By Mary O’Day

GSUMC Communications Ministry

Gulf Shores United Methodist Church’s (GSUMC) 2010-2011 Concert Series presents “A Songwriters Showcase” on Thursday.

The showcase includes Grammy Award winner Linda Davis, along with Brent Burns, Lang Scott and Bill Whyte. The concert will be held at the GSUMC South Campus Auditorium (located in the Winn-Dixie Shopping Center) at 7 p.m. Admission is $15 and tickets are on sale Monday thru Friday at the South Campus Auditorium. Proceeds help further GSUMC’s music ministry.

Joining Davis will be local favorite Brent Burns along with Lang Scott and Bill Whyte.

Linda Davis is a dedicated career woman, consummate entertainer, inspirational motivator, and devoted wife and mother as well as a Grammy-winning singer/songwriter. Davis and superstar Reba McEntire recorded a duet entitled “Does He Love You” that went on to become a No. 1 hit and earned both artists several awards including a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. Davis has played to sold-out crowds with the likes of Garth Brooks, George Strait and Kenny Rogers, who proclaims, “In this business, there are people who can sing and there are singers. Linda Davis is absolutely one of the best singers in the business. I defy you to find anyone who’s ever worked with her or heard her sing to disagree with that statement. She is the best.”

Burns is the 2010 Trop Rock “Songwriter of the Year” with “I’ve Got A Beach In My Backyard” (CD and Song of the Year which contains “Retired” a duet with Grammy winner Ray Stevens).

In 2008, Trop Rock Music Awards included entertainer of the year and CD of the year (“Ragtops and Flip Flops”) and Wave Humanitarian honored him for charitable work. Burns was on the national scene (CNN and Headline News) with his songs and videos, “Pain At The Pump,” a response to $4 a gallon gas prices and “Drill, Drill, Drill,” a response to the BP oil spill. He was the first entertainer to perform for troops overseas after the tragedy of 9/11.

Scott is married to Linda Davis (since 1984) and lives in Nashville with their two children, Hillary and Rylee. His accomplishments include: 1st National Champion of TNN’s You Can Be A Star, former MCA Recording Artist, Grand Ole Opry appearances, guitarist and background vocalist for Reba McEntire.

He has had songs recorded by LeeAnn Rimes, JoDee Messina and Linda Davis.

Lang started and remains President and Managing Partner of MusicCityNetworks, an Interactive Media company that designs and manages websites and Internet strategies for some of the top artists in country music.

Whyte is a songwriter whose unique presentation of funny and twisted songs blends into his stand-up routine. He is a CMA Award winning radio personality who has hosted top rated morning radio shows in Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Nashville.

Bill’s tunes are recorded by Brady Seals, Linda Davis, Ray Stevens, Cledus T. Judd and Darin and Brooke Aldridge. He landed a feature song in the independent movie “Cornhole” (a comedy that draws attention to the Midwest’s popular bean bag game). He is also a comedy writer for United Stations in New York and AOL’s “The Boot”.

The public is welcome at all GSUMC concerts. For more information, call 251-968-2411 or visit www.gulfshoresumc.org.