NORWICH — Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival announced in a news release that “acclaimed musician and educator” Nate Gross will take the helm as the mainstage music coordinator this year.
According to the release, he will curate the musical lineup for Colorscape’s NBT Mainstage beginning with the upcoming festival taking place Sept. 12 and 13. For years, Gross has toured coast to coast spreading his brand of blues rock, captivating audiences with a sound that blends blues, soul, Americana, rock, jazz, and traditional styles, all anchored by his signature, powerhouse guitar work. Through The Nate Gross Band, he has performed at some of the nation’s most respected festivals and venues and has shared the stage with legendary artists including Levon Helm, Tommy Castro, Dickey Betts, G.E. Smith, Jim Weider, Arlo Guthrie, J.D. Simo, Commander Cody, Walter Trout, Willie Nelson, Shemekia Copeland, and JJ Grey, among many others.
When he’s not touring, Gross owns and operates a private music studio in Norwich, where he teaches more than 50 students each week. A multi-instrumentalist and passionate educator, he emphasizes the importance, history, and enduring power of the Blues and traditional music styles.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Colorscape team and step into this role,” Gross said in the release. “Colorscape’s Mainstage has a strong musical identity, thanks in large part to the foundation and legacy long-time coordinator Ken Millett created. I’m honored to build on that legacy while bringing my own perspective, with a focus on authenticity, musicianship and performances that truly connect with the audience.”
Colorscape Executive Director Michele Ericksen, shared her enthusiasm for the appointment. “Nate brings both deep musical roots and a fresh creative vision to this role,” Ericksen said in the release. “Our attendees have come to love the quality and diversity of music on the NBT Mainstage, and Nate’s experience as a touring artist, performance curator, collaborato, and teacher makes him uniquely suited to elevate that experience even further while respecting the traditions our audience values.”
Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival is a signature community event celebrating visual art, music, food and family-friendly activities in downtown Norwich every September. For more information about Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival, including full event schedules and artist information, please visit www.colorscape.org.