Stevens serving double dose of harmonica during Stars Series performances

World renowned harmonica player Mike Stevens will be showcasing his infectious bluegrass harmonica during a pair of Swift Current Allied Arts Council 2008 - 2009 Stars for Saskatchewan series concerts at the end of the month.

Stevens is on stage for concerts on March 28 at 8 p.m. and March 29 for a 2 p.m. matinee performance.

Stevens will be joined in the spotlight by banjo player extraordinaire Raymond McLain. The duo will showcase a number of Bluegrass and Traditional classics. Stevens is a true innovator on the harmonica and one of the best players on the planet. McLain is a bluegrass legend and a master of the five - stringed banjo.

Stevens, who is hailed as an innovative musician, boasts an aggressive soulful approach to the harmonica. Best known for his groundbreaking work in the bluegrass field with legendary Grand Ole Opry members "Jim & Jesse" (with whom he has performed on The Grand Ole Opry over 300 times); Stevens has created an original, much sought after and often copied, style of playing the harmonica.

He has won the "Entertainer of the Year" at the Central Canadian bluegrass awards five consecutive years and then was retired in this category. To his credit he adds many other accolades, including "Best Selling Album of the Year" in 1992 for the recording Blowin Up A Storm, "Album of the Year" for Harmonica; and in 1994 he was made a "Kentucky Colonel" for his accomplishments in bluegrass music. He has toured internationally including the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Japan, China and Taiwan.

His musical versatility enables him to perform in many different situations. His performance schedule includes bluegrass dates with, "Jim & Jesse", "The Lewis Family", "The McLains" as well as selected dates with other bluegrass bands. He performs solo harmonica concerts combining his musical influences, as well as selected dates as a duo with McLain.

Advance tickets can be purchased at the Pharmasave Ticket Centre and the Art Gallery of Swift Current. For tickets or more info., call 773-1338 or toll free 1-877-211-2787.

NOTE: The Sky Centre stage will feature a special Oscars concert by the Regina Symphony Orchestra on March 22. The concert is a special edition to the previously announced Swift Current Allied Arts Council Stars for Saskatchewan concert series. Additional details are at swbooster.com.