General Store bluegrass band coming to Claude Church

The award-winning group 'General Store' will appear at Claude Church Oct. 12.

Friday, Oct. 12, the wonderful, award-winning bluegrass band, General Store will play a concert evening at Claude Presbyterian Church in Caledon.

Since 2001, this tight-knit group of musical friends have been wowing audiences all across Ontario and beyond.

With their down-to-earth humour, charming original songwriting, and terrific musical talent, this fivemember band sings and plays music from the bluegrass and gospel traditions.

The band members, several hailing from Caledon and its environs, include Helen Lewis on autoharp, Brian Riseborough on guitar, Norm Tellier on mandolin, Bill Blance on banjo and John Perkins on bass.

Theirs is a highly entertaining show, featuring immaculate four-part harmonies and melodies to stir the heart.

The concert at Claude Church will be unique, since Claude Church's minister, Rev. Randy Benson, has been invited to sit in with the band. Rev. Benson, originally from West Virginia, is also a very talented musician. He plays fiddle, guitar and banjo, and is an expert in Appalachian traditional music. Hearing all these great musicians working together will be a real treat.

General Store's collective talent has not gone unnoticed by music critics.

In 2003, General Store received nominations from The Central Canada Bluegrass Awards Committee for Vocal Group of the Year, Emerging Band of the Year, Recording of the Year, Gospel Bluegrass Band of the Year and Mandolin Player of the Year. In 2004, at the Central Canada Bluegrass Awards, General Store was chosen The Most Promising Group, and placed 2nd for Best Recording, Best Instrumental Group and Fan's Choice Award. During 2005, General Store's gospel side received attention, winning them Gospel Band of the Year at the Central Canada Bluegrass Awards. In 2006, General Store won another Gospel Band of the Year award, and band member Norm Tellier won Mandolin Player of the Year.

The group has been selling out their concerts - the Claude Church event will be no exception. Be sure to purchase your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment.

Tickets for the Claude Church concert may be reserved by calling the church office at 905-838- 3512, or in advance from Acoustic Traditions music in Orangeville, or from the Inglewood General Store. Claude Church is located at 15175 Hurontario Street, Caledon, on the east side of Highway #10, just 3 kilometres north of King Road.