By MARCIA STEFFENS
Niles Daily Star

They keep coming back.
When Cornmeal first came to Niles to perform eight years ago, they were relatively unknown. Now the community is privileged to have the rock/bluegrass band keep on returning, according to Tom Majerek, organizer of the free summer concerts at Riverfront Park.
At 7 p.m. tonight, Cornmeal will bring its unique mix of music to Niles. The crowd who will be up on their feet dancing will be much bigger than the first time the group performed, Majerek promises. That night there were only 10 people in the audience.
According to the group’s website, www.cornmealinthekitchen.com, “Cornmeal continues to forge a path all their own, pushing the boundaries of bluegrass, Americana and folk for a whole new generation of music lovers. Steeped in the tradition of musical acts such as Old and in the Way, John Hartford, and New Grass Revival, Cornmeal has proven to be an influential presence in the world of roots music. Cornmeal has consistently evolved its sound and stage performance using bluegrass as a springboard for long improvisational work and songs ranging from country, rock and blues to jazz, funk and disco.”
Cornmeal’s debut album, “In The Kitchen” came out in 2001 and with its 2003 “Tales from Magic Stone Mountain” gained more attention and popularity.
Cornmeal’s third album, “Feet First” was produced by guitarist Kris Nowak and bassist Chris Gangi.
As one of the few bluegrass bands with a drummer, Majerek said, they bring a a different sound to bluegrass.
“They love coming to Niles, he added. “If you come to any shows this summer, this is the one not to miss.”