 Delta Reign Will Perform March 3rd Corsair Concert Benita Murphy and her band, Delta Reign, will present a fresh new sound from the gulf coast in Tawas City on Saturday evening, March 3rd, when they perform in the Corsair Concert Series. The 7:30 p.m. concert will take place at the Tawas United Methodist Church Family Center. Just as the five rivers of the Mobile River delta flow together to form the second largest delta system in the United States, Delta Reign also brings together the musical influences of each member...bluegrass, western swing, blues & jazz, flowing together into what is being being called "delta bluegrass". Formed in the fall of 2004, Delta Reign's bluegrass has evolved into something that contemporary as well as traditional fans can appreciate. The band is driven by strong fiddle and banjo, pushed along with swing rhythms and solid upright bass. With tight bluegrass harmonies woven throughout, the music ranges from hard, "straight down the pike" traditional bluegrass, to western swing and jazz. From originals, to covers, or traditional tunes arranged in their "swingy, delta style", Delta Reign keeps the listener entertained with unique arrangements and song selection. With the release of their second album titled "Home", the band is making headway into the national and international market with radio airplay, festival bookings and favorable reviews. Founding members, husband and wife duo, Pat and Benita Murphy, from Mobile, AL, have traveled around the country, performing bluegrass together (and separately) over the years in various bands from Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. After Hurricane Ivan came through the gulf coast in the fall of 2004, bringing change to their lives, they decided to form their own band Delta Reign. Benita sings most of the lead vocal, is the principle song writer and arranger, as well as being a strong and capable bluegrass rhythm guitar player. She also switches to swing rhythm during the show contributing to that "swingy, delta grass" flavor. Pat is a solid, hard driving, and innovative banjo player who occasionally switches over to play some dobro. His creative influence in the arrangements help gives the band it's unique sound. He and Benita have been singing together for many years where they have developed the tight blend and phrasing of "family" style harmony Fiddle player, George Mason, comes to the group from Harrison, Arkansas where he started playing the fiddle at 8 years old. He grew up going to bluegrass festivals all over the region where he spent countless hours honing his bluegrass skills. He then had opportunity to get connected in Branson, MO where he went on to travel the world performing with many great acts, such as Bobby Vinton, the Glenn Miller orchestra, Rich Little, Tommy Overstreet, the Gatlin Brothers, and many more. George is also a multi-instrumentalist. He was bandleader, musical director/arranger for the Osmonds for 6 years. He was and still is staff guitarist for the Lawrence Welk orchestra and occasionally travels with them on tour. After deciding to come off the road full time, he settled with his family in Gulfport, MS. George had a rekindled interest in his bluegrass roots and joined Delta Reign in the spring of 2010. Besides being an impressive fiddle player and singing some of the lead vocals, George also has a great tenor voice that adds a new dimension to that Delta Reign harmony. Upright bass player, Joshua Faul, is the newest member of the group. Born and raised in Gulfport, MS, Josh started playing bass when he received one for his 17th birthday. A musical prodigy and fast learner, Josh quickly became proficient performing in many bands in and around his hometown. Josh has enjoyed playing in a variety of genres including jazz, afro-cuban, R&B, rock, religious and musicals. He also plays several other instruments including piano. Advance tickets ($15) for the Saturday, March 3rd concert are available at Nordic Sports in East Tawas. Proceeds from the concert series are used to maintain and operate the Corsair Skiing and Hiking Trails in the Huron National Forest. For advance tickets and further information call (989) 362-2001.  Click on this photo to view a video introduction | Return Home | Clothing & Outerwear | Footwear | Cross Country Skiing | Corsair Ski Trail Conditions | Kayaking & Canoeing | Hiking & Backpacking | Tawas Bird & Nature Observation | AuSable River Fly Fishing | Events Schedule | Links | Contact Us | Employment | Donna Ulisse and The Poor Mountain Boys | |
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