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Country Music At Its Finest With The Sawyer Family in Llano

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Although most fans know the family as the Sawyers, David and Kathy chose “Simple Gifts” for the name of the band. “Simple Gifts” is the title of a song they love and the reference allows them to talk about the gift each individual has. David and Kathy proclaim to the audience that everyone has a gift to give back, and no gift is unimportant. The family earned the Best Group Harmony – Western Music Association, two times in a row.

Country Music At Its Finest With The Sawyer Family in Llano

Photo: Kathy West Sawyer

The Sawyer family’s band, Simple Gifts, will present country music in Llano, Texas on April 3 at the Heart of Texas Country Museum.

Country Music At Its Finest With The Sawyer Family in Llano

Photo: Kathy West and Greg Bade

The Sawyers are down-home folk who love God, country, and each other. Before Kathy entered his life, David grew a reputation in the United States as a singer/songwriter. He toured Japan and Russia singing and playing various instruments with his original music. At his shows, he also performed renditions composed by other song writers.

David’s recent past awards include:

  • 2015 Male Yodeler of the Year – Western Music Association
  • Stand Out New Cast Member – Male – “The Promise” in Glenrose, Texas
  • Two-time finalist in the 2015 Kerrville New Folk Competition

David met Kathy, also a music performer, through mutual friends and they married in 1998. The husband and wife duo provide the nucleus for the group.  Kathy, talented in her own right, had toured with Up With People from 1984 -1988—performing in the US, Canada and Europe. The Super Bowl XX half-time show was a highlight for her. She was voted Stand Out New Cast Member – Female – “The Promise” in Glenrose, Texas

Country Music At Its Finest With The Sawyer Family in Llano

Photo: Kathy Sawyer

Leah Grace was born in May, 2001, and David and Kathy taught her to sing before she could walk. The guitar, fiddle, and piano came a bit later. Her awards include: Crescendo (Rising Star) Award – Western Music Association, Two times All State Piano, two times Red Steagall Fiddle Contest, Athens fiddle contest winner, and Cowboy True Fiddle Contest winner. She can also belt out a tune. Do you like yodeling? She can do that, too.

Country Music At Its Finest With The Sawyer Family in Llano

Photo: Kathy Sawyer

David Sergei joined the family by way of a Russian adoption in March, 2004. Even as a baby, he listened to family music, and as soon as he could hold a fiddle in his small hands, he learned to play. His awards include: Two time winner of the Red Steagall Fiddle Contest, Cowboy True Fiddle winner, and he is a two time winner of the Llano fiddle challenge.

The Sawyers’ first performed as a professional family unit in the summer of 2008. Leah was seven at the time, and David was five. These days, they perform about one hundred times a year in some combination of their family group. They’ve traveled as far as Yorkshire, England to sing as a family. Kathy states their goal. “To help the kids grow musically, to maintain strong family ties and be a blessing to others. We walk through the doors that God opens. He often surprises us.”

Country Music At Its Finest With The Sawyer Family in Llano

Photo: Kathy Sawyer

The Sawyers are Texas friendly and would love to meet you. They live in Weatherford, Texas, but travel the State of Texas and elsewhere. Once you meet them, you’ll not forget them, and you’ll want to hear them again.

Country Music At Its Finest With The Sawyer Family in Llano

Photo: diyarchives.blogspot.com

Make plans to attend the Llano County Museum. Before and after the performance, you’ll find interesting displays. The building portrays over one hundred renowned artists pictured in stage costumes and with instruments.  The Sawyers are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. – noon. Address: 1701 S Bridge St, Brady, TX 76825. Phone: (325) 597-1895.

Country Music At Its Finest With The Sawyer Family in Llano

Photo: Dale Lewis

Spring is the perfect time to drive through the heart of Texas. Bluebonnets will catch your eye, and you must stop for photographs. Don’t take too long for pictures though—you won’t want to miss the Sawyer’s lively performance. The entire family sings original compositions as well as known favorites. Travel through beautiful scenery, listen to live country music with the Sawyers, eat a delicious lunch, and head home through the Bluebonnets. Don’t miss this grand day.

Reference:

www.hillbillyhits.com