By Kathy L. Collins
First United Methodist Church of Brandon will present a fantastic concert for the community on Sunday, January 12 at 6 p.m. This will be a major bluegrass show featuring some nationally renowned musicians along with three highly-talented and well-known local musicians.
The show will feature Dale Ann Bradley, a three-time International Bluegrass Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year; Phil Leadbetter, a Grammy-nominated 2005 International Bluegrass Music Association and 2008 and 2009 Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association Dobro Player of the Year and Steve Gulley, International Bluegrass Music Association Songwriter of the Year and founding member and lead vocalist for the super group, Mountain Heart.
The local sensations who will be the supporting band are the Walker Brothers: Cory, Jarrod and Taylor. They are lifelong residents of Lithia and all attended Durant High School (Cory is from class of 2008, Jarrod is class of 2010 and Tyler will be a member of the class of 2014).
The Walker Brothers have appeared on national television, played the Grand Ole Opry several times and have performed in the United States, Canada, France, Italy and Japan. They played at the Strawberry Festival from 2009 to 2012. They have recorded three CDs. Their newest, New Branches, features guest artist, Ricky Skaggs and his band, country artist, Chad Brock, Phil Leadbetter and members of the group, Mountain Heart. The CD has been aired on Sirius Satellite Radio.
According to David Walker, DMD (father of Cory, Jarrod and Tyler), “The boys have played on stage at First United Methodist Church previously. Last year, Steve Gulley and Phil Leadbetter came to the area and played in Plant City to much acclaim. Jeff Brant, Music Minister for the church offered the venue at First United Methodist for a full concert.”
The concert is being offered as a community event. A donation to help offset the cost of presenting the concert is requested. This is a fabulous venue for a concert. The church has a wonderful, professional sound system.
For more information, please contact Jeff Brant at jeffbrant@fumcbrandon.org or call 689-4161. First United Methodist Church of Brandon is located at 121 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon.
