Concert series gets country twang
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The group brings a fresh, bluesy influence to music with its blending of Southern rock, country and bluegrass tunes. The band has three members John Gilmore, Larry (Coach) Bridges and Mike Dawson.
Gilmore was born in Polk County, Tenn., and his love of music comes from both sides of the family. His mother once sang at Tootsies in Nashville and his father was a member of a well-known gospel group. When he was a child, his father gave him a guitar. He taught himself to play by listening to country and Southern rock songs.
After developing his style with influences from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Merle Haggard, Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, he describes his music as mostly older country with some bluegrass and Southern rock.
?I try to get variety there,? said Gilmore.
Bridges was born and raised in Loudon, Tenn. He adds the traditional country sound of a harmonica to the group.
Dawson currently lives in Sweetwater. He has been playing a bass guitar since he was 9. Dawson also plays the banjo and mandolin and harmonizes with Gilmore on various songs.
The music will start with Cooper Creek opening for the John Gilmore Band at 7 p.m. on the West Lawn of Security Federal on West Main Street. Food and beverage vendors are open at 6 p.m.
The event is free and sponsored by River Park Hospital, Dr Pepper Bottling Company of McMinnville, the Law Offices of Galligan and Newman, Ben Lomand TV, Clear Channel Radio and the Southern Standard, your source for local news.