The Grascals Prepare for Opry Debut, CD Release

NASHVILLE, TN. (Rounder Records) - Rounder Records will release the self-titled debut CD from bluegrass group The Grascals on Tuesday, February 8. To celebrate, the band will perform a show at Nashville's renowned bluegrass venue, The Station Inn, that evening at 9:00 PM. Rounder will host an invitation-only reception for the industry at 7:00 PM.

The Grascals have received tremendous support from their peers in the industry. Dolly Parton, who invited the band to open her fall tour and dueted with them on their debut single, "Viva Las Vegas," says, "I am so proud of The Grascals. They are one of the best bluegrass bands I've ever heard. They are all so very talented as vocalists and instrumentalists. Their new CD is one of the greatest albums I've ever listened to..."

This weekend marks The Grascals' debut on the Grand Ole Opry, which is in the midst of its 2-month return to the hallowed stage of the Ryman Auditorium. The Grascals will perform on Grand Ole Opry Live, airing on Great American Country (GAC) on Saturday, February 5, at 8:00 PM (ET). While Parton had planned to introduce and perform with them on the show, the flu has forced her to cancel the appearance. Instead, The Grascals will be introduced by host Brad Paisley.

Bobby Osborne, who also makes a guest appearance on the The Grascals' CD, says of the group, "I have been a part of bluegrass and country music for most of my life with my brother, Sonny, and never gave a thought to ever doing anything different. For the last twelve or so years, Terry Eldredge, Jimmy Mattingly and Terry Smith have been a big part of my life as members of the Osborne Brothers band, so when they asked me to be a part of this CD project it was certainly a great honor. Joined by Dave Talbot, Danny Roberts and Jamie Johnson, they have all put their talents together to form one of the better groups of today, as you will encounter on this great CD."

Award-winning Universal South recording artist Joe Nichols also counts himself among The Grascals' fans. "Anybody that knows music, especially bluegrass music, should check out The Grascals," he says. "They're all great musicians, and the best vocalists I've ever heard. It's about time they made an album."