Alison Krauss

The year was 1971. A young girl by the age of five from Champaign, IL began playing classical violin. She soon became interested in the fun and exciting world of bluegrass, where the musician is free to explore the limits of their instrument. A few years and a bunch of bluegrass awards later, Alison Krauss made her record debut on an album called Different Strokes. The rest is history. Today, Alison Krauss has become a mainstream success. Her melodious blend of bluegrass and folk has given her wide appeal, from traditional bluegrass lovers to High School sweethearts in need of a love song.

At the tender age of sixteen she released her debut album Too Late to Cry to good reviews, but she didn't catch the eye of general public until 1995, when she released the platinum-selling compilation Now That I Have Found You. Though there have been some changes to her backup band Union Station, they have been able to adapt to the subtle changes of new band members beautifully, and have continued to make the delicate, flowing music we've all come to love. Today, Union Station consists of Barry Bales, Ron Block, Dan Tyminski and featuring Jerry Douglas.

I was first introduced to Alison Krauss and Union Station when I heard the soundtrack to Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? and subsequently discovered that they have contributed to other film projects such as Twister, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood, Cold Mountain and Mona Lisa Smile. So if you're wondering why Alison Krauss sounds so familiar to you, it's because her music is in the background of many of today's films.

Get your tickets now. It is their easy-listening, fun music that has made them increasingly popular with today's audience. Their style stands alone, and can make even the toughest hip hop lover shed a tear. Their music transcends ordinary pop music. It comes from a real place, with real instruments and a real voice, which is why more and more people of different musical inclinations are drawn to it.

Alison Krauss and Union Station are currently touring for their new album, Lonely Runs Both Ways with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store as their sponsor. Tickets are selling fast, don't miss out.