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While not open to the public, the concert is free to all authorized patrons of base Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities. General seating tickets are required however, and will be available through the base's Information, Tickets, and Tours (ITT) office beginning Monday, March 23. Started in 1999, even as several of its members had never picked up and instrument before, Cherryholmes, consisting of Jere, his wife Sandy, and their children Cia Leigh, B.J., Skip and Molly Kate, has become a Country Bluegrass band of award acclaim.
In a recent interview with the Vail Daily in Colorado, Sandy spoke of the band's performances.
"We put on a show that anyone who likes music will enjoy," Sandy said. "We mix a new, modern-style bluegrass with more traditional mountain music and five-step dancing - it's a very active show. If you aren't sure if you like bluegrass, don't let that stop you. At our show, you'll find something for everyone."
During Cherryholmes concerts, family members sing and showcase their talents with the instruments from the stand-up bass and guitars to mandolin and fiddles.
"Jere likes to refer to our music as bluegrass on steroids," Sandy said. "Our sound started out as pretty traditional bluegrass, influenced by masters like Jimmy Martin and Flatt and Scruggs. But now, as everyone has grown, we have more ideas, we're writing our own music. It has a modern sound to it - the bass is really heavy, there's lots of drive. We're definitely inspired by the kids - all that energy that young people have."
In 2005, Cherryholmes was selected as International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) entertainers of the year.
Cherryholmes released their first commercial album in 2006. Titled "Cherryholmes," it garnered a Grammy nomination. "Cherryholmes II," their second album, with Skaggs Family Records, was released in June 2007 and opened at number one on the Billboard charts for Bluegrass.
The band's new release, "Cherryholmes III: Don't Believe," was nominated for a 2009 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album of the Year, while the group received a second nomination for Best Country Instrumental.
Created in 2002, the Spirit of America Tour is a project of the Robert and Nina Rosenthal Foundation to bring headline entertainers to America's stateside military bases to boost the morale of the men, women, and families of the Armed Forces.
While the tour pays reasonable expenses in making the appearance, Spirit of America artists volunteer their services.
The Spirit of America Tour celebrated their 100th show in a special concert at SUBASE with the Charlie Daniels Band in September 2008.
