The HillBenders present The Who's Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry

The HillBenders have always had one foot in bluegrass while simultaneously exploring rock and roll, jazz, funk and Americana. Bridging the gap between the common music consumer and the bluegrass genre, they intentionally select material that defies hillbilly stigmas. Their high-octane shows, full of rawness and intensity, win fans and make waves everywhere they appear. Now, 45 years after its original release, this Springfield, Missouri quintet fully realizes The Who’s classic rock opera – Tommy. Mark Cassidy (banjo), Chad Graves (dobro), Nolan Lawrence (mandolin), Gary Rea (bass) and Jim Rea (guitar) bring the same energy and vision as Pete Townshend did with a full rock band and orchestra. The original album, inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for “historical, artistic and significant value,” needed the right band to pull off this high wire bluegrass approach, and with the perfect mix of virtuoso musicianship and rock star vocals, The HillBenders are it. Rolling Stone calls the venture “as awesome as it is audacious, a fully satisfying interpretation that walks a just-right line between homage and reinvention.” 8:00 p.m. Early Bird through 7/2: $20. Regular: $25.