Legendary folk singer Doc Watson to appear at Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts | Press Releases

Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts welcomes the legendary folk performer Doc Watson on Saturday, March 31st at 8 p.m. Joining him for a collaborative concert, billed as "Hills of Home," are his grandson Richard Watson and David Holt, both of whom he mentored and has worked with recording and on tour.

A songwriter and guitar and banjo player for more than 50 years, the multi-talented Watson has received seven Grammy Awards and in 2000 was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor. He shared the 2002 Grammy with David Holt in recognition of their collaboration on the 3-CD "Legacy" in the category of Best Traditional Folk Recording. "Legacy" resonates as an audio biography and culminates in a concert with the two musicians. In 2004, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences presented Watson with a Lifetime Achievement Award at their annual Grammy Awards show and, in 1997 President Clinton awarded him the National Medal of the Arts. He has received many more honors over the years and, never one to rest on his laurels, he continues to tour and delight adoring audiences with the unique style he created by blending his traditional Appalachian musical roots with bluegrass, country, gospel and blues.

Watson plays fluid guitar with a fingerpicking and flatpicking style, but is best known for his fingerpick work. He is an accomplished banjo player and has, in the past, accompanied himself on the harmonica. He developed his vast repertoire of mountain ballads through the rich oral tradition in his home state of North Carolina.

Four-time Grammy Award winner David Holt is a musician, storyteller, historian and entertainer dedicated to performing and preserving traditional American music and stories, a dedication he shares with Watson. His 30-year passion for traditional music and culture fueled his search for mentors and through them he has been introduced to a wide variety of instruments, including the mouth bow, the bottleneck slide guitar and the paper bag. Along the way, he mastered ten acoustic instruments, including his much-loved banjo, and has performed and recorded with Watson, Chet Atkins, Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff and many more.

Richard Watson's father, Merle, was Doc's beloved son with whom he performed until 1985 when Merle was tragically killed in an accident. Following the family tradition, Richard tours with Doc and continues his musical education from a master.

Tickets are $40, $35 and are now available online at www.quickcenter.com or by calling the Box Office at (203) 254-4010. The toll free number is 1-877-ARTS-396. For more information, please visit the website at www.quickcenter.com.