Country Current has played with bluegrass names as big as Rhonda Vincent, Mountain Heart and the Lonesome River Band on stages as high profile as the Grand Ole Opry and South By Southwest.
The seven musicians have also been called upon to play for the president of the United States and to represent the United States in places as remote as Nova Scotia.
FAQ
U.S. Navy
Country Current
WHEN — 7 p.m. Monday
WHERE — Arend Arts Center at Bentonville High School
COST — Admission is free, but ticketholders will be given priority admission
INFO — 254-5161
What sets the band apart from any of its contemporaries is the rest of its name: The United States Navy Band Country Current.
Senior Chief Musician Keith Arneson, banjoist and leader of Country Current, and Chief Musician Adam Grimm, who works in public affairs for the Navy Band, answered five questions for What's Up! in advance of the group's performance Monday evening at Arend Arts Center in Bentonville.
Q. Was there a seminal event that created the Country Current band? The desire of a particular president or someone in the Navy?
A. The Country Gentleman were playing a show with our concert band and an admiral (I don't recall his name) decided he wanted that kind of music in the Navy. As a result, Bill Emerson, now a retired master chief, was hired on banjo in 1973 and the group was formed around him." -- Arneson
Q. What makes Country Current appealing to a musician?
A. It is appealing for a country/bluegrass musician to be a part of this group because it is a professional organization consisting of musicians at the top of their game! Also it is an excellent way to serve your country while doing what you love. -- Arneson
Q. What is life like for a Country Current musician?
A. Life for a Country Current musician varies from day to day. In the winter there is a lot of rehearsal time whereas the spring, summer and fall are filled with performances. We do a lot of public concerts and many protocol engagements for high-ranking military and civilian leaders. We are a White House support unit and perform for the president and have become a favorite of the vice president. -- Arneson
A. Every member of the band is an active-duty sailor and went through recruit training, or boot camp, at the beginning of their careers. Like every other sailor, we're always ready to do what our Navy asks of us. -- Grimm
-- Becca Martin-Brown
NAN What's Up on 09/19/2014