SLU’s resident country music star, Blaine Holcomb ’14, will soon be playing much larger venues than Pub 56. Holcomb is the newest member of The Fulton Chain Gang, a band that’s been around for nearly two decades.
Holcomb got his big break last spring when entered a national country music competition, the Texaco Country Showdown, and won at the local level with a performance at Oneida Lake.
Holcomb lost at the state level, but after his performance in the local competition, he got noticed by The Fulton Chain Gang. As luck would have it, their lead singer was about to retire and they were looking for a new one. “They saw me perform and were interested,” Holcomb said. “One thing led to another and I eventually got the job.”
Based in the Syracuse area, the band’s spring and summer tour will take them around New York State, with one stop in Pennsylvania. “It will be a busy summer, with multiple shows per week,” Holcomb said.
The Hamilton, NY native has been playing guitar for 10 years and cites Brad Paisley as his biggest idol. “I love to play country and classic rock,” Holcomb said, adding that playing music professionally would be his ideal career.
The Fulton Chain Gang has opened for some big-name acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Toby Keith, and Billy Currington. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to play with these guys,” Holcomb said. “It will give me good exposure be a great experience.”
So, do you want to hear these guys play? You’re in luck! Blaine and the rest of The Fulton Chain Gang will be playing a show at SLU on Friday, April 13 from 7-9 on the patio outside the first floor of the student center.
For more information about The Fulton Chain Gang, including their touring schedule and booking info, check out www.thefultonchaingang.com.
