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John McEuen & The Circle Band with Les Thompson
Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Opener: River Glen
Part of the Rock & Roots Series

When John initiated the Will the Circle Be Unbroken album with his band (the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) he brought together the icons of Bluegrass, Country, and West coast country rock: Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Merle Travis, Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, Vassar Clements, Roy Acuff, Bashful Brother Oswald, Norman Blake, and Junior Huskey. Six hot August Nashville recording days produced this 36 song benchmark album, relevant to this day – ( “…Circle…” is top-20 on 3 different Amazon charts for 2 ½ years!).

McEuen has now assembled a unique cast for a special night to share the music and memories of the landmark Will the Circle Be Unbroken record and his incredible 50-year career with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, with other original member Les Thompson.

His multi-media show, with archival photographs, film, (8mm footage from 1960’s!), “…Circle…” session photos, and NGDB music takes us on his journey - interwoven with Dirt Band hits, hot bluegrass from …Circle…, and new music.

Appearing in 4 episodes of Ken Burns Country Music, John is an integral part of country music history– He closes Episode 6, titled “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”, and describes the making of that milestone album he initiated.

All join host John McEuen (and Les), with his banjo, guitar, fiddle and mandolin (in front of the screen) for the hit songs and funny stories behind the music, leading up to that magic time when three generations came together. The Library of Congress inducted ‘Circle’ as “…a most important American recording” (also, in the Grammy Hall of Fame).

Also, his new album is spotlighted - The Newsman, a man of record – featuring his music supporting stories from John’s and America’s past

Some of the show’s music may include:
Mr. Bojangles, Some of Shelly’s Blues, Dance Little Jean, Keep on the Sunny Side, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, House at Pooh Corner, Earl’s Breakdown, Wreck on the Hiway, Cannonball Rag, Dismal Swamp, Way Downtown, I Saw the Light, Acoustic Traveller, Fingerbuster, Long Hard Road, Grand Ole Opry song, Old Rivers (and more!)

John was inducted in the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame, 2018.
He received the Josie Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grand Ole Opry Oct. 2024

Links

RIVER writes poignant folk-pop. His lyricism is evocative, intellectual, and cleverly rhythmic. He sings with powerful and dexterous vocals. His songs have "somethin' to say" and they're also darn tasty. River's no slouch playing instruments either. A natural entertainer. Helping create a sense of connection.

EVENT DATE & TIME

John McEuen & The Circle Band

Nov 21, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Ticket prices vary

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Prices listed on our site will not reflect the Ticketmaster service charges.

Location(s):

Five Flags Theater

EVENT DETAILS

SCHEDULE
Outer Doors: 6:30pm
Inner Doors: 7:00pm
Showtime: 7:30pm

PARKING
Please click here for event parking info.

EVENT INFO
Please note that extra security measures may be in place including mags and/or security wands.

BAGS & PURSES
The following purses/bags are permitted:

Clear purses/bags
Wristlets/clutches smaller than 6.5"x4.5"
Diaper bags
Medical bags

All other bags are prohibited.
View full security policy here.