The first country band from Ireland to perform on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry are bound for Killyleagh next month.
Leading country and gospel group, Live Issue, are to play at a free concert as part of a Mission Outreach by Killyleagh Presbyterian Church.
Live Issue comprises of Colin Elliott, Roy Dreaning, Sam Armstrong, Carl Sands and Ivan McLernon, and they regularly perform at concerts and conventions throughout the British Isles and Europe.
The group will perform in the Killyleagh Church in Plantation Street on Saturday 6th October at 7.30pm. There is no admission charge but donations are welcome.
The organisers are excited to welcome Live Issue to Killyleagh.
Since they reformed back in 2006, the band’s unique style of music and ministry has reached a whole new generation across Ireland, the United Kingdom and America. In that time Live Issue has released four albums, produced a DVD recorded live in London, undertaken four tours of the United States, including appearances on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and had the opportunity to record with many of the top American artists of country and gospel music,” explained a spokesman for the Mission outreach.
“Live Issue is considered by many to be one of the most popular Country Gospel groups in the British Isles, not only for their musical and singing ability but also for their warmth, humility, sense of humour and love for the Lord. This is clear both in their music and to anyone who has had the opportunity to see the group play live. ”
The group made history with their first Nashville appearance, and they have since followed it up with two further trips to Nashville as part of their US tours which also included concerts in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Alabama.
In July 2015 their tour included a special tribute concert in Nashville to honour the life and music of their close friend George Hamilton IV.
‘New Christian Music’ named Live Issue as “Artist of the Year” for four consecutive years in the country gospel category and in 2014 the group was awarded “Country Band of the Year” in the Northern Ireland Gospel Music Awards.
Colin Elliot of Live Issue explained: “Probably one of the most amazing facts about the members of Live Issue is that they all have day jobs and families which undoubtedly requires some skillful time management in order to fulfill all their commitments and responsibilities throughout the year.
“The members of the group also see their role in Live Issue as a ministry and therefore any proceeds or expenses the group receive are ploughed straight back into keeping Live Issue on the road.
“The performance is part of a mission outreach at the church, opening on Thursday 4th October and continuing until Sunday 7th October, when the guest preacher on Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights is the Rev Owen Patterson of Downpatrick Presbyterian Church.”
