About Our Host
Grace United Methodist Church has been a part of the Denver community for decades, welcoming and including people from all walks of life to worship, connect, and serve others. Among other things, we are a musical church, with choir, handbells, and a variety of special music compliments and events. We’ve had lively bluegrass songs ring out on Sunday morning and we’ve had summer events featuring bluegrass music. Grace is excited to sponsor the first ever Denver Bluegrass Convention for the community! Learn more about Grace.
In Memory of Leonard McPherson (1951-2024)
Leonard McPherson was a master mandolin player, poetic songwriter, and bluegrass aficionado who frequented many of Denver’s regular bluegrass jam sessions. He spearheaded “Bluegrass at Grace,” a free bluegrass concert event at Grace United Methodist Church in 2023 and 2024. He would be thrilled to know that his pickin’ legacy is living on through the Denver Bluegrass Convention.
Born and raised in South Carolina, Leonard inherited his skill and love of Bluegrass music from his father. He spent most of his adult life in North Carolina, where he was the mandolin player and lead singer for the Dirt Creek Band from 1976-2019. The band was quite accomplished and played opening sets for those who laid the foundation for bluegrass music like Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, and Earl Scruggs. Leonard daily exuded the warmth of spirit and richness of soul that so characterizes bluegrass music.
In 2019, he and his wife Suzanne relocated to Denver where he spent his final years loving on his grandchildren, exploring the Rocky Mountains, and jamming any chance he had.
