John, Anthony and Nathanael Gilkes comprise a soulful pop trio called Root Road with a series of concerts planned in Murfreesboro this summer. After 10 years in Murfreesboro, the group has inspired people of all ages with humble virtues and its friendly brand of upbeat pop-rock music. This June, the trio will hit the stage and perform at a handful of local venues this June.
The brothers of Root Road are three multitalented musicians who were exposed to music at young ages. Early on, the Gilkes brothers were influenced by multiple sources of musical and emotional inspiration that fostered creative growth. Their father, Ernie Gilkes Jr., encouraged the boys to grow as songwriters and nurtured Root Road’s budding professional career. With Ernie at the helm of their musical upbringing, Root Road formed into a group of seasoned artists who enjoy the rush of playing music for themselves and the crowd.
Root Road mixes modern Christian pop with a touch of classic rock. The three-piece band sings lush vocal harmonies and plays a variety of instruments such as guitar, piano and harmonica.
Root Road’s latest body of work, Come Alive, is the third album in the band’s discography. Long before the album’s creation, the Gilkes siblings made their way to Middle Tennessee to pursue a professional music career in 2008. Lessons learned during and after the journey from their hometown in northeastern Ohio proved to be a pivotal experience for the album’s creation. Grammy-nominated producer Roger Ryan took the band under his wing and assembled an experienced team of collaborators to bring the project to life. In 2017 Root Road released Come Alive, an album that shares lessons in love, loss and redemption.
Aside from their fruitful musical backgrounds, the members of Root Road say they all lead healthy Christian lifestyles that guide them creatively. Over the years, the group has performed for many different churches and faith-based events, including the recent 2018 Raise the Praise festival in Hendersonville. In June, Root Road plans to perform on the balcony of Shacklett’s Photography overlooking the June 9 Saturday Market on the Square, and at New Hope Lutheran Church (330 Walla Ct.) the following day. They also have a summer residency scheduled at CJ’s Restaurant and Catering on Northfield Boulevard throughout the summer.
Come join John, Anthony and Nathanael, and hear Root Road perform live shows on the following dates:
June 9 – Shacklett’s Photography balcony, 9 a.m.
June 10 – New Hope Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.
June 23 – CJ’s Restaurant and Catering, 6 p.m.
July 7 – CJ’s Restaurant and Catering, 6 p.m.
July 21 – CJ’s Restaurant and Catering, 6 p.m.
To see the band’s full event calendar and for more information, visit rootroad.com.
