Gardner-Webb Student Lindy Bryson Honored to Open Inaugural Concert in Brinkley Amphitheater on Oct. 28

Singer-Songwriter Performs to Worship God and Lead Others to Connect with Him

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb student Lindy Bryson has the honor of being the first musician to perform on the Brinkley Amphitheater stage on Oct. 28 when she opens for Will Jones and 15-time Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs. Her new song, “Muddy Waters,” won first place in the Don Gibson Singer Songwriter Competition. The song describes how she felt on the day she was baptized in the Broad River.  

Bryson almost didn’t enter the competition, but decided to after some convincing by her mom. Besides the thrill of winning, the entire experience was a positive one. “It was amazing, because I got to meet songwriters and I got to perform in front of Don Gibson’s wife and meet her,” Bryson shared.  

The granddaughter of Jerry Bryson, former Gardner-Webb baseball coach, Bryson grew up going to games at the University. Her mom is an alumna, too. “Gardner-Webb has always been such a special place to me,” she asserted. “My first memories are going to baseball games at GWU, and I have had the honor of singing the national anthem at the games.”  

Bryson started singing in church when she was 3 years old and has loved music ever since. She learned to play the guitar at age 12. She was bashful, but music gave her the confidence to be on stage in front of people. “My parents always said I was super shy, but as soon as I got a microphone in my hand, I was a different kid,” she noted. “Music has been such a big part of my life, and I just love to sing and lead worship, wherever God will open doors.”  

She listens to country music and Christian music, and her favorite artist is Dolly Parton. “Her songs tell a story, and she’s not afraid to tell people about her faith,” Bryson affirmed.  

Bryson is majoring in Christian studies and minoring in music. “Music is more than just singing words, it’s about worshipping God and connecting with him—and being able to connect with others, as well,” she explained. “I love to write songs that tell a story and songs that people can connect to and that help people love on Jesus. I’m so thankful for the support the community has given me and I hope I can make everyone proud.”  

The Ricky Skaggs concert on Oct. 28 begins at 5 p.m. with Bryson’s music. General admission tickets are $35 and selling fast. The concert is made possible in part with a grant from the Town of Boiling Springs TDA. WNCW 88.7 FM is a media sponsor. Tickets can be purchased here.  

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.