David Holt

Four-time  Grammy Winner

Host of PBS Folkways, Fire on the Mountain and more…

National Storytellers Hall of Fame Inductee

3 time winner FRETs Magazine “Best Old Time Banjo”

Multiple Instrumentalist, singer/producer/writer/storyteller

Premier Entertainer & Musician

Thursday, October 23, 2008

7:30 PM  General Admission
$15.00

We are most honored and very pleased to present David Holt in concert at the Cook Shack and know that you will enjoy being up close and personal with one of the most talented traditional musicians on the music scene today.  David has earned his way into top spot status as a spirited performer and is respected across the USA for his preservation of roots music and his own talent in carrying that music forward to new audiences.  He is a master of banjo, National Steel and acoustic guitar, and all sorts of other traditional instruments.  This will be a night of guaranteed fun for traditional music lovers and a unique opportunity to experience David and his music in the special setting of the Cook Shack. 

A Bit About David…

Where to start?  In 1968 David found his way to the heart of the Appalachian Mountains , bringing with him a passion to learn old-time banjo.  He traveled to remote communities like Kingdom Come, Sodom , Laurel and searched out the best roots mountaineers, learning from each.  There was Wade Mainer, Dellie Norton, Nimrod Workman and 122 year-old washboard player, Susie Brunson.  He learned from people like these how to play not only banjo, but also unusual instruments like the mouth bow, the bottleneck slide guitar and even the paper bag.  David has continued for more than three decades with this curiosity for traditional music and continues to learn and share roots music styles.

This love of traditional music has fueled a successful performing and recording career.  He has earned four Grammy Awards and performed and recorded with his mentors; people like Doc Watson, Grandpa Jones, Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins and many, many more.   He is also a nationally featured storyteller, television host, historian who plays ten acoustic instruments and many recordings.  You probably know David from his popular PBS television show, Folkways, a program that features the culture of the Southern Appalachians .  He also is the host of the Nashville Network’s television shows, Fire on the Mountain, Celebration Express and Music Shop.  He has been a frequent guest on Hee Haw, Nashville Now and the Grand Ole Opry and was in the movie, Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?   On Public Radio David also hosts the popular music shows, Riverwalk and Classic Jazz From The Landing. 

David has produced many recordings including some wonderful children’s music.  He has recorded as a solo artist, with his hot band, David Holt and the Lightning Bolts, and with Doc Watson and Etta Baker.  Also, he has released highly successful storytelling recordings which feature stories from his own experiences and which also reflect and polish the traditions of storytelling.  And then there are four banjo instructional projects and an uncountable number of personal appearances all over the world.  In fact, the U.S. State Department has sponsored David’s performances in many parts of the world as a musical ambassador, taking him and his music to places like Nepal , Thailand , South America and Africa . 

Here are a few comments about David…

“His songs bubble like water from an Appalachian well…”              Parents Magazine

“The best minstrel-storyteller is David Holt…”    

                                          Vogue

“David Holt and his music are American originals…”                             Columbus Dispatch

David Holt’s work is marked not only by vigor and charm, but by particular craftsmanship.  He is one of the best new generation changing America .”                               Esquire

“I think he could make music out of a stump…”                                               Asheville Times

“He is a keeper of national treasures and close to being one himself…”                                                                     Indianapolis News