Ticket sales are online (AutumnRidgeChurch.org) and at Christos BookCenter  (507-252-9090). General admission seating is $15.  Gold Circle Seating is $20.

Monroe Crossing kicks off the third annual Autumn Ridge Church Arts Series. Called "the Midwest's Premier Bluegrass and Gospel Quintet," Monroe Crossing plays an upbeat blend of classic and traditional bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and heartfelt originals. They are known both for their dynamic stage show and for the warmth they share on and off stage—interacting with one another and the audience. Named in honor of Bill Monroe, "the Father of Bluegrass," Monroe Crossing plays an average of 125 shows a year at major venues & festivals across the country.

"Working close" around a single mic in a style reminiscent of old-time radio shows, Monroe Crossing's world-class musicianship and choreography wins over audiences wherever they go. One of the group's visual trademarks are the 1940's vintage ties worn by the four men in honor of the decade in which bluegrass music—a uniquely American musical genre—was born.

A 2007 MN Music Hall of Fame inductee, Monroe Crossing won awards for Female Vocalist, Guitar, Mandolin and Banjo from the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association at their 25th Anniversary Awards Banquet.

Monroe Crossing’s CD "The Green Mossy Ground" won Bluegrass Album of the Year from the Minnesota Music Academy (MMA), and we are the ONLY Bluegrass Band EVER nominated as MMA Artist of the Year.

At the 2006 International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) World of Bluegrass convention, Monroe Crossing was selected as the California Bluegrass Association's Emerging Artist of the Year, and Monroe Crossing was one of 10 IBMA Showcase Bands in 2007. In addition, Lisa Fuglie was featured in the IBMA's Songwriter's Showcase, and banjoist Benji Flaming performed on the IBMA's Master's Workshop Stage.

2007 also saw the release of the band's eighth CD, "Live From Silver Dollar City," and the World Premiere of "The World Beloved-A Bluegrass Mass" with Monroe Crossing and the renowned choral ensemble VocalEssence, under the direction of Philip Brunelle. Wildly popular, the work, written by Carol Barnett, has since been published, and the CD was released in November 2007 on the Clarion label.

Known as "one of the hardest working bands in bluegrass music," Monroe Crossing's style of bluegrass & gospel music appeals to all ages and all walks of life. In the past few years, bluegrass has experienced a major resurgence, and Monroe Crossing is at the forefront of this new wave of popularity. The quintet plays at 125-plus venues each year, to include The Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield WI, Branson's Silver Dollar City, Bell Buckle's Bluegrass Cruise, and the legendary Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, AR.

From Minneapolis, the band most recent addition is Benji Flaming on banjo. As an original member of Monroe Crossing, he engineered and played on their critically-acclaimed debut CD, "Across The Blue Mountains." A multi-instrumentalist, his recent solo release finds him playing banjo, guitar, dobro, and bass. He was featured at the International Bluegrass Music Association's annual FanFest, and has made multiple appearances on their "Masters Workshop" stage.

A Wisconsinite, Mark Anderson handles the bass duties. With his musical background found, oddly enough, in punk rock, Mark adds a totally unique, bouncy energy you simply can't resist and definitely can't find anywhere else. But don't let his stage antics fool you, he is one of the finest bass players in bluegrass music!

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Art Blackburn contributes musically with his innovative rhythm & lead guitar playing, and his strong lead and harmony vocals. Art has been a fixture on the Minnesota bluegrass scene for over 30 years, charming audiences all the while. He is always the best dressed member on stage and owns-by far-the most extensive collection of vintage ties in the band.

Lisa Fuglie, fiddle player and lead singer extraordinaire, adds an international element to the group. It was as a young girl in Nigeria, Africa that she discovered bluegrass music on an old 78 rpm record. Eventually, she made her way back to Minnesota, where her family originated. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, Lisa plays just about anything with strings and brings audiences to their feet with her gorgeous and powerful voice.

From Mankato, Minnesota on mandolin, and one of the best emcees in bluegrass today, Matt Thompson never fails to set the audience at ease with his comfortable, warm style. When he's not talking, he is wowing crowds with his amazing instrumental virtuosity. He is largely responsible for the band's original song arrangements, and he sings the baritone parts in the 3-part harmonies. A lifelong lover of bluegrass music, Matt brings not only his world-class musical talents to the band, but his extensive historical knowledge of bluegrass as well.

The artists’ web URL is MonroeCrossing.com.