Welcome to Arkansas State University!

News Article

Bluegrass Monday to feature Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers

03/13/2024

Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers
(from left) Gary Brewer, Wayne Brewer and Mason Brewer

JONESBORO — Guitarist and vocalist Gary Brewer will bring his “House of Axes” tour with the Kentucky Ramblers to the next KASU-FM Bluegrass Monday concert.    The concert will be on Monday, March 25, at 7 p.m. at Collins Theatre, located at 120 West Emerson Street in Paragould.  Brewer formed the first Kentucky Ramblers band in 1980 when he was a teenager. He recorded 29 studio albums for various record labels before establishing his own record label, Stretch Grass Music, and producing another 22 albums.  

In his most recent album, “House of Axes,” Brewer played vintage acoustic guitars from his collection of over 100 instruments.   For the concert, he will play many of these guitars, featuring them in different songs and briefly describing each guitar’s significance. His collection includes Martin, Silvertone, Mossman, and Stelling guitars. 

Brewer is part of a family whose musical heritage crosses six generations, stretching back to the 1920s. Two of his adult sons perform with him as the Kentucky Ramblers.   Wayne Brewer sings, plays fiddle and upright bass, while Mason Brewer sings, plays mandolin and upright bass. 
Brewer’s 2020 album, “40th Anniversary Celebration,” spent 16 weeks at the number one position on Billboard Magazine’s bluegrass album sales chart, becoming the third best-selling bluegrass CD of 2021. 

In his career, Brewer has recorded with major bluegrass artists including Bill Monroe, J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson, Russell Moore, Sam Bush, and Ralph Stanley II.    He has performed in all 50 states, in 19 countries, at the Grand Ole Opry, at the Lincoln Center in New York City, and at numerous noteworthy bluegrass festivals and venues.  

In addition to bluegrass, Brewer and his band perform country, gospel, and old-time music. 

The admission fee is $10 per person, payable by cash at the door the night of the concert. Everyone 18 and under will be admitted free.    Advance tickets can be purchased at kasu.org/tickets. All ticket proceeds go to the musicians, compensating them for their performance. 

All seating is general admission. Doors open at 6 p.m. and seating is first-come, first-served. 

The Bluegrass Monday concert series is a non-profit presentation of KASU-FM, providing music fans with an affordable and outstanding evening of entertainment. These concerts are held on the fourth Monday night of each month.    They are presented with support from sponsors including the Paragould Advertising and Promotion Commission, Affordable Medical, Bibb Chiropractic Center, Gardner-Milner Law Firm, the Posey Peddler, Hyde Park Café, Holiday Inn Express and Suites of Paragould, and KASU. 

KASU is the public media service of Arkansas State University broadcasting at 91.9 FM and streaming on a variety of online platforms. For more information, contact Marty Scarbrough, KASU program director, at mscarbro@AState.edu or 870-972-2367.  

Additional information is also available on the Bluegrass Monday Facebook page