On Friday, Sept. 18, critically acclaimed and world-renowned artists, The Holmes Brothers, will be performing in Waterman Theatre, as part of this year’s ALANA Student Leadership Conference.

The band, which is comprised of Wendell Holmes on guitar, piano and vocals; Sherman Holmes on bass and vocals; and Popsy Dixon on drums and vocals, are noted for their blend of blues, gospel, country, soul and pop.

"Their music is true roots music in terms of gospel and blues," said Mary Avrakotos, coordinator for ARTSwego.

The band has been together since 1979 and has worked with such artists as Van Morrison, Willie Nelson, Odetta, and Peter Gabriel. Additionally, in 2005, they won the Blues Music Award Band of the Year award from the Memphis-based Blues Foundation.

The concert will feature Oswego State’s Gospel Choir, who will be joining the Holmes Brothers in the finale, singing "Amazing Grace." Gospel Choir President, Janelle Wilcox, says the group is looking forward to the performance, which will be their first performance of the year.

"Bringing (the Holmes Brothers) to campus is the biggest thing for not only the multicultural students but also the entire campus," said Student Involvement Coordinator Magdalena Rivera.

In addition, she thinks that the concert will be a great bonus for the ALANA conference.