For 7 Mile Run, the band, the music, the performances are “all in the good Lord’s plan.”
They will bring their country style to Folino Stage during the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Friday, June 30 at 8 p.m.
According to Frontman Brian Miller, festivalgoers should expect a Southern Rock Country kind of vibe. With six members, four of which have heavy rock roots, the band is far from the twangy country of the past but also not in the pop genre by any means either.
And Miller said he is blessed to play next to the people he does.
“I am surrounded by five of the best Christian people that I know in the band. Every one of us in the band is currently on or was on a worship team. God is first. There’s no drama in the band and no drugs, no alcohol, and no ego.”
7 Mile Run began 10 years ago, but many of it’s members have been playing music for much longer.
Miller said he has been playing in one way or another since 1998, but fatherhood took over. However, he could never kick the craving of being a musician and then got back into the music scene. Overtime his bands have evolved in various musicians and names including Country Knights … then Tanoma Road … into the now 7 Mile Run, a name that came from the fact that Tanoma Road was a seven-mile stretch.
Miller is happy that he ended up in the band 7 Mile Run with his friends.
“I have been blessed to run into these guys. Each one is a master of their craft. We have all been friends forever.”
The band is made up of experienced musicians including:
Barry Little- Lead Electric Guitar-A highly respected musician in the area by other musicians and bands alike, Barry has been playing guitar and involved in all-things music since the 80’s. He knows his gear very well and has acquired a massive amount of it in his man cave/studio-practice room. He is very generous with it and is always willing to loan it out or educate a young aspiring guitarist with it. Barry also puts high values on his family and friends. Learn more about Barry.
Brian Heath- Lead/Rhythm Electric Guitar Brian has been play music for over 37 years, starting on piano, and eventually moving to guitar, Brian was first introduced to the wonders of electric guitar by watching none other than Greg Orr play in a metal Christian band. A fire was lit inside Brian and lessons with Greg started shortly after their encounter. Brian has played in many bands and in many different genres since then, including high school plays, and now ironically his playing has brought him back to a band with Greg. He also has been serving as a musician for his worship team at Summit Church in Indiana for the last 12 years. Learn more about Brian Heath.
Brian Miller- Lead Vocalist Brian Miller is the frontman for 7 Mile Run and has been entertaining crowds all over the region for 20 years. He has fronted other successful bands including Country Knights, and Tanoma Road, while claiming Colgate Country Showdown State championship titles, and runner-up regional titles. His heart and pure love of country music is easily heard from the first note he sings. Brian has a love for all his fans and a stage presence that has caught the eye of many national acts. Brian started in music at the tender age of 6 playing piano. At age 11 he started playing saxophone in school band, which would take him on to claim district, regional and state titles, as well as IUP Honors band, while playing the baritone saxophone. At age 16 he taught himself to play the guitar, and started writing his own music. Brian also plays bass guitar, and drums. Learn more about Brian Miller.
Greg Orr- Bass Guitar/Vocals Greg Orr has been playing music since the age of 10 in. He has been playing guitar for 46 years and has been in many bands, with his roots in blues and rock. Greg has mostly played metal and hard rock, but was exposed early in life to country music by his father- from Conway Twitty to Stonewall Jackson. Music has and will always be a big part of his life, just how God is the most important part of life. Learn more about Greg.
Johnny Bodnar- Head basher and cymbal crasher Johnny has a short attention span and easily forgets things. He’s been playing for 34 years. Learn more about Johnny.
John Powell- Fiddle/Vocals John Powell “JP” was born and raised in a musical family. He had an instrument in his hand almost before he could walk and learned the love of good harmony vocals from his mother. JP took to the stage at an early age with his mom and dad and has played for many audiences from churches and retirement homes, to dance halls, fairs, and festivals. Learn more about John.
According to Miller, the band looks forward to playing at the Festival and playing to a community crowd.
We make everything personal. We make eye contact with the people in the crowd, and it’s a lot easier to do that with a small crowd. We like to see what each community is about.”
And it’s truly a community show, appropriate for all ages.
It’s a family friendly show, so we like to see the kids come out and watch the show. We hope it inspires those kids to play music. Who knows, they could be the group in the future that we are watching.”
7 Mile Run is also patriotic.
“We are very patriotic in our sets. We have great respect for veterans and first responders, realizing what they’ve done for us.”
The band has had some great experiences and opportunities. The “Rockers” in the band pushed for a joint show with the Outlaws who also do gigs as a country band named Blackhawk.
“They are one of the biggest bands ever. I completely wrapped myself up in it. Watching those guys play their Southern Rock set … I learned so much and fell in love with that group.”
Miller said they also have played with and are starstruck with the Atlanta Rhythm Section.
And although Miller said you might not see 7 Mile Run on the Country Music Awards, he believes the band has already made it because they get to do what they love.
“It’s been a fun ride. I always like to say that we’ve gotten to do a lot of things other artists haven’t gotten to do. Opened for big acts in big venues. We are thankful to God for steering us on this path by his glory.”
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