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The Barker Brother's Band recently performed for a packed house. The concert, held in the restored Union County Historic Courthouse, delighted the audience with captivating bluegrass music.

Every bench was taken, the balcony was filled to capacity, and people lined the walls of the old courtroom to see the show. Local Music Man, Sam Ensley, got things started by loosening up the crowd with a few jokes. Then he introduced the band.

The Barker Brother's Band, like most good bluegrass, touches the heart. Lyrics like "What did they do to the old home place? Why did they tear it down?" reminds listeners of their roots. On a humorous note, "I've got a pig, home in the pen.corn to feed it on. All I need is a pretty little girl to feed it when I'm gone" gets feet to tapping. And "If I can have some 'possum in my headlights tonight" will be remembered (especially when spotting one in the road).

Songs were well chosen and offered a variety of themes. One original song, "You can get it at the Dollar Store" was a crowd pleaser. "Dueling Banjos" was an old time favorite.

The Barker Brother's Band plays traditional and original songs with some southern gospel thrown in for good measure. Jeremy Barker, just sixteen years old, delights fans with his clear vocals and flattop guitar skills. Younger brother Jonathan, age twelve, plays the three-finger style banjo. He brings a lot of personality and talent to the stage.

The Barker Brother's Band is a family effort. With talented parents to lend support it's no wonder the band is such a success. Mom Angie plays upright bass and Dad Scott plays mandolin.

Katherine Moose, thirteen years old, accompanies the band. Her fiddle really adds harmony and excitement to the group's sound.

Thanks to Sam Ensley for booking the bands and running the sound equipment. Thanks to Steve Oakley and the Historical Society for doing a great job in providing free concerts and keeping traditions alive. Thanks to the public school systems for fighting to keep music programs available to our young people.

For more information and a schedule of upcoming concert dates, visit the Barker Brother's Band website at www.barkerbrothers.com . For more information about the Summer Concert Series presented by the Union County Historical Society visit www.unioncountyhistory.org .