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Swons share giving spirit during Salvation Army benefit


Swons share giving spirit during Salvation Army benefit

Dec. 24 -- Colton and Zach Swon have a special reason for performing their Muskogee Christmas concert for a 13th year Saturday.

"It's what we look forward to each Christmas," Colton Swon said. "It takes a lot of people make this night work. We see a lot of sponsors sitting at these tables."

The Swon Brothers performed for hundreds of supporters at Muskogee Civic Center. Proceeds from the concert benefit Muskogee Salvation Army. Concert-goers were encouraged to bring nonperishable food and to put money in the Red Kettles. Sponsors had tables near two sides of the in-the-round stage.

Colton thanked all for such support.

"People literally have food in their bellies, a jacket to wear," he said. "You understand where this money goes, it goes a lot further than this concert here. It makes me proud to be from Muskogee Oklahoma."

Fans got a close-up at the Swons when they brought their act to the middle of the arena floor.

"We wanted to get down here closer to you," Zach said. "We scaled down the band a little bit, but that's kind of by design. We have a new act coming out and it's kind of a bluegrass on steroids album."

Band members included Jonathan Warren on fiddle and Josh Matheny on dobro. Saxophonist Jermaine Mondaine jazzed up a few numbers, including "Georgia On My Mind," with Zach growling the words.

The Swons brought their mother, Tammy Swon, to sing "O Holy Night."

Comedian Heather Land and country vocalist Emily Ann Roberts also performed.

Swon fan Cindy Buckskin of Muskogee said she not only has come to nearly every Christmas concert, she also recalled hearing the Swons when they were in high school. She said she's followed their growth through the years.

"They've gotten a lot better," Buckskin said. "I've been watching them since they first started, and when they were on 'The Voice' with Blake."

Country singer Blake Shelton was the Swons' mentor during the NBC music competition in 2013. The brothers placed third.

"I love the Swon Brothers and I think everyone should support them when they come to Muskogee," Buckskin said. "I just like country music, and I like to go to concerts."

Jessica Kildow drove the winding road from Lincoln, Arkansas, to see the Swons. She said she loved the way they sang. Kildow's 4-year-old daughter, Cash Carter, danced to Roberts' music.

It was the third Swon concert for Michael and Marybeth Stephens, who were sponsors.

"We are both supporters of the Salvation Army and wanted to support the Swon Brothers," Marybeth Stephens said.

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