Truman’s Ridge to perform at Sandwich Opera House

September 21, 2021 at 5:22 pm CDT

Bluegrass band Truman's Ridge of Sycamore will perform Oct. 1 at the Sandwich Opera House. (Submitted by Truman's Ridge)

Truman’s Ridge, a Chicago-style bluegrass band based in Sycamore, will perform at the historic Sandwich Opera House at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1.

Tickets cost $10 and are available at the door or online at www.sandwichoperahouse.org.

Organized in 2008, the band has been playing festivals and venues all across Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri and other Midwest states.

Truman’s Ridge features Steve Sarver on guitar and lead vocals, Bruce Wallace on banjo and harmonica, Chris Johnson on upright bass, Charley Smart on dobro, and Max Winkels on mandolin. Their harmonies at times are reminiscent of the early brother bands, and at other times show a strong rural-gospel influence, according to a news release. Their repertoire includes a wide variety of songs from bluegrass, country, folk, jazz, swing, rock and gospel styles, including cover and original songs.

The band has been featured on “Outside the Loop,” WGN 720 AM radio in Chicago; “Believers in Bluegrass,” KGPZ 107.2 FM radio in Kansas City and “Gospel Country,” WFEN 88.3 FM radio in Rockford, among other US and international programs.

Truman’s Ridge has released five CDs, including the newest, ”Beyond the Ridge,” released in 2020.