The Sawmill Band is the main attraction at the Farmer’s Opry in Chumuckla. No need to go to Nashville….we have our own Opry right here. If you haven’t experienced the Farmer’s Opry in Chumuckla, you’re missing out! Every Friday and Saturday night the country professionals give us a musical treat like no other.

Sawmill, the house band for the Farmer’s Opry, has officially been a band since around January 2001.

Since then, Sawmill has evolved into one of Northwest Florida’s premier country bands, featuring seasoned instrumentalist and talented vocalists. The band has shared the stage with over 30 country music icons including: Travis Tritt, Craig Morgan, Lady Antebellum, Heartland, Phil Vassar, Terri Clark and Gary Allen.

The unique individuals make up the band’s genre. Each member has their roots in various forms of modern and traditional country, and the result is a well-blended mixture that creates the highest quality entertainment.

Let’s meet The Sawmill Band:

Dereck Barnes (Keys): Raised on Southern Gospel and Country Music, Dereck brings invaluable knowledge to the stage and is certainly an anchor in the Sawmill Band. Dereck also performs background vocals, as well as occasional lead vocals.

Rick Smith (Bass Guitar): Rick’s roots are in gospel music and traditional country and his talent is welcomed in country music. His notable accuracy certainly provides a strong bottom end in the band.

Brooke Woods Smith (Vocals, Fiddle): Raised in Gospel Music, Brooke brings strong lead vocals as well as world-class backgrounds vocals to Sawmill. She also just released her first album, a self titled solo project.

James Broxson (Vocals): James made his mark in country music in the mid 90’s as lead singer of the local hit band “Yellow River”. After taking a break from the limelight for a few years, James joined Sawmill as a vocalist in September 2006.

Kelton French (Vocals): Kelton made his premier in 2005 as the winner of the regional Colgate Country Showdown held at The Farmers’ Opry. Kelton’s style is mostly centered around late traditional and new country.

Clint Smith (Drums): Clint performed with Sawmill in the early days as the bands original drummer. After pursuing other musical avenues, he returned to the band in mid-year 2005.

Melissa Welch (Vocals): At the young age of 10, Melissa began performing with the band. Now at the age of 18, Melissa has a strong, dynamic voice that adds an unmistakable variety to the band’s sound.

Sandy Wyatt (Steel Guitar): The owner of the Farmers Opry, and the band leader, Sandy brings a rock solid foundation to Sawmill. His deep roots in country music are evident in every steel guitar solo.

Jeremy Wyatt (Acoustic Guitar, Show Coordinator): Jeremy’s unique finger picking acoustic style adds another element of traditional country to the Band. With 10 years of stage experience with his father, he helps steer the shows in the right direction.

Chloe Channell (Vocals): Chloe is the newest and youngest member of the Sawmill Band. Only 8 years old, she makes cameo appearances every Friday and Saturday with the band, as well as at all of the band’s roadshows.

The Opry is a kid-friendly venue that serves up great Southern homecooking and world class talent every Friday and Saturday evening. It’s alcohol free, and offers an evening of clean family fun! Visit www.farmersopry. com for details!