Some of the greatest bluegrass bands in the Bay Area (and that's saying a lot) come together in a benefit concert for Allison Fisher, beloved local string bass stalwart and current member of True Blue, to assist in her continuing battle with cancer. Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, the Kathy Kallick Band, High Country, Bluegrass Intentions, and True Blue gather under our roof (assuming the roof stays on, that is) for an astounding evening of gorgeous harmonies, red-hot pickin', and a general mustering of good wishes for Allison's sake.

Fabulous fiddler, two-time International Bluegrass Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year, and Grammy award winner, Laurie Lewis, and Grammy-nominated mandolinist and singer, Tom Rozum, deliver traditional and old-time tunes -- plus Laurie's gorgeous originals -- with the amazing energy and flare that have won them acclaim far beyond the borders of Berkeley.

The distinctive, powerful playing of Kathy Kallick and her band (Tom Bekeny, Avram Siegel, and Amy Stenberg) sparkles and drives.

High Country, featuring the exciting rhythms, deft picking, and soulful singing of Butch Waller, Larry Cohea, Glenn Dauphin, Tom Bekeny, Bob Waller, and Jim Mintun, is California's premier group in the Bill Monroe and Stanley Brothers tradition.

The Bluegrass Intentions (Eric & Suzy Thompson, Bill Evans, Alan Senauke, and Larry Cohea) combine impeccable musicianship and superb harmonies to create ebullient roots-based bluegrass.

Powered by the memorable vocals and guitar of Del Williams, True Blue joins raw emotion, great harmonies and the fiery playing of Ed Neff, Avram Siegel, and, depending on her condition that evening, Allison Fisher to bring down the house with a sound that is fresh, yet steeped in the soul of Bill Monroe and the rhythmic feel of Flatt and Scruggs. Folks who can't make it to the show tonight but would still like to lend a hand, please send donations to Allison Fisher at POB 2452, Berkeley, CA 94702.