Raven Welch Band in concert at Old Courthouse

The Union County Historical Society is proud to present, in concert, The Raven Welch Band at the Old Courthouse on the Square in Blairsville. The performance will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 3rd.

Raven Welch is a high energy fifteen-yearold totally committed to church, family, and music. She began singing in the church choir before she was old enough to walk and performed her first solo during Vacation Bible School at age 5. By the time Raven was 12 years old, she was singing at her church, school, local fundraisers, and was also performing simultaneously in two major productions at the Blue Ridge Community Theater.

As she tirelessly balanced, church, rehearsals, school, and family, she still hungered for more. She began playing piano, guitar, bass fiddle, and of course her favorite, the mandolin.

Raven is a true fan of bluegrass music and bluegrass gospel and has been inspired by the likes of Rhonda Vincent, IIIrd Tyme Out, Bill Monroe, and The Osborne Bros. She always enjoys playing with her special friends of Wolf Creek Bluegrass Band, The Valley River Boys, and The Barker Brothers.

Raven has worked diligently with her band to develop their own special way of delivering a show filled with hard drivin' bluegrass and bluegrass gospel. She humbly gives God the glory for her talent and thanks Him daily for His grace.

Rhett Dennis joined Raven as her bass player and bass singer in October of 2006. He has filled in for her on bass and guitar over the last two years. Originally from Tallassee, Ala., he grew up listening to southern gospel and traditional country. While learning to play guitar he met Bob Fowler, one of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, who taught him to play the upright bass. He later joined his band The Blue Valley Boys. After deciding to relocate to Nantahala, N.C., he played with Abigail Moore and HWY 129 for two years.

Joe Coffey has been playing the banjo since the age of 12. He has played with many bands in the North Georgia area, and while attending the University of Tennessee where he obtained a degree in Computer Science. Most recently he has played with the Bluegrass Travelers and Abigail Moore and Highway 129. He cites his major influences as Earl Scruggs and J.D. Crowe, along with such contemporary banjo masters as Jim Mills, Terry Baucom, and Sammy Sheilor. Joe is also an accomplished harmony singer and is instrumental in helping develop the band's vocal arrangements.

The newest member of the group is guitar player, Terry Collis. He has been playing bluegrass guitar for twelve years, and is an original member of the Bluegrass Travelers. He also enjoys playing bluegrass gospel at his church. His low tenor vocals bring a complete three harmony sound to the group.

More information, including pictures, can be seen at their website: www.ravenwelch.com