Iuka-born musical siblings come home for concerts

Daily Corinthian 4/15/2012

BY BOBBY J. SMITH bjsmith@dailycorinthian.com

The Thomas Brothers, a duo of Iuka-born musical siblings, will play two "Dinner & Concert" shows at the Little Episcopal Church in downtown Iuka.

The shows will be held Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28. For $10 -which includes tax and tips -concert-goers can convene for dinner at The Place, a restaurant at the intersection of Front Street and Main Street, anytime between 5 p.m. and showtime. The concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Little Episcopal Church on Eastport Street. Admission is also $10. 

Singer and songwriters Eddie and Frank Thomas recently completed a three-week, 14-concert tour of England.

“We had a great time, it was overwhelming, really," said Eddie.

The brothers last played at the church in January. During the show they talked about the town outside and their experiences growing up and going to school and church. This became an idea for their British shows.

"In England we'd talk from the point of view of a little church in Iuka, and take folks on a trip to Iuka," explained Frank.

Frank said the brothers weren't sure if the songs and experiences would translate to audience across the Atlantic.

"Would they understand about a 3o-watt drop-light from the ceiling or other things in our "Maggie's House' album? We decided we were going to go find out, and now we're coming back after finding out that they did understand. People understand the images," said Frank.

"A friend in England told us that people in England see America as a great big place, a huge country, a lot going on. And Americans are a big people, big folks with big attitudes," recalled Eddie. "He said, 'You two came over with a story that was very personal -you live the same as we do. It's easy seeing you as individuals.' We were very thrilled with that."

Eddie said the brothers had no idea about how the English audiences would receive their songs about growing up in the far northeastern corner of Mississippi, and they were happily surprised to find that people in another culture could appreciate the stories and experiences behind the Thomas brothers' songs.

“They related to the story," said Eddie, "and we're looking forward to going back to the little Episcopal Church and telling people how it was received over there."

Another thing to get excited about is the chance to eat dinner in downtown Iuka before the show. It went really well, Frank said, when the brothers last held a "Dinner & Concert" in Iuka.

"It was like old times - people coming to downtown and having a meal," said Frank.

Eddie and Frank will sign copies of "Pennyland" -their newest album -beginning at 5 p.m. both nights at the Little Episcopal Church.

Tickets are available at the Iuka Public Library, by phone at 662-423-3333, or eddieandfrank.com.

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