Bob Bennett
Singer/songwriter Bob Bennett, a master guitarist and storyteller in song, will perform at Abba’s House in Hixson on Saturday, April 7. The acoustic concert, featuring a blend of Americana and contemporary Christian originals and favorites, will take place in the Student Worship Center at 5208 Hixson Pike and start at 6 p.m. Mark Kelly Hall and Dana Harding, both with strong local ties, will also perform.
Admission is free with a suggested donation of $10 per person or $25 per family.
Mr. Bennett is known by many as an influential figure in the early days of contemporary Christian music. CCM Magazine acclaimed his 1982 album Matters of the Heart as "Album of the Year," ranking it among the top 20 contemporary Christian albums of all time. That album featured “A Song About Baseball,” a favorite of longtime fans for its impactful image of a father and son and its subtle message about the unconditional love of God (“He loved me no matter how I played”). Mr. Bennett’s poetic lyrical talents, fingerstyle guitar expertise, and often self-deprecating humor have won the loyalty and affection of concertgoers across the nation. His body of work continues to grow. His latest release, Live at Judson University, features his classic songs such as “Still Rolls the Stone” and “Lord of the Past” performed with a backing student chorus.
Over the years, he’s appeared in concert with Amy Grant, David Wilcox, Pierce Pettis, Barry McGuire, Phil Keaggy, Bruce Carroll, and Randy Stonehill. The Orange County Register in his home state of California encourages music fans “discover his intimate and beautiful folk style on a range of wonderful discs." Life seems to keep infusing Mr. Bennett with plenty of experiences to fuel the growth needed to keep his songs relevant. He says, “There are not many guys who can say they’ve spent a lifetime doing the precise thing they always wanted to do. It’s certainly not a get-rich-quick scheme, but in my own way I try to pass along the magic of what I was first given. I dearly love the fact that this actually is my day job, although I usually work the night shift!” When asked how he measures his success, he replies with a smile, “Hotel soap! If I have lots of hotel soaps at home, then it must mean I’m working enough. As long as I don’t have to buy a full-sized bar out of necessity, then I’m in good shape!” www.bobbennett.com
Mark Kelly Hall, originally from the Chattanooga area and now based in Nashville, addresses topics such as love, faith and the 70's. His songs reflect the spiritual heritage of the Bible-belt South, seasoned by his experiences in places far away from his native Tennessee. His style recalls James Taylor and Jim Croce, and his presentation is flavored with congeniality, personal insight, and a touch of country blues. www.markkellyhall.com
Dana Harding is a local musician, producer, songwriter and worship leader with over 20 years of experience in the studio and on stage. He is arguably the coolest member of local band No Big Deal (the other members would be the ones arguing). www.hardingproductions.com