Tunnel Drive
with Josh Williams, Don Rigsby, Shad Cobb, Gene Libbea, and Keith Reed
Colorado has bluegrass legends living in its midst. Some are recent transplants who tour the nation with today’s top bands. Some may peak out of the woodwork while laying low and enjoying the Rocky Mountain lifestyle. And others – such as banjo picker Keith Reed – have been active in their communities for decades, inspiring the next generation of pickers and singers and continuing to bring their powerful sound to bluegrass fans.
The Durango Bluegrass Meltdown is honored to be tied to Keith through his instruction and mentorship of the Colorado College Bluegrass Ensemble, appearing annually since 2009 (though his involvement with the festival goes back even further, as he performed with the past voice of Colorado traditional bluegrass, Open Road).
The last several years have shown Keith bringing his friends in bluegrass to the Meltdown for sets as the festival’s very own “House Band” (if Telluride can do it, so can we!). These varying musicians have represented many of the best in the bluegrass genre, and 2023 may very well be the best yet. Naming themselves “Tunnel Drive,” please welcome to the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown: Keith Reed on banjo, Josh Williams on guitar, Don Rigsby on mandolin, Shad Cobb on fiddle, and Gene Libbea on bass. With each member of this quintet of pickers having the vocal prowess to match their dazzling instrumentation, belting harmonies, and emotional leads will undoubtedly abound.
Individually, the musicians of Tunnel Drive have recorded, toured, and shared the stage with the highest caliber of those in the famed hallowed halls of country and bluegrass. But it will be their unique sound as a quintet that will have audiences awed to silence and thrilled to rise out of their seats in a standing ovation.
