ALL*STAR BLUEGRASS CELEBRATION brings together the best, the brightest, and the pioneers of one of America's most popular and enduring indigenous musical styles. Bluegrass music, born and bred in the hills of Appalachia in the 1930's, has survived and thrived through the various cycles of pop music trends, and is now enjoying an unprecedented renaissance due to a yearning for a return to the basics, the spirit and soul of authentic American roots music. On this program, the legends of bluegrass are brought together with the stars of traditional country music and a new generation of bluegrass performers - all on the same stage, all on the same night. The program will be staged as a live concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville - the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, and the national birthplace of Bluegrass music. Host Ricky Skaggs, considered by many the "musical son" of the acknowledged "Father of Bluegrass," Bill Monroe, welcomes a Who's Who of bluegrass music today: Country icon Vince Gill; legends Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley and the Del McCoury Band; and the new generation represented by Alison Krauss, Patty Loveless, Travis Tritt and Nickel Creek, plus the first bluegrass song to win the prestigious Country Music Association song of the year, "Man of Constant Sorrow," from the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack. Each artist shines in a spontaneous environment of live-on-tape performances, with one-of-a-kind collaborations, revealing backstage moments, and excerpts from the final interview with the late Bill Monroe. Throughout the program - onstage and off - artists emphasize the unique role of public television in showcasing America's music, and encourage the audience to join in.
