By Lisa Snedeker
The North Carolina Museum of History will host the Henhouse Prowlers as part of its Tar Heel Troubadours series, a celebration of Americana, roots, bluegrass and traditional music performed by artists from or living and working in North Carolina, on Saturday, July 20.
A music performance at the North Carolina Museum of History is unlike any other, according to the museum. “You’ll enjoy an intimate experience with an artist in our 300-seat venue. Every seat in the house has a fantastic view and the sound is exceptional.
“Our Tar Heel Troubadours series works to keep music accessible to our community by keeping ticket prices affordable. Visit the museum’s website for up-to-date information and tickets.”
The Henhouse Prowlers are bluegrass ambassadors. Founded nearly two decades ago with the simple desire to play original and powerful bluegrass, this Chicago-bred quartet now finds itself at the intersection of performance, diplomacy, and education.
Onstage, the group’s enthralling performances give audiences a sense of how much the musicians love what they do. On records — including their latest offering, 2023’s “Lead and Iron,” released via Dark Shadow Recording — the band explores their collective life experiences through songwriting and intricate instrumentation. While bluegrass is the undeniable foundation of the Prowlers’ music, the band bends and squeezes the traditional form into a keenly developed sound all their own.
Working with the U.S. State Department and under their own nonprofit, Bluegrass Ambassadors, the Prowlers have toured more than 25 countries across the globe. The group’s experiences with people and musicians across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East have shaped the band’s worldview and broadened the group’s direction toward bridging cultural gaps with music, educational programs, and workshops. Using traditional American music as a foundation while connecting folk music, customs, and history the world over, including in North Carolina classrooms, the Prowlers incorporate international elements into their already robust repertoire of unique traditional American music.
Whether playing live or presenting seminars, the Henhouse Prowlers find and spread the commonality we share as human beings through the universal language of music.
IF YOU GO
Tar Heel Troubadours: Henhouse Prowlers
Saturday, July 20, 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. performance
Tickets: MOHA/museum members $12; general admission $15
Purchase tickets at this link.