BATESVILLE — BATESVILLE — Citizens Bank will host Brian Free and Assurance at 7 p.m. Saturday in Independence Hall at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville.
Citizens Bank began the gospel concert series on Oct. 6, 2006, when it brought Roger Bennett & Legacy Five to Batesville for Bennett’s homecoming.
Bennett, the group’s piano player, was from Strawberry and was well known in the area.
His performance at his homecoming was the last, as he lost his battle with leukemia and died on March 17, 2007.
In 1980, Free began his career as one of the signature voices with the multiaward-winning Gold City Quartet.
In his professional career, fans and his peers have recognized him as one of the greatest tenor vocalists in the field of Southern gospel music.
Brian Free and Assurance debuted on the gospel music scene with their self-titled recording in 1994. Since then, the group has been rewarded with multiple awards and recognition. These include Favorite Male Singer, Favorite Tenor (a record of eight times), Favorite Young Artist (twice) Favorite Horizon Group, Favorite Album (For God So Loved) and most recently a Dove Award for “Long As I Got King Jesus.” In addition to concert performances across the United States, Brian Free and Assurance toured Northern Ireland, were featured regularly on the Gaither Video Series and appeared on TNN and TBN and have represented Southern gospel music and the National Quartet Convention on NBC’s Today show.
The newest edition of Assurance consists of some of Bill Shivers, lead vocalist; Craig Singletary, baritone; Bill Lawrence, bass; and Free, tenor. Accompanying the men is Michael Camp on keyboards and Brian’s son Ricky Free on drums.
Fundraising opportunities for local churches are available.
For information on how a church can participate by selling concert tickets, call Angie Hooker at (870) 793-4441.
Tickets for the event are on sale for $15 each.
Tickets may be purchased at any Citizens Bank Branch, at various participating church organizations or at the door on Saturday for $20 each.
For more information, call Citizens Bank at (870) 793-4441.