Times Georgian - 2016-07-20 - welcome home

songs and has played at the National Peanut Festival in Savannah and the Cherry Blossom Celebration in Macon. Among his tunes is a wonderful tribute to Flanagan’s 24-year-old brother who had a wreck on a four wheeler but is do- ing much better these days. Considering that Flanagan is only 15 years old, he has had some amazing success already. Caleb Hutchinson lives in Dallas, GA and had the pleasure of playing for millions of people on” The Voice.” “It was so cool. The best thing was I had the chance to talk with Blake Shelton and Adam Levine. I hope to return to California after I complete my EP later this year,” Hutchinson said. Caleb has opened for several entertainers at Mill Town Music Hall and he received a standing ovation on June 18th when he was the opening act for T. Graham Brown and Jimmy Fortune. There was a big difference in his stature and poise on stage from several years ago when he was part of the West GA Sing-Off. Hutchinson is thinking of a dual enroll- ment at college after his senior year in high school next year. Another teen- ager, he has been appearing at local venues and even travelled to Jasper to perform at The Fainting Goat Café, part of the renowned Fainting Goat Winery. At John A’s in Nashville, Caleb went on stage to cover for the Blues Band that was supposed to be entertaining the crowd and this was when he was only 16 years old. His gruff bass vocals lend himself to Country music perfectly but he also likes to sing Gospel music in church. Bremen’s Ivey Redding has just gradu- ated from high school and is on her way to the much heralded Belmont College in Nashville. Known for their renowned Music Business Program, Redding is looking forward to studying Songwriting and Vocal Performance. “I am excited about having the opportunity to learn more about songwriting and vocals. When I was in Colorado recently, the mountains and beautiful scenery coaxed me to write more songs,” said Redding. The break must have been worthwhile because Redding’s latest CD, So It Goes, is nothing short of outstanding. Produced by Nashville’s Scott Cash,

winner of many Dove Awards, the music is light, and supports the softness of Redding’s vocals. “So it Goes,” the title tune, expands Redding’s vocal ability by including her ability to change octaves cleanly and without any straining. “Rope” has a great melody backed by other vocals that harmonize with Red- ding’s signature sound. She also has been the opening act for several Mill Town acts in the past. “It’s fun being in the studio with professional musicians and producers but the Belmont experience will give me the chance to increase my songwriting expertise. Andrew Weaver is only 14 years old and has managed to show his expertise with his new Taylor Guitar and songwriting capability. During Georgia On My Mind Day, he played before a private corporate event at the prestigious Cherokee Coun- try Club. With the money he received from that event and the first place winnings from the Mayfest Teen Idol competition in Carrollton, Weaver was able to purchase his new instrument; not bad for a teenager to be actually receiv- ing payment for playing music.

Weaver is in ninth grade in Bremen and his stage presence and good looks, a la American Idol, have helped him with developing a fan base in West Georgia. His Folky-pop sound brings a young crowd for his Tuesday outings at The Moonlight Grill in Bremen. His new tune, “Dominoes,” illustrates the song- writing competence that has helped him become a favorite artist in West Georgia and beyond. Mary Lee Turner from Bremen is an artist with a different stroke. Graduat- ing from high school, she has decided to attend Columbus State University School of Music because of their Per- forming Arts Program, especially theater and voice. Responding to a question regarding other conservatories, she said “that I might have been able to get into Cincinnati or Boston Conservatory but there are benefits from my choice,” You see, Turner is an Opera or Classical singer, quite unusual for our area of bud- ding talent. Another reason for Turner to enroll at Columbus State is that they have a link

Mary Lee Turner, a an 18 year old girl who sings not only country, but Opera as well!

24 - WELCOME HOME 2016-2017