By Ron Brohm, Music Writer
A new group is in town and folks are starting to take notice. “Crossing Over”, a local Bluegrass Gospel group, formed just months ago has already produced a litany of original songs and has already played several appointments in Springfield and the central Ohio area.
“Our group is a traditional Bluegrass Gospel group,” says group member Kenny Castle.
“We play for the Glory of God. Our group is a Ministry to Praise the Lord and inspire.” adds Castle.
Although this group is new, its roots go way back. It’s really quite a family affair.
The group’s Banjo player, John Baldwin is actually the uncle to group members and brothers Clay Baldwin and Chris Baldwin. Clay Baldwin is the group’s songwriter and mandolin player. His brother Chris plays the “doghouse stand-up bass” in the group. In addition, group member Ray Boggs plays acoustic guitar and his brother Gary Boggs is the lead singer.
Clay and Chris’s mom and dad along with Ray and Gary’s mom and dad had a Gospel group that played in the 70’s.This really is a family connected group with very rich musical roots.
Group member Kenny Castle plays acoustic rhythm guitar for the group. “We all go to the same church and have known each other for a long time,” says Castle. “About six months ago we thought, hey we can do this, we can start a group, and the group was formed.”
They’ve never looked back since.
“We’re just a bunch of regular guys with full-time jobs and families who just happen to love to play music and Praise the Lord,” adds Castle. “We are very proud and honored to carry on the traditions and musical roots of our group members parents.”
To date, the group has played several appointments in Springfield and in central Ohio, from there it’s more churches and other venues on their agenda where they can spread the Gospel through their bluegrass music. An album may also be in the works for the group sometime this year, Castle indicates. With 25 original songs to date, in just six months, the group has plenty of material for such an endeavor.
Come spring and summer the group is also looking at other opportunities for playing at nearby opera houses, concerts in the park series, festivals and outdoor amphitheater venues.
With it’s “Crossing Over” Ministry only six months old, the group has created 25 original songs, has other appointments scheduled, plans to cut an album and is spreading the Gospel with their bluegrass music all along the way.
Yes, yes indeed, I would say, these guys are definitely on a mission!
You can follow the group on Facebook at “Crossing Over Bluegrass Gospel“