The Kingston Trio was formed in 1957 by Bob Shane, Nick Reynolds and Dave Guard. Using only acoustic guitars and banjos, and singing memorable melodies, they revolutionized popular music, reawakening America to its folk music heritage. Their release of "Tom Dooley" in 1958 began the "folk music revival" and The Kingston Trio was the number one vocal group in the world, a musical phenomenon whose record sales and concert draws were matched only by The Beatles.

In 1961, after two Grammy awards and many gold records, Dave Guard left the group and John Stewart was introduced. In 1967, The Kingston Trio disbanded to pursue individual careers. "Pop music tastes were changing again," says Bob: "but folk music is timeless, so I figured I might as well keep it alive." In 1976, Bob purchased the rights to the name "Kingston Trio" and the group carried on with Bob Shane, Bill Zorn and Roger Gambill. Bill left shortly thereafter to fulfill a record-producing contract and George Grove joined. In 1985, the Trio lineup changed again following the death of Roger Gambill. Bob Haworth stepped in, but left in 1988 to pursue his solo career, and Nick Reynolds rejoined after a 21-year vacation. In 1999, Nick retired again, and Bob Haworth returned, forming the lineup that continued until 2004 when Bob Shane retired due to medical reasons, and Bill Zorn returned to take his place. In 2005, Bobby Haworth left the group again, and Rick Dougherty, formerly of the Limeliters, took over the spot. The addition of Rick's beautiful voice made the current lineup the most vocally complete group since the original days.

George Grove spent time in Nashville working as a studio musician. In 1976, Bob Shane invited him to join The Kingston Trio. In his time away from touring with the group, George arranges and scores orchestral music, produces albums for other artists, and does session work as a musician and vocalist. Bill Zorn has toured the world with top folk groups and produced albums in England and America. After four years as leader of The New Christy Minstrels, and three years in The Kingston Trio, Bill moved to England in 1977, returning in 1997 to revive the Limeliters, and, after seven years with them, is touring again with The Kingston Trio. Rick Dougherty has over 30 years of experience as a guitarist, songwriter, performer, arranger and director, but he is known for his soaring tenor voice. Besides possessing a beautiful voice, Rick plays the banjo, guitar, bass, and piano superbly. He is also a songwriter and arranger, and possesses a flair for comedy which fits in perfectly with that facet of The Kingston Trio's appeal.

The Kingston Trio's performance is sponsored by Desert Take 5, Inc and will take place at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, California, on Saturday, April 12, at 8:00pm. Tickets are priced at $65, $45, $35 and $25. -- www.mccallumtheatre.com