[gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="54000,54001"] The Malpass Brothers will bring their classic early country, honky-tonk, and rockabilly sounds to the Blue Ridge Music Center at 7 p.m., Saturday, July 3. Redd Volkaert opens the concert in the outdoor amphitheater at the base of Fisher Peak. The Music Center is located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Malpass Brothers, Christopher, and Taylor, soaked up the music of their granddad’s phonograph records at young ages. Christopher earned his first talent show trophy at age 7, and Taylor was playing mandolin by the time he was 10. Steeped in the legacy of artists like The Louvin Brothers, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Hank Williams Sr., and others, they promote the work and music of these classic country artists while creating new music to make their own mark on a rich American cultural heritage. With sincerity, honesty, and an utter ease on stage that belies their years, The Malpass Brothers’ smooth vocal blend and skillful musicianship layer infectiously into the deep respect they pay to legends who have paved the way. They sing from the heart with songs of joy, heartache, and happiness, all steeped in three chords and the truth. Add off-the-cuff quips between the two 20-something siblings, and the engaging concert becomes a magnetic time-traveling journey to a time when a calmer rhythm reigned supreme. Music legend Redd Volkaert will kick off the show with his hot guitar licks, country and western songs, and honky-tonk sound. A mainstay in the Austin, Texas, music scene for 20 years, Volkaert was a successor to Roy Nichols in Merle Haggard’s backing band and is among the country’s top Telecaster guitar slingers. He won a 2009 Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance. From the early 2000s until he moved to Galax, Virginia, last year, Volkaert’s band performed at The Continental Club in Austin, and he also played with the club’s house band Heybale! on Sunday nights. The Music Center is taking several precautions during concerts to make the experience as safe as possible for visitors. Those who have a fever, cough, aches and pains, loss of smell or taste, difficulty breathing, or are sneezing and coughing, are asked to please stay at home. Concert attendees are advised to follow these guidelines: Maintain six feet of distance between groups throughout the evening, including when standing in line and selecting seating locations in the amphitheater. When in high traffic areas, we highly encourage concertgoers to wear masks to protect others. Tickets are $20 for adults, children 12 and younger admitted for free, <a href="http://www.BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org">BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org</a> or (866) 308-2773, ext. 212. Parking is free. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.blueridgemusiccenter.org">BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org</a>.
