Known for their unique musical diversity, creativity and sometimes ‘off the wall’ sense of humor, Spatial Effects will take the stage in the Harris Arts Center’s Ratner Theater on Friday night July 23 at 8 p.m. The band is composed of Calhoun local Earl Brackin (mandolin and vocals), Tom Brown (banjo and harmonica), and David Crawford (guitar and vocals) of northwest Georgia, Betsy Blankenship (bass and vocals) and John Boulware (fiddle), both from southwest Tennessee.

This award-winning group of musicians performs regularly in the Southeast and has opened for top national acts such as Mountain Heart, The Lovell Sisters and Claire Lynch. 2010 marked the first year that the band has performed at the renowned Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Earl Brackin lives in Calhoun and currently serves as music minister for the Evangelical Methodist Church in Dalton. He has taught music in both public and private schools and at one time was also involved in the production and composition of commercial jingles. Brackin’s song ‘The Mystery of Your Smile’ was selected as runner up in the 2008 Valentine’s Song Contest for Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, a radio program aired on the Moody network. Brackin is currently working on a solo studio project which is being recorded at Stephen’s Music Company here in Calhoun.

Tom Brown has injected a healthy dose of traditional bluegrass songs to the group’s repertoire as well as his own original compositions which he refers to as “slightly bent.” He was selected in 2003, 2004, 2006 and again in 2007 for the ASCAP Sponsored Songwriter Showcase at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s ‘World of Bluegrass’ trade show. He also co-wrote the two act musical comedy “Fat Shirley’s: A Trailer Park Opera” along with guitarist David Crawford.

Boulware is a student at UTC pursuing a degree in business. By age 20, John had won the Uncle Dave Macon Days annual fiddle contest in Murphreesboro, Tenn. four times. In 2006, Boulware captured the Tennessee State Fiddle Championship in Clarksville, Tenn.

This concert event is being hosted by the Calhoun chapter of the Southeastern Bluegrass Association (SEBA). The chapter meets regularly at the Harris Arts Center on the second Sunday of every month from 3-6 pm. There is no charge for the SEBA meetings and local pickers (and grinners) of all ages are welcome to attend.

There will be open jamming from 6 to 8 p.m. on the night of the event. Doors to the theater will open at 7:30. Tickets prices are $15.00 for general admission. HAC and SEBA members $12, Children 6-12 $5, and children under 6 are free. For more information, call (706) 629-2599 for tickets and more information.