by Bryan Baker for the FCT

Kerry Gilbert will be playing his monthly show at the Roxy this upcoming Saturday night and he is looking forward to introducing a new face, Ben Parker, to those who come to the show.

The Kerry Gilbert Band has been playing at the Roxy every month for the last seven years and Gilbert said that he enjoys playing for the community, and is grateful for the support he has received over the years.  He hopes to introduce Parker to receive the same reaction from those in attendance.

“The first time I ever heard Ben play he was twelve years old,” Gilbert said.  “He has the sound of Keith Urban. He can pick just like him and has a great attitude.”

Parker will be debuting at the Roxy as he opens for Gilbert.  Parker will do an acoustic set with an acoustic band, and will set the tone for their evening at the show.

Gilbert has been an inspiration in the community himself.  He prides himself in doing music that has Gospel roots, and also wants to keep the atmosphere at his shows very family oriented.  His group bases their musical style off of vocal harmonies that give them their own unique style.

“We’ve always kept everything really clean when it comes to our performance,” Gilbert said.  “We want to give a positive reflection of who we are when people come see us.”

The KGB will take the stage and do a full band set following Parker and his band.  Gilbert tells fans to look out for a variety of music to be played during their set. He enjoys surprising those who come out by throwing in songs not usually heard performed by other groups.

“We’ll do anything from some Motown to a four part Gospel harmony,” Gilbert said.  “We just enjoy the surprised looks we get from people.”

Gilbert plans on drawing a crowd from surrounding regions in the area.  He said that people come from all over the area for their monthly show.

“In the past, we’ve had some friends come down from Memphis and got a room just for the night,” Gilbert said.  “It’s always nice having support coming in from all around.”

Gilbert is a hard working man, as well as a musician.  He keeps playing music because it is inspiring to him and those around him.

“I sure don’t do this for the money,” Gilbert said with a laugh.  “I do it because it is something that I love.  It makes me happy making people happy.”

The KGB will also be playing at the FloBama Music Hall in Florence, Ala. May 22nd from 6-9 p.m.