Banjoist Tony Trischka made his name developing his own form of newgrass: progressive bluegrass with an expanded harmonica and stylistic taste for jazzy jamming. But when Trischka lends his talents to a benefit concert for Unison Arts & Learning Center, it will be in his role as a ringleader of holiday cheer. In 1995, Trischka released Glory Shone Around: A Christmas Collection, a set of rootsy and rural holiday songs and instrumentals that could sometimes be slyly progressive in their own way – especially when turning the traditional tools of bluegrass and folksinging toward complex Baroque counterpoint and Renaissance textures.
Banjo legend Tony Trischka presents “Glory Shone Around,” a special benefit concert for the Unison this Friday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church at 90 Route 32 South in New Paltz. Trischka will appear with his band of musicians including Molly Tuttle on vocals and guitar, John Mailander on fiddle, Jared Engel on bass, Tim Eriksen on guitars, vocals and shape-note vocals and Zoe Darrow on fiddle, vocals and shape-note vocals. The doors will open at 7 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $25. For more information, call (845) 255-1559 or visit https://unisonarts.org.