Band’s 20th anniversary marked by 18th album

Factoid:Sawyer Brown plays at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, at the DuQuoin State Fair Grandstand. Tickets are $18. For more information on Sawyer Brown, go to www.sawyerbrown.com

The Nashville-native band, Sawyer Brown, has performed more than 3,000 shows in its 20-year career. The band is about to make another addition to that total.

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Sawyer Brown, which performs at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, at the DuQuoin State Fair, was signed to Curb Records in 1984 after the group won the grand prize on Star Search. Sawyer Brown has managed to still be signed with Curb Records.

Formed in 1982, Sawyer Brown earned the TNN Award six years straight as Vocal Band of the Year. The band has also earned ACM honors as Top Vocal Group, and a CMA Horizon Award in 1985.

Sawyer Brown consists of vocalist Mark Miller, keyboardist Gregg “Hobie” Hubbard, guitarist Duncan Cameron, bassist Jim Scholten and drummer Joe Smyth.

The band recently released its 18th album, ‘Can You Hear Me Now’ in June. The album was recorded over a period of two years, and is described by the band as having a “great deal of diversity.”

In its history, Sawyer Brown has produced more than 20 songs that reached the Top 10. Some of Sawyer Brown’s hits include:”Step That Step,” “This Missin’ You Heart of Mine,” “The Dirt Road,” and “Some Girls Do.”

According to Hubbard, the amount of awards the band receives is unimportant. The quality of its music and the passion for performing is important.

“As long as we feel that there’s music there to make, we are willing to work as hard as it takes to keep that going,” Hubbard said on the band’s website.

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“That is one thing that has never changed.”

Reporter Jared DuBach can be reached at [email protected]