WV band takes message to global audience
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The Corey Brooks Band is launching a tour of the U.S., Caribbean and British Isles. |
By John Meadows and Jessica Y. Lilly
March 8, 2010 ·
Award winning West Virginia musician, Corey Brooks, recently added two new members to his band. The deal puts two college careers on hold to tour parts of the world and work for a higher power.
In the Christian music industry, Corey Brooks has made a name for himself. The Raleigh County native has performed in front of thousands at stages across the nation. In January he announced it was time to try something new.
"We had been thinking about adding on a band," Brooks said. "I remember we had this whole plan of how we were going to find people and while we were coming up with this whole plan it just seemed like God was saying rely on my timing."
With new additions of a piano and guitar player, there are high expectations. The band hopes to bring the message of faith to an even larger audience.
"I think that they'll definitely be able to help reach more people," Brooks said.
The two new members, Matt Kelly and Craig Smith, are both putting their college careers on hold to pursue what they call a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Smith was more than halfway through with a degree in Mechanical Engineering when he got the invite to join the band.
"It was a major leap of faith," Smith said. "It’s not about the money, ya know. If God leads into a ministry, you should take it." Smith said.
The Corey Brooks Band is set to go on tour all over the United States, the Caribbean, Scotland and London. The band hits the road in March.
"Growing in good ole' West Virginia there’s not that many people around usually, so it’s a little scary, ya know," Smith said.
Matt Kelly, the new pianist for the Corey Brooks Band and former Concord student, says he never been further than North Carolina but is looking forward to the experience.
"I really don’t know what to expect; it's just life changing," Kelly said.
John Meadows is a Concord University student. He filed this report as part of West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s partnership with Concord University.