LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 19, 2008) – With just two sets of performances left in this year's "Bluegrass in the Bluegrass" concert series, Hog Operation is sure to pick just the right strings for Bluegrass fans. The concerts presented by the University of Kentucky John Jacob Niles Center for American Music and the Lexington Public Library will display the ensemble's unique bluegrass sound. Catch one of Hog Operation's free public concerts at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Lexington Public Library-Central Library or noon Friday, Nov. 21, in the Niles Gallery, located in the Lucille C. Little Fine Arts Library on the UK campus.

The Louisville-based band Hog Operation has melded together a special sound with roots in a myriad of American music styles including blues, bluegrass, Celtic, country, and rock music. The group is comprised of Steve Cooley, on banjo and guitar; "Screamin'" John Hawkins, on guitar; Larry Raley, on bass and guitar; and "Chubby Spud" Mike Schroder, on fiddle and mandolin. It is this combination of instrumentalists accompanied by Hog Operation's three part harmony vocals that makes for the impressive high energy performances by the band.

Hog Operation has released two CDs, "New Litter," featuring all original music by the band, and "Nice Ham Bites," featuring both bluegrass and country music songs.

For more information on either of Lexington's Hog Operation concerts, contact Ron Pen, director of the Niles Center, by phone at (859) 257-8183 or via e-mail, or contact Kelli Dean, program coordinator of the Lexington Public Library, by phone at (859) 231-5549 or via e-mail.