Bluegrass promoter partners with First Bank, brings concerts to county
By Tammy Dunn
Music, concert style, is coming to Montgomery County. Jeff Branch and Jackie Morris, along with First Bank, have teamed together to see that Montgomery County is the site of several concerts next year. Most of the concerts will be bluegrass style music and will be held at the James Garner Conference Center in Troy.
The groups that have been chosen to perform share the kind of music many in the community enjoy, said local music promoter Branch. "We want these shows to be community events that add to the entertainment field in the county," stated Branch.
Currently all the groups that are booked through Branch are bluegrass bands and most of them are very well known groups including the first one scheduled to perform, Cherryholmes, who received a Grammy nomination in 2006. The hard picking family band also performs a bit of footwork as well.
With over 15 years in the music industry, most recently with the Oakboro Music Hall, Branch has been able to form contacts with noted industry professionals. Branch also grew up playing bass and often had the opportunity to be around many of these bands. Branch also books for the Big Lick Bluegrass Festival each year.
Branch and Morris began to work together through the annual Lewis Family show that comes to the county every year. The two have worked many shows together including the one this past year featuring the Mayberry show. That group is also scheduled to perform again next year.
Other groups scheduled to date are the Grascals, Dolly Parton’s band and III Tyme Out.
About the bank’s involvement in the event Morris said, "We are pleased to provide a place for this concert series and see it as a way to give back to our community." Morris also noted that the Gospel Gents perform at the center twice a year as well.
Branch said the performances are being an-nounced now in time for Christmas for those looking for something different to give. Gift certificates for tickets are available and would make nice gifts for those that have everything else. Tickets are $20 reserved seats and $15 general admission.
Contact Branch at 704-985-6987 or e-mail him at jbranch@ctc.net
