Called "a font of creative flatpicking for decades" by Inside Bluegrass magazine, Art Blackburn brings to the band more than 30 years of experience and a true love for the roots of Bluegrass music.

As band leader of Art & Sandi's Pretty Good Band, Big Skyota, and The Pretty Good Bluegrass Band, Art brought together some of the finest musicians in the region and has entertained thousands across the Midwest. The winner of the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association’s Bluegrass Guitar Player of the Year Award in 2000, it was his creative persistence that was the genesis of Monroe Crossing.

From 2000 to 2011, Art’s powerful voice, exquisite flatpicking and thoughtful songwriting lent a fresh originality to the tradition upon which the band is founded.

At the beginning of 2011, Art retired from touring with the band to handle booking and management for Monroe Crossing on a full-time basis. Contact him at art@monroecrossing.com or 763-213-1349 to find out when Monroe Crossing is available to play your next festival, concert or other special event!