Even some younger piano players like Bryan Elliott, Eric Ollis, Andy Stringfield, Andrew Ishee and Cody McVey.
One of my favorite keyboard players would have to be Matthew Holt, formerly of The Perrys, and a native of west Tennessee.
Holt has a new position and maybe one of the top jobs in Southern Gospel music. He will serve as pianist for the Gaither Vocal, Band and the Gaither Homecoming Tour.
Matthew has been playing piano professionally since he was 19. He left The Perrys in 2008, receiving multiple nominations for Singing News Fan Awards for Top Musician during those years.
Holt came off the road after he and his wife, Lindsey, had their first child and Matthew went to work as associate director of Bethel University’s Renaissance program in his hometown of McKenzie, Tenn.
“To be a member of the Gaither Family is a dream come true,” said Holt in a press release. “I’m humbled and honored to be a part of this established and highly respected musical tradition. Words can’t describe how excited I am about this opportunity!”
Bill Gaither is equally thrilled that Matthew has accepted this new role.
“The Gaither Vocal Band has been blessed to only have two piano players in our history until now, and both have been tremendous. Now, to be blessed once again with a musician of Matthew Holt’s caliber is quite a gift,” said Gaither. “What a joy it is to welcome this fine young man to the family.”
The Homecoming Friends Tour will include a stop in Bristol, Tenn., on Nov. 10 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Viking Hall Civic Center.
The music lineup will be The Gaither Vocal Band, The Isaacs, The Martins and more.
For more information, call (423) 764-0188.
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The Chicken Festival in currently under way in London.
A few local and former Harlan County artists are scheduled to appear today.
Wanda Osborne, of Latter Glory Ministries, will be singing at 5 p.m. The Tony Dean Family, of Evarts, will perform at 6, followed by Pauline Patterson at 6:30 p.m.
Gospel music will continue on Sunday at 3:15 p.m. with the Fair Haven Quartet. The Galloways will perform at 4, followed by Candy Hemphill Christmas at 4:30 p.m.
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The Daniel Boone Festival will have a gospel concert on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m.
The singing will be held at Knox County Middle School (the old Knox Central High School) in Barbourville.
The Barrett Family, The Singing Cookes and The McKameys are scheduled to perform.
For more information, call (606) 542-0077.
The concert is sponsored by Knox County Cancer Patient Fund.
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Paul Lunsford can be contacted via email at plunsford@heartlandpublications.com.
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