Band puts pedal to the metal

Published 9:18 pm Thursday, February 23, 2012

Kalamazoo-based country music band The Bronk Bros. will be performing at Foundry Hall at 8 p.m. March 9 for a fundraiser concert for the Michigan Flywheelers Museum. The band has opened for country greats such as Kenny Chesney and The Oak Ridge Boys.

Dubbed as “southwest Michigan’s hottest country band,” the Bronk Bros. bring their legendary  “Rockin’ Hillbilly Extravaganza” to Foundry Hall March 9 for an out-of-control, pedal-to-the-metal, in-your-face fundraiser concert starting at  8 p.m.

Favorites at the Michigan Flywheelers Museum’s antique engine and tractor show that is held every September, the group offered to help the museum raise funds for its Challenge Grant.

The museum, 6285 68th St. in South Haven, is raising $50,000 for an addition to its main exhibit building. The Samaritan Foundation of Benton Harbor has offered to double the amount of money the museum raises by April for the addition that will house restrooms and a warming kitchen.

“We’re very excited about the Challenge Grant,” said Patrick Ingalls, president of the Michigan Flywheelers Museum. “The Samaritan Foundation has offered us a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity by doubling what we raise.”

As of January, the organization has $34,000 toward the grant.

Fronted by the brother duo of Heath and Brian Bronk, the Bronk Bros. has opened for some of Nashville’s biggest acts, including Colin Raye, Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Byrd, Joe Diffie and the legendary The Oak Ridge Boys as well as for LeAnn Rimes and Kenny Chesney at Van Andel Arena.

The music journey began in 1997. Playing 120 live shows a year,  the group plays a mixture of classic country, new country and classic rock to create an original sound.

Both vocalists and songwriters, Heath Bronk also plays lead guitar while Brian Bronk specializes on the harmonica.

The brothers are backed on stage by a rhythm section that has played in bands together for six years: bassist Woody T. Bridges, drummer John “Dutch” Fulling and most recent addition lead guitarist T-Rex Bell.

In the summer of 2007, the Bronk Bros. released its first original single to country radio titled “In the Eye of the Beerholder” followed by another popular hit, “Tan Lines.”

Tickets are $5 in advance, $7 at the door and online at www.foundryhall.com, or call (269) 639-2010.