Since their first performance for American audiences in the 1990s, the Swiss-born Kruger Brothers have gained a loyal following of fans schooled in bluegrass but open to musical innovation. They’ve performed regularly at MerleFest, and won lasting admiration from the festival’s host, Doc Watson. The trio features Ewe Kruger on guitar, Joel Lansdberg on bass, and Jens Kruger, a master of the 5-string banjo, who has taken the instrument in new and exciting directions. Their stage show is dazzling and funny, and thrilling to those who enjoy musical surprises along with familiar fare. Friday, the Kruger Brothers will put it all on display in a PineCone-sponsored concert at Durham’s Carolina Theatre. www.carolinatheatre.org