DENVER, COLO. (06/19/08) -- Swallow Hill is pleased to present Steve Smith and Hard Road, whose award-winning blend of old-time, bluegrass, gospel and American folk to the Tuft Theater stage on Saturday, July 5 at 8 p.m.

Steve Smith and Hard Road grew out of the success and chemistry of the musicians who came together to work on Smith's original live studio recording, Hard Road, released in 2004. The chemistry in the studio extended to an excellent rapport onstage and on the road, evolving the project into a full working band. Featuring Steve Smith on mandolin, mandola, guitar, and vocals, Nate Lee on fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and vocals, Chris Sanders on vocals and guitar, Aaron McCloskey on guitar and vocals, and Ashleigh Caudill on bass and vocals, their original music presents a personal take on a universal experience.

Only So Fast, their latest release, is a collection of 10 originals and contributions from Kim McKee and Leadbelly. The CD features nine vocals and three instrumentals ranging from hard-driving bluegrass and old-time to modern acoustic music, and features the vocal compositions of the critically acclaimed songwriting team of Chris Sanders and Steve Smith. This release represents their combination of Smith's Appalachian and Sanders' Midwestern roots, delivering a fresh sound with trio, duo and solo voices in addition to stellar fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar and bass work.

A tight ensemble led by one of the outstanding mandolinists of our generation, Hard Road brings together virtuoso playing from veterans and newcomers alike coupled with compelling original tunes. Everyone in the group shares a diverse musical background, including classical, jazz, and world music, as well as a deep respect for traditional and folk music. A high level of musicianship feeds an infectious groove and strong individual vocals blend as if these singers were family.

For tickets visit www.swallowhillmusic.org or call (303) 777-1003. Discounts are available for Swallow Hill members. Buy in advance and save! This press release is available as a RSS Feed at www.swallowhillmusic.org/xml/newsroom/rss/SwallowHillNews.xml.

About Swallow Hill Music Association
Helping people make and enjoy music since 1979, Swallow Hill Music Association is one of the largest nonprofit institutions of its kind in the United States as a source for folk, roots and acoustic music. With more than 2,300 members, Swallow Hill provides a place to celebrate music that is rarely heard elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain Region. Three concert venues house more than 200 performances a year, featuring some of the world's great artists as well as up-and-coming new talent. Swallow Hill’s Julie Davis School of Music offers classes for every interest, skill level and member of the family. Each year, a faculty of 60 instructors provides training to more than 4,000 students. A Tier II member of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Swallow Hill has won both the Mayor's and Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts, countless "Best of Denver" awards, has been recognized by the the North American Folk Alliance, and is one of the most sought-after venues by folk and roots performers in the country.