Booth Brothers play Farthing Friday
Gospel concert to benefit children’s home

By Frank Ruggiero

Southern gospel favorites the Booth Brothers are coming to Appalachian State University for a May 8 concert to benefit the Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home.

Known for their harmonic vocals and easygoing humor, the trio of lead singer Ronnie Booth, tenor Michael Booth and baritone Jim Brady has garnered a resume of awards on the southern gospel music scene.

In addition to their recent album, Room for More, receiving the Southern Gospel News award for album of the year, the Booths also received the organization’s awards for best live performer, male group of the year, progressive southern album of the year and male vocalist of the year for Michael Booth. The same album was nominated for a Grammy Award.

“The Booth Brothers are the No. 1 group in southern gospel music in the country now,” said event organizer Gary Knight, who has been a growing fan of southern gospel for 15 years. “I just felt like we needed a good clear message of hope in these times, and I thought this would bring that message to the community and help the children at Ebenezer at the same time.”

The son of gospel singer Ron Booth Sr., who sang in groups like the Rebels Quartet, Ronnie and Michael Booth followed in their father’s footsteps by touring with him as the Booth Brothers in 1990.

After Ron Sr. retired in 1998, Ronnie and Michael sang with several different singers, until they found Jim Brady from The Schulers. They played an impromptu gig together, and Brady was there to stay.

According to the Booth Brothers’ official bio, “They are known for their high energy and humorous, yet touching, concerts, but their deepest desire is to show God’s love, grace and forgiveness through the song God has given them to sing.”

The May 8 concert will also feature performances by the Mark Trammell Trio and pianist Roy Webb.

Knight has recently been organizing concerts to benefit those less fortunate and intends to host more in the autumn and then next spring. Previous concerts featured names like Greater Vision, the Florida Boys and the Talley Trio, and Knight intends to keep high-profile gospel acts on the bill.

The Booth Brothers will perform at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 8, at Farthing Auditorium, located at 733 Rivers St. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children six and under, and are available at the Farthing Auditorium box office. For tickets and more information, call the Farthing Auditorium box office at (800) 841-2787 or Knight at (828) 964-3399.