Submitted by
Robin Kirkland
Salt & Light Studios

The Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross will present A Celebration -"A Night of Praise"- featuring Salt & Light Studios with guest performers Blue City Band, Dr. Hugh McCampbell, First Church Choir, Tamra Chaney and Watson Chapel Youth Band from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at the United Methodist Church Family Life Center in Sweetwater.

Admission is free (a love offering will be received.) Snacks and beverages will be available.
The Monroe County Red Cross provides a helping hand to those unfortunate victims of disasters. They provide emergency shelter, clothing, food and essentials to anyone who has suffered loss due to fire, flood, tornado or any other natural disaster.

To those of us who have never had a tragedy of this nature strike, the scope of what the Red Cross provides does not strike a chord. Our county has an opportunity to make a difference, and enjoy the talented performances of many amazingly gifted artists under one roof.

Blue City Band
The Blue City Band is a four-piece jazz band based out of Athens; a refreshing compilation of blessed and talented musicians who bring to life identifying lyrics through bluesy, soulful vocals and exceptional guitar-driven arrangements.

"Our love for God, music, life, good and bad times are shared through our lyrics, while our music endears to provide a new inspiration to our listeners."

The members of the band are burdened to see peoples' lives affected and changed for the better by experiencing great music. The soulful feel and energetic performance nature captures audiences of all ages and develops a strong bond between our music and the listener, all the while creating a releasing atmosphere.

The members would agree that although it is a musical journey, for each of us, it is also a chance to communicate a positive message to their audience. Ultimately, it is the intent of "The Blue City Band" to share their hearts through their talents and to effectively communicate "God, love, and life" through music and song.

Blue City Band Consists of Brentley Womac- lead and rhythm guitar and vocals, Joseph Gordon - lead vocals and bass, John Gordon - lead and rhythm guitars and vocals, John Knox - drums.  The guys recently were featured guests at Christian event "Ichthus 09" in Wilmore, Ky.

Salt & Light Studios
Salt & Light Studios is located in Sweetwater and is a classically trained dance company performing a variety of dance styles.  Salt & Light  Studios performs locally for churches and benefits year round.  
A recent large project was in Knoxville at Cokesbury United Methodist Church with Doug Richesin performing his latest project "Work of Art."  Their current project, "Beauty and the Beast" which is an "Arts and Education Program" will be performed this August.

Salt & Light Studios offers classes from the ages of 2 through 102 encompassing tap, jazz, ballet, modern, hip-hop, ballroom for ages 7-adult, and ladies Broadway tap, vocal and music lessons.
 
Dr. Hugh McCampbell
Dr. Hugh McCampbell -musician, comedian-extraordinaire.  Come and enjoy an evening of down-home country stories and veterinary tales, plus the piano and banjo performances of one of the best kept secrets in the veterinary profession. 
Dr. Hugh McCampbell is a solo large animal practitioner from Sweetwater.  Since he was raised on a  dairy farm and has worked with horses all his life, it was natural to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

In addition to veterinary medicine, he has done a little of a lot of things, from riding bareback broncs to flying airplanes, and from running marathons and team roping, to playing and singing in rock 'n' roll bands years ago.  He is a saddlemaker, makes furniture, is a senior games swimmer, plaits rodeo bull riding ropes and horse tack, makes quilts, and sings in the church choir.  He and his wife Marty have a boy between two girls, all of whom are married and have families, totaling 12 grandchildren. 
In between farm calls, Hugh finds time to shoe horses, and plant flowers for his wife.  He seems to find time to play the piano every once in a while, too.

First Church Choir
First Church Choir of Sweetwater. Under the pastorship of Vant Hardaway will bring great songs for worship. This choir has continually been in the forefront assisting community groups with praise and worship music for years. Again they have graced us with pieces from their repertoire.

Watson Chapel
Youth Worship Team
Watson Chapel Youth Worship Team. This will be the second year this team brings talent and great music for the young and old alike.

Tamra Chaney
Tamra Comstock-Chaney- Tamra began her career performing at "Billy Bob's in Texas and quickly became a regular entertaining hundreds of patrons a night.  She then branched out to include a NASCAR  circuit and state prisons bringing her testimony and talent together to share God's love for the individual.  Tamra most recently has been working with Kiwanis Club and the Boys & Girls Club locally to help the children through those programs.  Tamra will bring a few of her favorite songs to share that night.