It is not often that a musical band’s bio includes working with the US State Department. But for the Henhouse Prowlers, who will be playing the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor on Wednesday, July 29, that work has evolved into a calling. The band has served as cultural ambassadors of the United States since 2013 via the American Music Abroad and Arts Envoy programs. To date, they have toured in 29 countries on five continents, including several countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, plus Russia, Bolivia, and many more. That diplomacy work inspired the formation of their own nonprofit organization, Bluegrass Ambassadors, whose mission is to educate and inspire through the cultural exchange of music.

A four-piece bluegrass, Americana, and folk music band based in Chicago, the Henhouse Prowlers are skilled in storytelling, compelling songwriting and intricate instrumentation. Their latest record, "Unravel," underscores the band's resistance towards being contained; some tunes expressing a modern Americana feel with others nodding to classic country and bluegrass standards. On this newest offering, their trademark four-piece harmonies have only matured in tone and sincerity, their picking ferocious as ever.

Together 20 years now, the band includes Ben Wright on banjo and vocals, Chris Dollar on guitar and vocals, Jon Goldfine on bass and vocals, and Jake Howard on mandolin and vocals. Enriched by their shared belief that “music binds us all together as a species,” the Henhouse Prowlers’ music creates a unique experience for all who hear it.

Advance discounted tickets are $30 from the box office at 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor:  207-633-5159 or stop by Wednesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Regular tickets, $35, are available at https://boothbayoperahouse.com and the day of the concert. Doors for seating open at 7 p.m. and the music kicks off at 7:30.  The bar will have cold drinks for sale, cash only. This concert is appropriate for all ages.