MIDNIGHT45
Midnight45
If you love the glass-shattering power of high tenor bluegrass voices and perfect harmonies, look no further than Midnight45. This powerhouse band features some of the most outstanding vocal and instrumental prowess you will hear in the Western US. Based in Central and Western Oregon, Midnight45 specializes in bluesy vocal-based deep-groove bluegrass music with a solid traditional approach. They perform traditional & contemporary bluegrass, featuring original material as well as traditional country duets. Each member of M45 is a veteran musician, having played in some of the finest bluegrass bands on the west coast, and it has long been a dream of the Adkins to join forces with Jered to form this Northwest supergroup.
Jered Widman – Guitar & Vocals
Jered is simply one of the best voices in today’s bluegrass genre. He sings higher than a dog whistle, but also croons heartfelt ballads and country songs with captivating sensitivity. Add to his vocal prowess hard-driving rhythm guitar along with tasteful leads, Jered is the perfect bluegrass package. Jered started his musical journey in choirs and church as a youngster and backing up his uncle on guitar at Oregon old-time fiddle jams. Early in his bluegrass career he played with Hakanson Family Band, Great Northern Planes, Open Range and Bluestone County. After touring the western US with a Country band, Jered decided that bluegrass is his true musical love, and has since then performed with Grass Station and Whiskey Deaf.
Dale Adkins – Banjo, Guitar & Vocals
Dale is a native Oregonian and longtime Northwest guitar legend who Flatpick Guitar Magazine states is: “….. a major force!” As a part of Grammy nominee Kate MacKenzie’s touring band, Dale performed across the U.S. and Europe in the 1990s. Other musical collaborations include guitar legend Dan Crary, John Reischman and the Jaybirds, Frontline, True North, Rock Ridge, Jim Faddis and many more. With the release of his solo guitar record “Alone in the Red Room,” Dale introduced a significant departure from high-energy bluegrass flatpicking, showing significant growth and sophistication in his playing which has only evolved with time. Dale is an instrumental wiz on guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele and tenor guitar. Dale is also the owner and engineer/producer of Big Owl Studios where he has recorded and produced acoustic recordings of beautiful, pure quality for musicians all over the US. As an avid fly fisherman, Dale would also be thrilled to take you on a guided fishing trip on the Deschutes River.
Josh Adkins
Mandolin & Vocals
Also a native Oregonian, Josh is a master of strings and a talented composer, arranger and vocalist. Josh applies his considerable intelligence and talent to a certain creative mastery of any instrument he tackles whether it is guitar, bass, mandolin or ukulele. He was a major creative influence of the popular Northwest Group The Bluegrass Regulators, along with his equally talented sister Molly. Other configurations include Grass Station, Kristen Grainger & True North. Having been raised on bluegrass from infancy, Josh has been immersed in music his entire life and it shows with every instrument he tackles. His creativity with song arrangements have challenged the band to reach new heights. Josh is a software engineer by day but we don’t hold it against him.
Suzanne Adkins
Bass & vocals
Suzanne has been a stately, rock-solid bassist and vocalist in many Northwest groups over the years. She has held down the beat for groups including Kristen Grainger & True North, Knott Bros, McKenzie Crossing, and Rock Ridge. She is a gifted vocalist and harmony singer in any configuration she joins. Suzanne is the Artistic Director for the Wheeler County Bluegrass Festival held annually in Fossil, OR and works alongside Dale Adkins as a record producer and engineer for Big Owl Studios, providing her own stamp to many bluegrass and acoustic recordings. Her other musical pursuits include serving on the current Board of Directors of Acoustic Sound (Wintergrass) and in the past on the Oregon Bluegrass Association Board. Suzanne would also be thrilled to sell you a house in Central Oregon.
Performing
Friday and Saturday
Wintergrass is a production of Acoustic Sound, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. EIN: 91-2103544
all photos copyright Maria Camillo