DATE/TIME
Friday, March 19 7:30 p.m.
VENUE
Stem Concert Hall
TICKETS
$40* adults
$15*§ juniors
$20*† IU students
* Includes processing fee
§ Anyone 18 years of age or under. Proof of age may be required.
† Any IU student with a valid student ID. One ticket per ID.
AGES
All ages
RUN TIME
Approx. 90 mins.
Online ticket sales end 90 minutes prior to show time.
J2B2, the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, is an all-star supergroup featuring four legendary, award-winning musicians: John Jorgenson on acoustic guitar, mandolin, and vocals; Herb Pedersen on banjo, acoustic guitar, and vocals; Mark Fain on bass; and Patrick Sauber on acoustic guitar and vocals. Together, they deliver bluegrass with impeccable musicianship, rich harmony vocals, incomparable songwriting, and seasoned showmanship.
The band’s sound blends the “high lonesome” spirit of traditional bluegrass with elements of West Coast folk rock and American roots music. Traditional bluegrass standards sit comfortably alongside contemporary songs, creating a fresh and exciting concert experience that appeals to longtime bluegrass fans and new listeners alike.
John Jorgenson and Herb Pedersen are both founders, along with Chris Hillman, of the influential country rock group Desert Rose Band. Jorgenson has also founded the Hellecasters, toured with Elton John’s band, contributed to Grammy-winning recordings, and worked with artists ranging from Barbra Streisand and Bonnie Raitt to Earl Scruggs.
Herb Pedersen brings an extraordinary bluegrass and folk pedigree, with credits that include The Dillards and Old and In the Way. A highly sought-after singer and musician, he has performed and recorded with music legends including Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, John Prine, Jackson Browne, John Denver, and many others.
Mark Fain toured and recorded for 13 years with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder and has worked with artists including the Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt, Dwight Yoakam, Alison Krauss, and Dolly Parton. Patrick Sauber, equally skilled on guitar, mandolin, and banjo, has toured with Peter Rowan and Laurie Lewis and appeared in the film A Mighty Wind.
With appearances at the Grand Ole Opry and major festivals including RockyGrass, Joe Val, and Guitar Town, J2B2 has earned praise for live performances filled with warmth, storytelling, laughter, and world-class playing. Their debut album, From The Crow’s Nest, further showcases the artistry and chemistry of this remarkable band.
Expect fireworks and amazing playing from some of the best string players in the world!
— Yes! Weekly {Greensboro, NC}
It would not be a stretch to call J2B2 a dream team of string musicians...
— The Patriot Ledger
There’s a touch of California breeze in their sound, but it's Bluegrass at its core.
— Craig Havighurst/Music City Roots
(J2B2) delivers Bluegrass with a touch that no one else has...they bend and shape their vocals with incredible harmonies...likewise, their instrumental prowess is top-shelf. they put on a high-energy show, and had the audience up on their feet-after they’d stopped laughing from the stage patter. This band has the chops on both instruments and vocals to be one of the best in the business.
— Elmore Magazine
2026-2027 Season Underwritten by
PATTY CRESS
Performance Underwriters
Chris & Marcia Hermann
Jim & Sheila Koshewa
Season Supporters
All Indiana University events, programs, groups, activities, educational, cultural, and historical observances are open to all members of the Indiana University community.
J2B2, the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, is an all-star supergroup featuring four legendary, award-winning musicians: John Jorgenson on acoustic guitar, mandolin, and vocals; Herb Pedersen on banjo, acoustic guitar, and vocals; Mark Fain on bass; and Patrick Sauber on acoustic guitar and vocals. Together, they deliver bluegrass with impeccable musicianship, rich harmony vocals, incomparable songwriting, and seasoned showmanship.
The band’s sound blends the “high lonesome” spirit of traditional bluegrass with elements of West Coast folk rock and American roots music. Traditional bluegrass standards sit comfortably alongside contemporary songs, creating a fresh and exciting concert experience that appeals to longtime bluegrass fans and new listeners alike.
John Jorgenson and Herb Pedersen are both founders, along with Chris Hillman, of the influential country rock group Desert Rose Band. Jorgenson has also founded the Hellecasters, toured with Elton John’s band, contributed to Grammy-winning recordings, and worked with artists ranging from Barbra Streisand and Bonnie Raitt to Earl Scruggs.
Herb Pedersen brings an extraordinary bluegrass and folk pedigree, with credits that include The Dillards and Old and In the Way. A highly sought-after singer and musician, he has performed and recorded with music legends including Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, John Prine, Jackson Browne, John Denver, and many others.
Mark Fain toured and recorded for 13 years with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder and has worked with artists including the Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt, Dwight Yoakam, Alison Krauss, and Dolly Parton. Patrick Sauber, equally skilled on guitar, mandolin, and banjo, has toured with Peter Rowan and Laurie Lewis and appeared in the film A Mighty Wind.
With appearances at the Grand Ole Opry and major festivals including RockyGrass, Joe Val, and Guitar Town, J2B2 has earned praise for live performances filled with warmth, storytelling, laughter, and world-class playing. Their debut album, From The Crow’s Nest, further showcases the artistry and chemistry of this remarkable band.
Expect fireworks and amazing playing from some of the best string players in the world!
— Yes! Weekly {Greensboro, NC}
It would not be a stretch to call J2B2 a dream team of string musicians...
— The Patriot Ledger
There’s a touch of California breeze in their sound, but it's Bluegrass at its core.
— Craig Havighurst/Music City Roots
(J2B2) delivers Bluegrass with a touch that no one else has...they bend and shape their vocals with incredible harmonies...likewise, their instrumental prowess is top-shelf. they put on a high-energy show, and had the audience up on their feet-after they’d stopped laughing from the stage patter. This band has the chops on both instruments and vocals to be one of the best in the business.
— Elmore Magazine
2026-2027 Season Underwritten by
PATTY CRESS
Performance Underwriters
Chris & Marcia Hermann
Jim & Sheila Koshewa
Season Supporters
All Indiana University events, programs, groups, activities, educational, cultural, and historical observances are open to all members of the Indiana University community.
EVENT DETAILS
DATE and TIME
Friday, March 19
7:30 p.m.
VENUE
Stem Concert Hall
TICKETS
$40* adults
$15*§ juniors
$20*† IU students
* Includes processing fee
§ Anyone 18 years of age or under. Proof of age may be required.
† Any IU student with a valid student ID. One ticket per ID.
AGES
All ages
RUNNING TIME
Approx.imately 90 mins.utes
Online ticket sales end 90 minutes prior to show time.
