Inspired by legends like George Jones, Buck Owens and Hank Williams, Sr., a local country music quintet will echo the classics at an upcoming concert in Bluff City.
The Southern Countrymen Band will perform on Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Buffalo Ruritan, at 200 Willowbrook Rd. The show will being at 7 p.m., and admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children.
The five-piece band began over a decade ago after a few chance encounters at The Outdoorsmen in Blountville. The group became the house band at the Outdoorsmen, performing Friday night shows for years, and has since branched out to playing at venues in Bristol, Abingdon, Jonesborough and other locations.
Aside from O’Roark, the band includes Charlie Powell on steel guitar, Daryl Goodman on drums, Ronnie Hood playing lead guitar, and Ron Smith on bass. Not only is the band talented instrumentally, but O’Roark said they are also vocally talented.
“Usually, two or three people sing, but all five of us sing, and that’s unusual in a band,” he said.
O’Roark has over 54 years experience in the music industry, beginning in northern Virginia, where he was born and raised and played for 41 years. He said he has opened for over 30 musicians including George Jones, Earnest Tubb, Gene Watson, Marty Robbins and Kitty Wells.
When the owner of The Outdoorsmen made it available, Goodman took over, and the band began to host guest bands and to play more outdoors and additional venues.
“Where I come from, that’s what you do,” said O’Roark.
Now they perform their set list of classic country and some older rock at about 75 shows a year. Tickets will be available at the door.