The Benning Bash will feature Grammy award-winning group Kool & The Gang, with RaeLynn and Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown at 6 p.m. Sept. 13 on York Field. The event is free and open to the public. York Field is located in front of McGinnis-Wickam Ha...

FORT BENNING, Ga. (Aug. 27, 2014) -- As one of the Benning Bash's upcoming performers Sept. 13, Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown's lead vocalist said their music will offer a variety of sounds for every age.

Bryant, a 21-year-old guitarist from Texas has been playing since he was 6 and was influenced by blues musicians such as Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The Shakedown is comprised of drummer Caleb Crosby, bass player Noah Denney and guitarist Graham Whitford, the son of Aerosmith's Brad Whitford. Bryant said each member brings new flavors of musical influences and styles to the band.

"The music that we love and listen to is similar but we all come from different places," Bryant said. "Caleb is into gospel and groovy music, while Noah is into bands like Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden and Graham and I are into a lot of blues and classic rock. We all bring something fresh and unique to the table."

At age 11, Bryant's parents found him playing in a record store with seasoned blues guitarist Roosevelt Twitty, and four years later he was introduced to rock through the Black Crowes and The Rolling Stones.

During his senior year of high school, Bryant decided to move to Nashville, Tennessee, to develop his craft of writing songs and performing while still managing to graduate from high school.

"I loved the songwriting community in Nashville and I wanted to move there and write songs," he said. "I went there and played a show and everyone I met there was very creative and inspiring. I ended up meeting my band there and I stayed there."

Bryant said the band will perform several hits during the Benning Bash from their latest album Wild Child and a few new songs they recently recorded. Bryant is currently on tour with rock legends Jeff Beck and Z.Z. Top, an experience he says has helped to deepen his appreciation of music and the impact it has on every individual.

"I don't think music has an age, but I do think it's important for young bands to try something fresh and new with music and art," Bryant said. "It's important for me to take these influences and to go out and inspire the people of my generation and allow older generations to enjoy it as well."

Editor's note: This is the second of a series of articles promoting the Benning Bash. Have a question for Kool & The Gang? Email the questions to aniesa.holmes@bayonetandsaber.com.