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Bluegrass at the Rock Welcomes The Goodwin Brothers on Oct. 19, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
"Jonathan has spent the last 2 decades working full-time in the music business as a label owner, head of an artist management company, and as an award-winning producer (1-time Grammy Award nominee & multiple DOVE Award nominee). While most of his work can be heard on the hundreds of Christian recordings he has produced or appeared on, he continues to be a regular “first call” having crossed over into nearly every genre of music and now even film. His productions consist of top-tier musicians in the best studios in the world. Being a vocalist and musician, himself has garnered him one of the most respected song and vocal arrangers in gospel music today. He has served as the keynote speaker for Music-Business conferences across the globe. It started at the age of four when he began playing piano. Within a decade he was an accomplished musician mastering multiple instruments. Jonathan has been a guest musician and/or vocalist sharing the stage with award-winning artists in almost every genre of music.
As we dig more into the history of The Brothers, we find that this isn’t William’s first rodeo either. After serving in the Kentucky National Guard out of high school, he then attended Morehead State University where he became a vocal-major and was an often featured soloist with the MSU Black-Gospel Ensemble (Talk about diversity and being able to adapt). He graduated in 2013 with a degree in Political Science and then began traveling as the lead singer of the, then popular, Christian music band (ASSEMBLED). Their projects were produced by his older brother, Jonathan, and within that ensemble, they garnered multiple awards within the gospel music community. Not sure about their current live shows, but on this project, William is the featured lead singer on 80% of the songs and the shoe certainly fits. He also plays mandolin for the group
To round off the three-part harmony, (that seems to be a staple for the brothers) is Kenneth Chase Bush. Not a Goodwin, (yes, I noticed too) however you would never know it listening to their phrasing and harmonies. You would be safe to assume that although Kenneth (goes by Chase) isn’t a blood brother, the three have undoubtedly been singing together for many years. Jonathan says the ‘Goodwin’ boys first met Bush at a church gathering as young teenagers in the small town of Winchester, KY. While he may be new to the bluegrass scene, Bush has certainly had his fair-share of time spent on stage. In 2006 he left the small town of Richmond, KY. and landed on stage in Hollywood as a top contestant on American Idol. Even then he was being prepped for ‘group singing’ as he was paired with Idol’s eventual season 5 winner, Taylor Hicks. Randy Jackson says of Bush, “You remind me of a young Wayne Newton.” In a genre that prides itself in fast picking and hard driving instruments, you better have more than just a typical voice to keep this crowds' attention without an instrument in hand. Bush certainly fits the bill. The Brother’s take on “You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are” (Written by Carl E. Jackson / David William Wills) highlights Bush’s lead vocal as the ‘brothers’ harmonize on the choruses." (From "Meet the Band" thegoodwinbrothers.com)
The Old Rock School in Valdese, North Carolina has become well-known throughout the nation for its outstanding bluegrass concerts. The 473 seat auditorium is the perfect place to hear all of your favorites. All of us at the Old Rock School are very excited about the 2024-2025 season featuring bands that have never performed at the Rock before, mixed with classic favorites.
All seating is general admission unless you are a season ticket holder. Season Ticket holders will receive a reserved seat of their choice for the duration of the season. The 2024-2025 Season will kick off in October and run through April 2025. Each year the Town of Valdese Community Affairs Office works diligently to bring outstanding bluegrass performances to the Old Rock School stage.
