Spencer's Own at Evening Shade

Sunday, January 1, 1905

photo Spencer's Own features brothers Nate, Morgan, Jordon, Quinn and Nic Williams.

DIRECTIONS

From I-75, take Cleveland Exit 25. Travel east on Highway 60 (25th Street). In about a mile, turn right at Ocoee Street. Johnston Park is two blocks south of Bradley County Courthouse.

photo Members of the Walker Valley High School Mustang Jazz Combo are, in front, from left, Clay Butler (alto sax), Nick Brumlow (trumpet), John Burton (trumpet) and Kyle Davidson (trombone); in back, Matt Taylor (bass guitar), Kyle Newman (guitar); and Grant Barkley (piano). Drummer Isaac Beaty is obscured.

Spencer's Own, a quintet of brothers from Twin Falls, Idaho, will headline this week's installment of Evening Shade Concerts in the Park on Friday, May 10.

The second show in the series' 19th season will start at 6:30 p.m. in Johnston Park in downtown Cleveland, Tenn. Opening act is the Walker Valley High School Mustang Jazz Combo.

Spencer's Own -- composed of brothers Nate, Morgan, Jordon, Quinn and Nic Williams -- offers an edgy country sound. The brothers have gained praise with their first single, "Idaho Love," from their debut CD.

In addition to making media appearances to promote their new music, the guys regularly visit schools to sing and share messages on topics such as anti-bullying and good nutrition.

This week, they have been inspiring young fans in Cleveland-area schools, says Nancy Neal, vice president of communications for the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, whose Allied Arts Council presents the monthlong series of shows.

"Because of the success of the Chair-ries Jubilee fundraiser each year, [the Chamber's] Arts in Education Committee is able to place visiting artists in local schools," she says. "Spencer's Own has visited Mayfield, Yates Primary, Stuart, Tennessee Christian, Arnold and E.L. Ross Elementary Schools this week."

The Walker Valley High School Mustang Jazz Combo features eight students who study jazz under teacher Alan Hunt. The combo plays a wide variety of music, from traditional to modern jazz with an emphasis on improvisation. Five of the members auditioned and were selected for the All-East Tennessee Jazz Band. One also was selected for the All-State Jazz Band, and two were alternates. Of the seven seniors in the group, five plan to study music at the university level.

Picnics are welcome at the free concert. Bring your own seating. If it rains, the show will go on at Arnold Elementary School, 473 Eighth St., NW.