Orland Park Youths Break Into Country Scene as The G Brothers

Billy and Brian Grant found a unique opportunity in Karaoke.

The Grants recently performed at a holiday show held over the Thanksgiving holiday at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, along with headliners Jordan Sparks and Lauren Alaina—both of American Idol fame.  

Organized by KMLE Country 108—a popular Arizona country music station—the 20^th annual “Breakfast Show at Night” event provides an evening of entertainment, and also raises funds for children in need throughout the state. The show will be broadcast in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area throughout Christmas weekend.

The brothers’ inclusion in the “Breakfast Show at Night,” however, was unexpected.

“While in Arizona over the summer, KLME hosted an event, so we decided to check it out. It turned out they were having a Karaoke night,” said older brother, Billy, 13.

The brothers were ready to sing along with a Karaoke song track, when they spotted two guitars being set up for a following performance by KMLE’s morning DJs, Tim and Willy.

“We asked Tim and Willy if we could borrow their guitars because we really didn’t want to sing to a backing track,” said Billy. “We sang two songs, Brown Eyed Girl and Who Says You Can’t Go Home. Tim later told us 15 seconds into our performance, he knew he wanted us to be part of the Breakfast Show at Night.”

Billy and Brian Grant, performing under the moniker, The G Brothers, have become popular in the Orland Park area in the past few years, building a loyal following at area venues including Lemont’s The Charley Horse, Lemont's This Must Be The Place prior to its closure and 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. The brothers sing a mix of country and soft rock covers, though they’ve recently begun to wow fans with original songs.

Performing in front of a live audience may be a bit intimidating for some people, but not for Billy and Brian. In fact, the bigger the better.

“I’m comfortable in front of a crowd,” said Brian, 10. “I always get excited to play in front of a big audience.”

They’re serious about their music, taking lessons in guitar and violin, spending at least an hour a day to practice a list of cover songs and working an equal amount on writing original music.

The brothers recently released “Down the Road” a four-song EP with all original music, available on iTunes.

What’s next for the G Brothers? Performing, writing more songs and perhaps, if all goes as planned, according to Billy, “Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry!”

Their parents, while supportive of their sons’ musical careers, first stress academics, extra-curricular activities and time with family and friends.

“It’s incredible what is happening to the boys, in terms of their music career,” said mother Debbie Grant. “Sometimes we wonder where it comes from. What else can we do, but support their dreams and see where it leads them.”

Check out The G Brothers on the web and on Facebook.