Group recently was named state's bluegrass band of the year

NEW YORK MILLS -- The bluegrass band Urban Renewal will perform at 8 p.m. July 14 in the James W. Mann Performing Arts Center, sponsored by the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center.

Urban Renewal recently was named bluegrass band of the year by the Minnesota Music Academy.

Ed Mufano, a former Bostonian, sings lead and harmony vocals for Urban Renewal and plays lead and rhythm guitar. He has more than 20 years of performing experience. Mufano performs not only bluegrass, but ragtime, blues and jazz.

Phil Nusbaum, who has a Ph.D. of folklore, discovered the banjo and bluegrass music more than 25 years ago. A bluegrass radio personality, Nusbaum also performs and writes about bluegrass. Nusbaum provides lead and harmony vocals and plays the five-string banjo.

Karen Van Norman has a strong marching band background. Van Norman plays bass and supplies lead and harmony vocals.

Mark Kreitzer provides mandolin, violin and vocals. Kreitzer also brings decades of musical experience to Urban Renewal.

Urban Renewal plays both traditional and contemporary bluegrass music, as well as popular, country and jazz genres.

For the first time, the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center will provide baby-sitting services at the school at $2 per child.

Tickets are $8 for cultural center members and $10 for non-members and will be available at the cultural center, as well as at the door.