - Show 7 PM.
John McEuen, a Southern California Orange County high school student, he thought his teenage dream job in Disneyland’s Magic Shop (at 16 years old) was “as good as it gets”. He and lifelong high-school friend both got that 1963 job (magic shop co-worker, Steve Martin) and at 18 music came along. After seeing Missouri bluegrass group The Dillards, John headed towards his new dream: make magic with music, and get on the radio. Leaving Garden Grove for Hollywood, dream became a reality more than imagined it could be!
Continually performing since 1964, he joined Les Thompson in 1966 as they put together the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, a relationship that would last 50 years – over 11,000 concerts, 300 television shows, 10,000 interviews.
In 1971, John initiated the landmark Will the Circle be Unbroken* album by asking musical mentors Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson to record with NGDB; then, his brother Bill (manager, record producer) invited Merle Travis. It grew, with Earl’s help, to inviting Mother Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, Roy Acuff, ‘Bashful’ Brother Oswald, Vassar Clements, and Norman Blake to a Nashville studio, hooking them up with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, for 5 magic hot August days of recording. (John is featured in episode 6 of Ken Burns - Country Music). The now multi-platinum “Circle” is honored both by Library of Congress and the Grammy Hall of Fame. * “One of the most important records to come out of Nashville...” Chet Flippo, Rolling Stone
In 2010, Folk Alliance Organization presented McEuen the Best in the West Award solo performer; hia rich history preserving original and traditional folk music earned the 2013 Charlie Poole Lifetime Achievement Award.
NGDB was inducted in to Colorado Music Hall of Fame 2015. In addition to John’s numerous solo accolades, Multi-instrumentalist McEuen (banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, piano, dulcimer), recognized as a founding member and outstanding performer, departed the end of the 50th year anniversary tour Oct. 22, 2017. He covers it all in his highly praised book The Life I’ve Picked on Chicago Review Press, published April, 2018.
McEuen has made over 46 albums (7 solo) that have earned CMA and ACM awards, an Emmy film score nomination, IBMA record of the year award, five platinum and six gold records, multiple Grammy Awards and nominations, and performed on another 25 albums as guest artist. John’s production of Steve Martin – The Crow won the 2010 Best Bluegrass Album Grammy.
The Music of the Wild West CD - produced by McEuen - was honored with the Western Heritage Award. Other accolades include: Grammy nomination for String Wizards II; the Uncle Dave Macon Award (for excellence in preservation and performance of historic music); 2009 he was inducted in to the Traditional Country Music Hall of Honor. John has produced award-winning projects for several other artists.
Made in Brooklyn. - (Stereophile Magazine's Record of the Month; winner: Independent Music Award’s Best Americana album in 2018), produced by John and David Chesky, earned rave reviews.
John was inducted in 2017 to the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame
John’s first book, The Life I’ve Picked on Chicago Review Press has over 100 5-star rave reviews on Amazon. The popular Sirius/XM John McEuen’s Acoustic Traveller, in its 18th year, is found on The Village channel.
John’s second book, Will the Circle be Unbroken – the making of a landmark album (Backbeat Books) his brother’s photographs (148), with stories behind each, all details and stories of the making of that album.
Multi-instrumental musician, performer, Radio Host, author, television show producer, concert promoter, and magician, John McEuen continues to explore the music world. “I am grateful people continue to support what I do, as it excites me to continue making things for them. I feel like some of my best projects are ahead. Out this summer on Compass Records: The NEWSMAN ! So many stories. so many songs, so many notes, so little time!”
Les Thompson has a diverse musical background, notably as an original founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and has played with numerous recording and performing musicians in the traditional and folk world. A love for traditional acoustic music is illuminated in his finger style guitar.
Muriel Anderson is considered a virtuoso of the 20-string harp-guitar, yet it is her gentle sense of humor and uplifting melodies that leave her audience smiling. Guitar Player Magazine lists her as one of the 50 noteworthy guitarists of all time. She has been listed among the top ten female guitarists, and is the first woman to win the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship.
She has recorded with country legend Chet Atkins, performed with Les Paul and countless other greats in Muriel Anderson’s ALL STAR GUITAR NIGHT® over 30+ years. Muriel’s CD Nightlight Daylight placed first in its category in 11 national awards, followed by Acoustic Chef, an international CD with cookbook. Muriel’s release Sailing Dreams exhibits new levels of creativity–she has even created a board game to accompany the music. Her open-heartedness extends beyond her music, as she founded the Music for Life Alliance to help foster music education for kids.
Muriel Anderson takes you on a journey through many countries with her 20-string harp-guitar enhanced by a backdrop of visuals artfully projected onto a screen behind her. Her compositions capture the essence of the folk music of many places, and she sings in up to 10 languages. You’ll travel with her on her sailing adventures, and virtually (sometimes actually) taste the experiences that led to her release “Acoustic Chef.” Visuals by celebrated photo-artist Bryan Allen. If you’re not already familiar with Muriel, you will find yourself smiling when you feel the joy of her music shining through a stunning array of styles.