Waxhaw News - The Official Community Publication - Waxhaw, NC Waxhaw News Sept_Oct 2017 | Page 20

Creative Corner: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Caroline Keller Band
By: Jess Bailey
As we wrap up our summer concert series,
Jammin’ By The Tracks, we’re treated by the
return performance of local favorite, Caroline
Keller Band! A little bit rock and a whole
lot of country, the band’s namesake and lead
singer, Caroline Keller, describes them as
traditional country with an Americana flare.
Keller was born and raised in Charlotte, and
grew up in Weddington, so the Waxhaw ven-
ue is steeped in her own upbringing and dear
to her heart. “I enjoy the small town feel of
it. When you come to Waxhaw, you feel like
you’re at home just because everyone is so
kind and welcoming,” says Keller.
Keller has been writing her own music for
years, with early influences including Whit-
ney Houston, Celine Dion, Martina McBride
and Faith Hill – truly a blend of pop, country
and rock. She got her start in the music in-
dustry as a Christian country singer, topping
the charts of Christian country radio, having
four songs that ranked in the top 10. Fit-
waxHAW NEWS ● SEPT/OCT 2017 ● 20
tingly, she has found a home at Five Stones
Church in Waxhaw, where she can be found
leading their Sunday worship services. It’s
also where she met her band mates, who col-
laborate with her to write the Band’s original
material, as well as provide the music and
backup vocals.
“We typically write everything we play,” says
Keller. “When we do shows, we’ll throw in
some covers and bring some familiar songs to
people.”
The band consists of Keller plus two core
members -- Scott Spruill and John Christen-
bury, with up to as many as seven, depending
on the need and/or venue. Spruill has been
playing professionally since 2004, and serves
as the Caroline Keller Band leader. In addi-
tion to co-writing, he plays guitar and piano
for the band. Charlotte-native, Christenbury
has been honing his musical craft since he
was a small child, and plays bass guitar. Ad-
ditionally, he provides all the visual graphics
and posters to help market the band as they
travel to and from Charlotte and Nashville,
where they tour.
With a goal of one day getting on a big tour
as an opening act or a publishing deal at a
Nashville company, the band continues to
carve out a name for itself in country music’s
home. They regularly play at the Bluebird
Café, which is an even smaller venue in
person than it’s ever looked on television, so
competition is stiff. Fortunately, the band
has successfully auditioned there and contin-
ues to be invited back to perform!
And while the Nashville community offers
a broad spectrum – with bigger venues and
a plethora of songwriters -- it’s still a small
town, much like our own.
Want to see more of the Caroline Keller
Band? See them on tour by visiting their
schedule page (http://www.carolinekeller-
music.com/tour2.html) or head over to Five
Stones Church on any given Sunday for a
lively worship. .