After nearly seven years and hundreds of gigs with The High 48s, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of our good friend and guitar player Marty Marrone, who’s stepping back from performing to focus on both family and career, including his new role as booking agent for the band.
Marty wanted to share the following with his friends and fans:
“I wanted to let you know that I’m stepping back from performing with The High 48s. I’ve decided to devote more time to my wife and the kids. Between gigging with the band and trying to balance work and home life, I’ve been stretched too thin. I need to spend some more time being a husband and a dad. This is a bittersweet decision for me as I’ve really enjoyed working with this group. Thank you so much for all your support!”
Marty’s final two performances will be Saturday, December 2nd, at the Aster Cafe in Minneapolis and Sunday, December 17th, at the County Seat Theater in Cloquet, MN (our one and only holiday show of the season).
It’s been our great honor to make music with Marty over the years. He’s a true professional and a consummate showman. We look forward to working with him in his new role as booking agent for the band.
Welcome Clint!
While Marty’s shoes are big ones to fill, we’ve found just the man for the job: our longtime friend and flatpicking phenom Clint Birtzer.
Clint is no stranger to the midwest bluegrass scene, and many of you have no doubt heard him rip it up onstage already. He’s a three-time Minnesota State Flatpicking Guitar Champion who’s been performing in the region for over a decade as a founding member of the popular progressive bluegrass band The Sawtooth Brothers.
Clint is both a talented guitar player and a powerful vocalist whose style draws on classic country, classic rock, bluegrass, and blues influences that come from his eclectic musical upbringing.
We’ve been rehearsing with Clint these last couple months and are excited beyond words about what we’ve been hearing. We can’t wait for you to see and hear him in action with the 48s!
Clint’s first official public gig with the band will also be Marty’s last Twin Cities performance, Saturday, December 2nd at the Aster Cafe in Minneapolis.
It will be a very special night of music, memories and new beginnings. You really don’t want to miss the ceremonial “passing of the torch,” as both guitar players will be playing a set as well as sharing the stage together.
Seating is limited at the Aster so we highly recommend that you make your reservations ASAP by calling (612) 379-3138.