Nickel Creek Click on image to download print-quality version
	Nickel Creek Click on image to download print-quality version
	The Ditty Bops Click on image to download print-quality version

GRANTHAM, Pa. (March 29, 2006) – Young, talented and tipping the music world on its ear with distinct sounds and unique styling, bluegrass-based Nickel Creek and contemporary folk-based The Ditty Bops will perform at Messiah College as part of the college’s annual Hopefest celebration on April 22. The concert will take place in Brubaker Auditorium, Eisenhower Campus Center, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission and available by calling the ticket office at (717) 691-6036.

Co-sponsored by Messiah College’s Student Activities Board, Agape Center and campus radio station WVMM, Hopefest is an annual festival that raises money and awareness for New Hope Ministries, an organization serving Cumberland and York counties by assisting people in need to pay for basic necessities, such as food, shelter or utility bills. In addition to the Nickel Creek and The Ditty Bops concert, Hopefest will feature a variety of free, family-friendly activities, including chalk murals, pottery painting, an art sale, silent auction, inflatable games, pool tournament and music from student bands Raise up Roofbeams, The Green Trees Band and The Dirty Dawgs, in and around Larsen Student Union Building from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information about Hopefest, contact Jeff Rioux at (717) 766-2511, extension 7234.

About Nickel Creek

Grammy Award-winning Nickel Creek is comprised of mandolinist Chris Thile, violinist Sara Watkins and guitarist Sean Watkins. Though only in their 20s, the three musical virtuosos from southern California have been playing together for 12 years. With three albums under their belt – “Nickel Creek,” “This Side” and “Why Should the Fire Die?” – Nickel Creek is earning critical acclaim for their Beatles-flavored, psychedelia, left-of-center alternative rock, folk and bluegrass sound. In 2003, Nickel Creek won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album for “This Side.” “Time” magazine recognized the band as a musical innovator, calling Nickel Creek’s music “an eclectic mix of influences that include classical, jazz and rock” and adding, “The trio is making down-home music relevant for a new generation.” For more information about Nickel Creek, visit www.nickelcreek.com.

About The Ditty Bops

Opening band, The Ditty Bops, a California-based duo featuring Amanda Barrett on guitar and Abby DeWald on mandolin and dulcimer, are bewitching crowds with their pure-voiced harmonies, magnetic personalities and brilliant talent. The Ditty Bops match their sometimes contemporary folk pop, sometimes jugband sound with performance art, visual art and storytelling to create an unforgettable live show. The Ditty Bops released a self-titled album in 2004, and a follow-up album, “Moon Over the Freeway,” is underway. For more information about The Ditty Bops, visit www.thedittybops.com. 

About Messiah College

Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls more than 2,900 undergraduate students in 50 majors. Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Grantham, Pa., near the state capital of Harrisburg. A satellite campus affiliated with Temple University is located in Philadelphia.