The Lil Smokies Release their Rendition of Elton John’s “Rocket Man”

Article Contributed by United Interests | Published on Tuesday, November 6, 2018

The Lil Smokies’ “Rocket Man” is the first of the SnowGhost Singles, which were recorded in a single day session at SnowGhost Music with engineer Brett Allen (The Avett Brothers, Kris Kristofferson).

The series represents the most requested covers from the band’s live show. Each single will remain unknown until released digitally every six weeks between October 2018 and May 2019.

“The thread of commonality is the power to provoke,” said Andy Dunnigan, lead songwriter, singer and dobro player. “We’ve been playing “Rocket Man” for several years now and regardless of where we are in the country, what time it is, and how old or young the crowd is, everyone joins in for the sing-along. It’s a testament to Elton John and how treasured he and his art are. He’s one of the undisputed greats of all time and I still love playing and singing this song every time we do it. Thanks for listening.”

The announcement of the six covers comes just in time for The Lil Smokies’ fall tour with Greensky Bluegrass and their partnership with Subaru for Subaru’s WinterFest in early 2019.

The Lil Smokies blend excellent songwriting, bluegrass roots and the sheer raw energy of a rock band. They have built a solid fan base across the country through hard touring and high-energy performances at major festivals such as: High Sierra, Telluride Bluegrass, DelFest & FloydFest.

Keep up with The Lil Smokies by following on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or by visiting http://thelilsmokies.com/.

Stream & buy Rocket Man: http://smarturl.it/RocketManTLS

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When people see The Lil Smokies setting up their acoustic instruments, they’re often unprepared for the electric energy they generate. The band captures that same dynamic presence on their most recent album, Changing Shades, delivering their exceptional songwriting and bluegrass roots with the punch of a rock band.

The first incarnation of The Lil Smokies got together in Missoula, Montana, during the winter of 2009. Through the years, the band transformed and settled into the current lineup – Scott Parker on bass; Jake Simpson on fiddle; Matt Rieger on guitar; Matt Cornette on banjo and Dunnigan on dobro. Previously, the band has won the 2015 Telluride Bluegrass Band competition and took home the 2016 IBMA Momentum Band of the Year award. They’ve also wowed fans at High Sierra, Telluride Bluegrass, DelFest & FloydFest, to name a few.

Upcoming Tour Dates

10.31 - 11.1 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater*

11.2 - 11.3 Seattle, WA @ The Showbox*

11.4 Bend, OR @ Domino Room

11.7 Crystal Bay, NV @ Crystal Bay Club - Crown Room*

11.8 San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield Theatre*

11.9 San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park*

11.10 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre*

11.12 Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren*

11.14 Oklahoma City, OK @ The Jones Assembly*

11.15 Houston, TX @ House of Blues*

11.16 Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ*

11.17 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater*

11.29 - 12.1 Denver, CO @ The Bluebird Theater

12.7 - 12.11 Puerto Morelos, MEX @ Strings & Sol

12.27 - 12.28 Whitefish, MT @ Great Northern

12.29 - 12.30 Bozeman, MT @ Rialto Bozeman

12.31 Missoula, MT @ The Wilma

2.22 - 2.24 Steamboat, CO @ WinterWonderGrass

4.11 - 4.14 Las Vegas, NV @ Bender Jamboree

 

*Opening for Greensky Bluegrass

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