Zach John King

Taking an interest in music from an early age, Mark Wills began his musical journey through performing in various garage bands inspired by rock artists such as Bon Jovi. In his teenage years he fell in love with country music and at 17 took the opportunity to enter a local talent show in Georgia. Winning the talent show was just the beginning of his humble climb up the ladder, it wasn’t long before he transitioned into singing on demos and eventually his talent being recognised, amounting to his label partnership with Mercury Records Nashville who he signed with in 1996. Later that year he released his debut self-titled album, produced by Carson Chamberlain and Keith Stegall. The first single to come off that album ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ was a roaring success and headed straight into the country charts at number six. His commercial success really took off with the release of his second album, ‘Wish You Were Here’ which featured the title track which earned him his first number one and landed number eight in the Country album charts. That album also scored Wills the ‘Top New Male Vocalist’ title at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 1998.
With seven studio albums under his belt, Mark Wills has forged his path to success as well as becoming a recognised Country icon. His live performances have won over many a heart. Simplicity is key for Wills, often performing on a stool in regular clothes and with an acoustic guitar shrouded in a single spotlight. His deep sultry tone wafts through the room, enchanting all present as he delves into his back catalogue playing tracks like ‘I Do (Cherish You)’, ‘Places I’ve Never Been’ and ‘19 Somethin’. The rapport which Wills creates with the attentive audience is both charming and endearing, the intimate settings allows the relationship with the crowd to blossom as he interacts in between tracks asking for song suggestions with plenty of banter. Mark Wills is a pure delight to watch and is guaranteed to leave you with goosebumps.

Ricky Lee Skaggs…bluegrass roots, southern charm and artistic style. The singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist has been making music for much longer than I’ve even been alive, and has received accolade and recognition of the highest honor, and has worked with people across a number of genres. He is well respected as an artist by many of his fans, as well as his peers.
When he takes the stage, he is extremely polite, and most definitely brings the Southern charm wherever he goes. He gets onto stage, mandolin wrapped around him ready for what’s to come, and a giant smile on his face, both of which remain with him until the end of the show. As he plays, you can see how happy it makes him, no matter where he could have been at any given moment. In between songs he is always having a conversation with the audience, not just talking at them. He will always say thank you, and for almost every song he introduced the name of it, as well as a little about the process behind writing it. Whether you like bluegrass or not, watching his live set is a learning experience, both musically and of the human condition.