Mark Kelly Hall ensemble playing benefit at Acoustic Cafe

photo Michelle Young, left, and John Lathim will be part of the Mark Kelly Hall Christmas Ensemble performing Friday night at Acoustic Cafe in Ringgold, Ga.

The Mark Kelly Hall Christmas Ensemble is returning to the Acoustic Cafe in Ringgold, Ga., for a songwriters showcase and Christmas benefit Friday, Dec. 14.

"The writers-in-the-round lineup will include myself, John Lathim and Michelle Young, and maybe a surprise or two," Hall says on his website.

"I've known each of these fine singer/songwriters for quite a while, and I can say they always deliver a quality performance with heart."

The three are originally from the Chattanooga area, and Hall is now based in Nashville.

Hall says they will bring a holiday mix of original tunes and "songs you already like" to the Acoustic Café. The family-friendly acoustic show will feature a blend of blues, pop, folk, country and "no matching outfits," he promises.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to Toys for Tots or children's clothing, including shoes and coats, for the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home. The children's home needs clothing for children ages 5-18.

Hall says his songs reflect the spiritual heritage of the Bible Belt South, combined with a lifelong fascination with American pop culture.

Since college, church-related volunteer work has taken him and his guitar to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest and, most recently, South Africa. He says he has performed in local venues including Riverbend, the Southern Belle and several "now-defunct coffeehouses whose closings were not related to his performances."

Lathim performs an acoustic blend of mountain music reflecting his Scottish and Irish roots. His songs tell of rural life of the farmer, the traveling vagabond and the minstrel, weaving stories of the pioneers and days gone by.

Young is a singer, songwriter and producer whose projects range in style from country to progressive rock to pop and neo-classical.

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