I am originally from Black Oak, Arkansas, so let me say right up front that yes, I actually do know Jim Dandy – and yes, he is a real person!  The next confession I have is that I am a preacher’s kid, and a high school choir teacher’s child, so, yes, there was no choice but for me to be involved in music!  But I like it so I guess it didn’t warp me to be drawn in the musical direction.  Many, many times my dad would put the four girls (me, my mom and my two sisters) up front to sing a “special” at a revival.  And, he would have us sing in the car going to and from church, or on vacation, or just about anywhere we went.  My dad would try to sing along but, well, let’s just leave it at that…… 

I wanted to play the guitar but I did not have one.  So, I spent many miles driving down the road playing the “air guitar.”  That’s where I developed most of my strumming patterns. (Which has been notably hailed by my therapist and resident pick stealer as “sweet.”) 

My tastes in music are quite eclectic: Gaithers to the Eagles, Carpenters to Bluegrass, Johnny Cash to James Taylor, Elvis to Lynard Skynard.  Not only do I like all kinds of music, I remember the lyrics to songs even though I can’t remember my PIN number for the ATM machine.  Oh, well….

Starting a band with my friends has seen the birth of a dream I’ve had for years: Loving God, loving Each other, making music with my friends… bringing people together to encourage them through music & laughter.  Being apart of Shady Grove with my best friends and sharing through music…does it get any better?

“Just get you a guitar & learn how to play, Cut up some jeans, come up with a name. When you’re living in a world that you don’t understand, Find a few good buddies, start a band!” – Brad Paisley