2018 IBMA Vocal Group of the year, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, takes the stage
2018 IBMA Vocal Group of the year Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver will be performing as Bluegrass Spartanburg’s second headliner on December 8. The concert will be at the Chapman Cultural Center starting at 8 pm. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased by phone (864 542-2787), in person at the Chapman box office Monday- Friday or online atwww.BluegrassSpartanburg.com. Doors open at 6:45 pm.
Bluegrass Hall of Fame Member, National Heritage Fellowship recipient and 5-time Grammy nominated artist Doyle Lawson has attained legendary status as a music icon. With over 40 albums to their credit, he has led his multiple-award winning band Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver down trails of innovation and pathways of influence all to the destination of creating the best Bluegrass and Bluegrass Gospel music in the world. New chairman of the Bluegrass Spartanburg Committee Peter Grzan is thrilled to have the 2018 IBMA Vocal Group of the Year on the stage. “We are honored to continue our ongoing commitment to sharing the best and brightest stars of Bluegrass by presenting this legendary performer and the tremendously talented group of musicians that he has surrounded himself with.”
Born in 1944 in East Tennessee in the town of Kingsport, Lawson grew up captivated by the gospel music heard in his church as well as the early country music on his radio. With the formation of his own band Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver in 1979, Lawson moved to the forefront of the scene by releasing a series of acclaimed recordings including an all gospel album, Rock My Soul, a release that would eventually be pioneering in Bluegrass Gospel. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have earned numerous honors, including eight consecutive Vocal Group of the Year from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) as well as multiple Grammy and Dove award nominations, while pursuing a busy performance schedule that has included appearances on A Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage and the Grand Ole Opry.
Lawson humbly describes his music as “Heartfelt. It can make you smile as well as be reflective. After all, most of the time we are just telling a story using melody.”
Grzan, a notably huge fan of the band adds, “Awards, awards and more awards. If all I mention are the eight wins for IBMA “Vocal Group of the Year” it would not touch even a bit of the many organizations that have honored Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver through the years. In what is an amazing show of longevity and continued growth, their first vocal group award came in 2001. If you check out any of their videos you can see why. The harmonies are flawless, and the lead vocalists have powerful and distinctive voices. Add to that exceptional, spot-on instrumentation and you have the makings of a wonderful, inspirational evening at the Chapman Cultural Center.”
Their latest CD, “Life Is a Story,” as well as many others will be available for purchase at the concert. Bluegrass Spartanburg merchandise will also be available for purchase with proceeds going back to the organization so that it continually brings exceptional musicians to Spartanburg. This concert is sponsored by WNCW 88.7, Budweiser, The City of Spartanburg and the Chapman Cultural center.