On Nov. 15, the Becky Buller Band and The Fairfield Four will take the stage at First Baptist Church in Elizabethton.
Buller graduated from ETSU in 2001 with a degree in public relations and a minor in music. One of the main reasons she came to the university was to be a part of the bluegrass program. She is happy to return to the area to perform in one of the many areas she calls home.
“I am excited to perform for ETSU again,” Buller said. “A little bit nervous, you know, because I hope I do okay. It is like Johnson City area is my second hometown. When you play in your hometown, you want people to look at you and be like, ‘Oh, she is doing alright for herself.’ Excited, nervous, very happy to come back to the Tri-Cities because I do not get to come back all that often.”
She also looks forward to performing with the Fairfield Four, which is an a capella gospel ensemble that has continued through multiple generations. Buller has been a fan of the group for almost 30 years.
“[The Fairfield Four] is just a great example of a capella roots gospel music,” Buller said. “They are some of the last people doing what they do. This is a really special opportunity for folks to get to hear this incredible musical art form, and I am just thrilled that they would be willing to work with me.”
The two groups have worked together previously on Buller’s song “Written in the Back of the Book” and performed in Manchester, Tennessee, together last November. Each ensemble will perform their own set of songs, finishing with a grand finale featuring them both. Buller describes the event as merging of two specifically American music styles that do not often come together.
“I think that is the biggest takeaway,” Buller said. “The biggest thing I want people to leave with is music unites, and I hope that people leave after the show feeling refreshed and rejuvenated and a greater sense of community and partnership.”
The show will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors and $5 for students.
