A chat with John McEuen, founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, is a feast of humor and musical memories. Tonight, he brings his legendary bluegrass favorites to The Barns at Wolf Trap in company with his sons, Jonathan and Nathan. The trio call themselves E=Mc3.
While reminiscing about his 40-year career in show business, McEuen located recordings on his console to illustrate each phase of his life. Not surprising, he bulges with pride at the mention of his talented offspring.
“These are the only ones of my six children in music, but so far as I know they never wanted to do anything else,” he says. “Both Jonathan, 29, and Nathan, 25, are accomplished singers and instrumentalists. Jonathan has been playing electric guitar with Dave Mason, and Nathan, 25, just released his first album, ‘Grand Design.’
“Jonathan has been performing all his life. I remember his first time on stage at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver. He was only six. He begged me to let him sing, so I promised to give him five dollars if he was good. He was so good that 9,000 people stood up and gave him a standing ovation.
“I asked him, ‘Do you want to sing another song?’ He thought a minute before answering, ‘Can I get another five dollars?’ ”
IF YOU GO
String wizard John McEuen and his sons, Jonathan and Nathan, play hot bluegrass.
When: 8 p.m.
Venue: The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna.
Tickets: $20 at 1-800-WOLFTRAP (965-3872) or www.wolf-trap.org
Info: 703-938-2404
