Hayseed Dixie bring rockgrass to Sheringham

An American band which mashes up hard rock and hillbilly bluegrass country music is heading to Sheringham this autumn.

Hayseed Dixie will light up the Little Theatre stage with the “rockgrass” genre they invented on Thursday October 2 at 7.30pm at a concert which is a major coup for the seaside 160-seater venue.

Since it launched in 2000 the band has released 16 studio albums and played more than 1500 live dates in more than 33 countries from the USA to Europe – including opening the main stage at Glastonbury in 2005.

Tickets go on public sale from March 21, with theatre Friends and Members getting priority booking in the previous week.

The gig came about through theatre financial director Stephen Foster who is a big fan.

He said: “I got introduced to this band a few years ago by a friend who had seen them play live and was raving about them. They have been firm favourites on my playlist ever since.

“I am thrilled the band wanted to support us. It’s certain to be an amazing night including songs you will know and love, with a magical bluegrass twist. The theatre will definitely be rock(grass)ing into the night.”

Theatre director Debbie Thompson added: “This is big breaking music news for the Little Theatre and we are delighted that such a huge band wanted to support us!”

Hayseed formed in Nashville Tennessee and launched their debut album A Hillbilly Tribute to AC/DC – which gives them their name – a year later.

They now play a mix of rockgrass versions of classic rock songs by bands such as Motorhead and Queen as well as their own original material – all wrapped up in a show brimming with fun and energy.

Hayseed are currently on a spring tour with gigs in Spain, Germany, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands.

The current band members include founders John Wheeler – known as Barley Scotch – on vocals, guitar, fiddle, mandolin and keys, and Hippy Joe Hymas (mandolin and guitar), along with Jake “Bakesnake” Byers (bass) and Richard Collins (banjo). Tickets are £28 here or the box office on 01263 822347.