Concert Review – Beyond The Ashes

On Saturday (10/01/11) I went to the Penelope Baptist Church in Hickory NC to see Beyond The Ashes.  Considering the group doesn’t get to this area that often, it was nice to get out and see them.  Lead singer Casey Rivers was not with the group this weekend as he and his wife were celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary.  A friend of baritone Kellan Monroe was filling in on the lead spot.  Considering they only had two hours of practice prior to the concert, the group pulled it off.

Anthony decided to keep the program mostly slower ballads.  Highlights were the songs sung with just piano accompaniment.  Kellan Monroe is an accomplished pianist and deserves a mention alongside some of the industry’s finest players.  ”Daystar”, “Whenever We Pray”, “Guilty Of Love”, “What I Have I Give” and “He Looked Beyond My Fault” all highlighted their program.

The group did get one ‘barn burner’ in by closing with “I’m Too Near Home”.  This group has all the necessary ingredients to make them a house hold name in Southern Gospel music.