If you love bluegrass music you're in for a treat when the Sunrise Theater presents the second annual "A Night of Bluegrass" on Saturday, Nov. 17.

The musical extravaganza will feature live bluegrass from three rockin' bands.

First to take the stage will be the local bluegrass crowd-pleasers, South Ridge. Hailing from Moore County, the four-man band that has been together for more than 20 years brings tight harmony and hard-driving bluegrass music.

Next on the billing is the Julie Elkins Trio. Elkins first made a name for herself in the North Carolina bluegrass circuit when she was a member of popular bluegrass bands New Vintage and Kane's River in the 1990s.

Since then she's received an IBMA award for "Recorded Project of the Year" and released a solo album, "My Feet Won't Miss the Ground."

She brings her friends Jan Johansson and Lindsey Tims to the Sunrise stage for a special trio appearance that will showcase some of the very best in modern bluegrass.

And closing the night is the legendary Al Batton and the Bluegrass Reunion. Compiled of veteran musicians from all over North Carolina, the group features traditional bluegrass at its finest.

Bandleader Al Batton is a master on the 5-string banjo, Mike Aldridge is acclaimed as one of the nation's top mandolin stylists, and once the fiddle, guitar and upright bass chime in, you have the makings for a bluegrass show no one will forget.

"A Night of Bluegrass" kicks off Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Sunrise Theater. All seating is reserved. Tickets are $15. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

As if one night of bluegrass isn't enough, The Rooster's Wife will feature NewFound Road Sunday, Nov. 18, to round out a full weekend for bluegrass fanatics.

NewFound Road has been called one of the most exciting bluegrass bands of the new millennium. The band has shared the stage with a diverse array of artists including Oscar winner The Swell Season, Grand Ole Opry member Joe Diffie, folk icon Judy Collins, and a long list of country and bluegrass artists and legends. Their music is powerful and streamlined, featuring hard-driving, soulful contemporary bluegrass as well as achingly beautiful country and pop ballads. The show begins at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available online at www.TheRoostersWife.com or at the door.

The Rooster's Wife is located at 114 Knight St in historic downtown Aberdeen.

For "A Night of Bluegrass" tickets or more information about the Sunrise Theater, visit www.SunriseTheater.com or call the administrative office at (910) 692-8501.

The Sunrise Theater is located at 250 NW Broad St. in downtown Southern Pines.