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Colorado loves its bluegrass, so it’s only fitting that the Vilar Performing Arts Center would host Authentic Unlimited, winner of 2024 Vocal Group of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association, for a special holiday performance Dec. 23.

The bluegrass ensemble’s spot-on harmonies capture the essence of traditional bluegrass while adding their signature sound — and, for this show, holiday warmth. They’ll perform Christmas classics for a memorable evening of cheer, including tunes off their new Christmas album, “Christmas Time Is Here.”

Three of the five members of the bluegrass and gospel group — Jerry Cole, Eli Johnston and Stephen Burwell — were former members of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver’s touring band before Lawson retired. Johnston said he could fill an entire book detailing the experience they gained from Lawson, noting that he was more than an amazing musician and singer: He also taught them the ins and outs of music and the music business.

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“He was the go-to guy. He loved to teach. He would have rather hired someone young and willing to hone in their craft — one who might have a natural ear for music, because he could take them and mold them into exactly what he needed for his band,” he said. “The one thing I believe we all took away from it all was that you gain success by working hard. Doyle was a very good example of that. When we found out he was going to retire, we knew we had big boots to fill.”

They brought on mandolin slinger Jesse Brock, whom he calls “one of the best in the business.” Brock has been a staple in the bluegrass world since he toured with his family band as a young boy. Soon after Brock came onboard, they found high-tenor, vocal powerhouse John Meador, who also happens to be an excellent guitarist and has one of the most unique voices in the industry, he said.

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“They have both added a great deal of talent to the mix,” he said.

The camaraderie between the musicians is palpable; they get along great, and “love to cut up with each other” on and off stage, he said.

“As tough as life gets traveling out on the road and working on the business behind the scenes, you have to remember to have fun. The van gets crowded, and the miles can sometimes get monotonous, but we all handle it well,” he said. “When we hit the stage, it’s like we flip a switch. It’s showtime.”

Their passion for bluegrass also keeps them fresh.

“I think it’s the heart of the music. To me, I see a lot of fakers out there who try too hard. You can’t fake bluegrass. If it doesn’t come from the heart, you know it ain’t real,” he said. “Bluegrass is one of the last real and pure music forms that we have left in this world. It’s a good thing it’s still accepted, too, because it’s all we know.”

They credit their Vocal Group of the Year accolades to spending a great deal of time studying music, creating, performing live and practicing together.

“Most of us have spent our whole lives honing in our vocal ability,” he said. “Doyle always told us that harmony is everything. If you have the right blend, it can be very unique. I think ultimately that is what separates us from other groups. We sort of have our own secret blend of herbs and spices — and we have John Meador.”

They love playing in Colorado, partially because audiences appreciate bluegrass so much.

“There is nothing better than live music in the mountains,” he said. “Anytime we have played there, we’ve noticed how excited and accepting they are. It’s always a real pleasure for us to get to come back.”