Michael Quarry and Ben Parker Project

Make Monday your favorite night of the week by attending the Paul Stroud Concerts by the River series in Decatur, Alabama!  Sponsored by the City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Department, the concert series features a variety of musical styles that are appealing to all ages and provides wonderful family-oriented entertainment.  The

August 6, 2012  Concerts by the River will feature music that celebrates the many different elements embraced in the American musical tradition.  Vocalist Michael Quarry will perform at 6:00 and will be followed by the Ben Parker Project at 7:00.  All concerts are open to the public and are held at Rhodes Ferry Park. Concerts begin at 6:00 PM and usually conclude by 8:00 PM.  For updated schedule information, please call 256-341-4818 or visit http://www.decaturparks.com/account.php?accountid=70.

 In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be announced after 4:00 PM with information posted on the DPR website and the DPR and  Decatur, Alabama FACEBOOK pages.

Vocalist Michael Quarry has been influenced by a wide array of musical genres including country, pop, oldies, jazz, contemporary Christian, gospel and rock.  He will share his love of music with the audience by performing a range of songs from artists as varied as Mercy Me, Eric Clapton, the Temptations, Garth  Brooks, Chris Tomlin and Shenandoah.  Born in Fortaleza, Brazil, Michael Quarry is truly “from the south.”  He was adopted from Brazil as an infant and was raised in Decatur, Alabama.   He has been the Associate Pastor and Minister of Music of South Chapel Hill Baptist Church for seven  years.  He is married to Dede Parker Quarry and they have two children.

The Ben Parker Project is a country band with diverse roots running through many different genres of music. Their sound is anchored by 14 year old Ben Parker, who has been called a guitar prodigy. The rest of the band brings their musicianship and vocal diversity to complete the sound. Their shows feature high energy performances with primarily country selections from Hank Williams to Keith Urban, but you will also hear an occasional blues, classic rock, or gospel tune due to the influence of their musical heritage. The show provides something for every member of the family to enjoy!  Band members include Ben Parker (lead guitar, vocals); Zach Lowery (acoustic guitar, vocals); Ryan Gilley (drums); Jacob Walker (keyboard and vocals); Kendra Parker (vocals); and Gaylon Parker (bass guitar, vocals.)  Learn more about the band on their Facebook page or by visiting www.benparkerproject.com.