Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chris Hillman, of The Byrds and Desert Rose Band, will be performing tonight at The Adelphia in Marietta.
Todd Burge, a Parkersburg singer/songwriter who has played everything from alternative rock to bluegrass, will open the show. Burge will also be opening for Herb Pedersen, another former member of Desert Rose Band.
Burge said opening up for the duo is a "big deal" in his eyes.
"I grew up hearing songs by The Byrds," he said. "They made a name for themselves and really created a genre."
The Byrds sang "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Eight Miles High" and "Turn, Turn Turn."
Over the years, Hillman has been nominated for four Grammys, including twice for The Desert Rose Band and for best new artist in 1965 with The Byrds. He has been named to the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame twice in 1965, once in 1966 and again in 1968.
Hillman has received the San Diego Music Awards 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award, the Americana Music Association 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award, the Mojo Roots Award in 2005 and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1991 inductee for his band, The Byrds, the 1965 folk-rock band that included David Crosby, Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, Chris Hillman and Roger McGuinn.
Burge said he would classify his musical talents as being greatly influenced by his fellow musicians. He has played all kinds of music, and has been in rock, punk and country bands over the years.
"All my music is based on acoustic guitar," he said. "It all kind of mixes together."
The Desert Rose Band was nominated for Band of the Year in 1988, 1989 and 1990 by the Academy of Country Music Association.
Hillman and Pedersen formed their duo in 1991. Before their collaboration, they had previously formed and played in the Desert Rose Band with fellow member John Jorgenson.
The three musical talents enjoyed numerous number one country singles throughout the 1980s, as well as being honored by the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association for "best vocal band."
Burge said Hillman and Pedersen's agent came up with the idea for Burge to be the opening act. Burge has played at The Adelphia before, where he is the music director, but said he has never opened for a Hall of Famer.
