Q: Before the NASCAR Nationwide race in Atlanta, an all-female quartet sang the national anthem. I didn't catch the name of the group, but they performed one of the best national anthem renditions I've ever heard. Is this a local group? Also, do they have any CDs? — William McKee Jr., Flowery Branch
A: Atlanta-based von Grey performed the national anthem Saturday at the NRA American Warrior 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Sisters Kathryn, who is the oldest, Annika, Fiona and Petra combine "folk, bluegrass and country influences, imbuing time-honored musical idioms with a distinctly modern sensibility," according to their website (vongreymusic.com). Their CD, "Make Some Noise," was released in 2011. Von Grey is scheduled to perform at the Rylander Theatre in Americus on Saturday, at the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival in downtown Augusta on Sept. 16 and at the GEM Theatre in Calhoun on Sept. 22, according to their website.
Q: What is the name of the song and name of the group who sang at the closing ceremony of the Olympics? The group included four men, and they sang toward the end of the ceremony. I thought the song was beautiful. — Yoko Maddox, Roswell
A: British band Take That performed "Rule the World" at the closing ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics. The group has been around for more than 20 years, and "Rule the World" was a hit in 2007. Group member Gary Barlow performed despite the loss of his stillborn daughter on Aug. 4.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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