“Intense and tranquil, classic, classy and classical, jazzy and grassy – all at the same time. The Kruger Brothers are just about as fine a band as I’ve ever played with.” - Doc Watson.

Some call it jazz, some call it classical, some call it bluegrass. The music of the Kruger Brothers is all of that and more. Drawing on a rich cultural palette, theirs is a music that celebrates the best of what music can be: exciting, engaging, intelligent and delightful.  On Friday, Oct. 12, the Kruger Brothers perform at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor.

Those who listen to the Kruger Brothers can’t help but be amazed by the sheer depth of their artistry. Originally from Switzerland, the brothers, now living in North Carolina, were first introduced to American audience in 1997 and quickly gained the attention of fans and the music industry.

Jens Kruger (banjo, vocals), Uwe Kruger (guitar, lead vocals) and Joel Landsberg (bass, vocals) personify the spirit of exploration and innovation that forms the core of the American musical tradition. Their contribution to American musical culture has been noted through a National Endowment for the Arts grant “Music from the Spring,” a symphonic suite.

In addition to the trio’s concert schedule, they perform this piece regularly with symphony orchestras throughout North America. In 2010 the Kruger Brothers also premiered a new work for banjo, guitar, bass and string quartet entitled “An Appalachian Concerto.”

Critical acclaim follows the Kruger Brothers including Dan Tackett of the Bluegrass Journal who says, “Jens Kruger very evidently sees no limits to what can be produced on the native American 5-string banjo.  He’s as much of a pioneer to today’s banjo fans as Earl Scruggs was 60-some years ago.”

Ron Block of Alison Krauss and Union Station said “I used to think the banjo was somewhat limited to certain styles, until I heard Jens Kruger. Jens has played some of the most beautiful and expressive banjo I’ve ever heard.”

Specially priced advance purchase tickets for this concert are $15. Tickets purchased on the day of the performance are $20. All tickets are available through the Opera House box office at 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor, or by calling 633-5159. Tickets are also available online at www.boothbayoperahouse.com

The concert begins at 8 p.m., doors for seating open at 7:30. All seats are general admission. There is no opening act.