By Sarah Hall
Salisbury Post

Get ready, brothers and sisters, for that great getting-up out of your chairs this Friday.
There is a mighty band a-coming. It will descend upon Salisbury with the sound of trumpet (and trombone, banjo, guitar and drums).
Holy Ghost Tent Revival has been winning over audiences and gaining zealous fans in Greensboro and beyond with their unconventional style. Is it extreme bluegrass? Frenzied folk? Rowdy ragtime?

They sing original songs of life and love and loss and longing with high spirit and and so much fun it seems sinful. Their act is hotter than The Blue Vine’s Habanero jalapeno sauce and will have those wine bottles rattling Friday night.
It came to pass that Matthew and Stephen were dwelling in a dorm at Greensboro College, majoring in theatre but making music upon guitar and banjo. And in the same dorm dwelt Josh and Hank, music majors, who blew upon trumpet and trombone. And Matthew and Stephen said, “We have heard that sound, and it is good.” So the four made music together.
But they were not yet satisfied with their sound. A woodwind player was added for a while, but has since pursued another path. Ross joined on drums, then Patrick provided a firm foundation with bass. The audience rejoiced and danced and offered up exceeding praise.
The band needed a name. Lo, Hank saw a sign (by the road) saying “Holy Ghost Tent Revival.” And it was so.
It is written (on their Myspace): “The members of HGTR assembled out of a singular, driving purpose: to bring the sounds that will make your mothers chant, make your fathers get up and dance, make the preacher man’s daughter blush and turn the volume up on her stereo just a little bit more … They faithfully commit to leave their all on the stage for you; not a one will go until their souls are spent.”So be of good cheer, or raise your glass and say “cheers,” this Friday at The Blue Vine. Don’t be left behind when your friends head downtown.

Holy Ghost Tent Revival is Stephen Murray, Matt Martin, Hank Widmer, Patrick Leslie, Josh Lovings, Ross Montsinger.
You can hear them at www.myspace.com/hgtr.

The show starts at 8:30 p.m. Friday at The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. No cover charge.

For more information call 704-797-0093 or visit www.thebluevine.com.
Contact Sarah Hall at 704-797-4271 or shall@salisburypost.com.