Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers will kick off the 2023-24 Esbenshade Series at Marietta College with a free concert starting at 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 14, at the Peoples Bank Theatre. Tickets can be reserved through Peoples Bank Theatre starting on Monday, August 28, at peoplesbanktheatre.com.
Based out of Williamsburg, Virginia, Hornsby first rose to national prominence with “The Way It Is,” his 1986 Grammy-winning debut album with The Range. The title track became the most-played song on American radio in 1987, while Tupac Shakur’s timeless song “Changes” builds on “The Way It Is” and set the stage for many subsequent versions of the track.
In 1991, Hornsby collaborated with Bonnie Raitt, playing on her iconic hit “I Can't Make You Love Me.” Additionally, Hornsby was a part-time member of the Grateful Dead from September 1990 to March 1992, performing over 100 concerts in America and Europe.
The 13-time Grammy nominee has also solidified his status as a highly sought-after collaborator. Hornsby's own 23 albums have sold over 11 million copies worldwide, and he has appeared on over 100 records, including releases with Bob Dylan, Don Henley, the Grateful Dead, Stevie Nicks, Ricky Skaggs, Bob Seger, Chaka Khan, Bon Iver, Brandon Flowers, Bonnie Raitt, Sting, Mavis Staples, Willie Nelson and more.
Hornsby’s most recent studio album, “’Flicted,” was released in May 2022.
The series, funded by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, will once again feature five performances and all will be free of charge to the public. Ticket reservations begin two weeks before each show date. Todd Burge, Director of the Esbenshade Series, said he expects to announce the other performers soon.