Will Kimbrough hits the stage at the Shelby County Arts Council

Story by Lindsay Dyess

Photograph Contributed

This month at the Shelby County Arts Council the Nashville sound takes over the Black Box Theater! The multi-talented Will Kimbrough joins us on Oct. 17 for one night of good old-fashioned Southern tunes.

Being born and raised on the Alabama Gulf Coast certainly influenced Kimbrough’s musical style. He spent years listening to folk, blues, gospel, jazz, county, rock and roll, and even punk rock. Each genre helped shape Kimbrough’s sound in to what it is today.

Kimbrough has dedicated his life to music and perfecting his craft. When Kimbrough moved to Nashville with his first band, Will and the Bushmen, everything started to fall in to place and he was signed to a major label deal.

Over the years he has had the opportunity to spend time in the studio and on tour with Grammy winning artists such as Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell.  He has even co-written songs and performed with Jimmy Buffett.  In 2004 he was awarded Instrumentalist of the Year by the American Music Association.

His latest album, Sideshow Love, was released in late 2013. According to Kimbrough’s website, Sideshow Love is about “… exploring the human heart in all its guises. The record focuses on love in all forms, the ups and downs of romantic love, wistful longing, spiritual wandering and old fashioned lust.”

For a taste of some true Nashville tunes, check out Will Kimbrough with special opening guest Russell Gulley at the SCAC’s Black Box Theater on Oct. 17 from 8-10 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $20 at Shelbycountyartscouncil.com or by calling 205-669-0044.

Also mark your October calendars for our latest art opening: Art of the Hoover/Shelby Art Association curated by special guest Edna Sealy. The exhibit opens Oct. 9 from 6-8 p.m. Stop by for great art, refreshments and music.

For more information on Kimbrough and his music, check out his website at Willkimbrough.com.