The iconic and profoundly influential Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (NGDB), often cited as a catalyst for an entire movement in Country Rock and American Roots Music, released their new live EP called Under the Big Top Vol. 1 this week. The EP features six fan favorites performed live including "Mr. Bojangles," "Bless the Broken Road" and "Fishin' in the Dark," which was recently certified GOLD by the RIAA for digital sales. Recorded in 2010 at the band's performance at Big Top Chautauqua in Wisconsin, the EP perfectly captures a live experience with NGDB.

"It's a little slice of Dirt...a combo platter of hits, fan-favorites and even some music from our latest CD, Speed of Life," said band member Jeff Hanna. "We recorded it last summer at one of our favorite venues, Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield, Wisconsin. We had such a blast we knew it had to be shared with the fans!"

Available now and featured for digital download at iTunes and in the band's online store, Under the Big Top Vol. 1 is a must-have for any Nitty Gritty fan. Physical albums of this new Live EP are available now, only at nittygritty.com or a live NGDB show.

With multi-platinum and gold records, a string of top ten hits, multiple Grammy, IBMA, CMA Awards and nominations, and recent GOLD Digital Certification, the band's accolades only continue to accumulate. Showing no signs of slowing down, NGDB is currently on an extensive North American Tour in support of their most recent release, the critically acclaimed album Speed of Life (2009, Sugar Hill Records). Proving the "circle won't be unbroken," the band is celebrating another HUGE milestone this year, over four decades of touring and making music!

For a full list of tour dates visit www.nittygritty.com