Fiddler Parker Malone and longtime bluegrass instructor Randy Lanham will represent Owensboro on a national stage next month after being selected to perform during the White House Christmas open house on December 7.
Lanham and Malone will play a 2-hour set of acoustic Christmas music as guests tour the White House and view its holiday decorations. The performance is entirely volunteer, as musicians are not compensated or reimbursed for travel.
Lanham said he learned earlier this year that the White House was seeking volunteer performers for the annual event. He submitted an application for himself and Malone, a student of his for several years. Within weeks, they received word they had been selected.
“When I got the application, it just made sense to show off bluegrass music versions of Christmas music with a young student musician from Owensboro, and Parker Malone was the perfect fit,” Lanham said. “Parker and I have played Christmas music with the band class and other group lessons for years, so we already had a whole set list we could do. We both feel blessed to be able to represent the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World at the White House.”
Lanham said Malone’s musical ability stood out early and that the young fiddler has become a leader in the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s band class and in the community.
“Parker has a God-given musical talent that not only spotlights young people in bluegrass music, but also shows that young talent can do lots to volunteer in the community,” Lanham said. “He has a servant’s heart, and we both agree that if given the opportunity to share our passion for serving the vulnerable, we will use it to inspire others.”
Malone and his mother, Sarah, first began taking group lessons at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum before transitioning into private instruction. Lanham said Malone’s quick learning and natural ability soon led to both he and Sarah helping teach the band class.
“He was such a good fiddler and singer, and Sarah was such a good guitar player and singer that they really helped lead the band class in learning new songs,” Lanham said. “After a few years, they both became leaders in the class — a full circle moment. It has always been my vision and dream for students to become the teachers, and the Malones did just that.”
The two now help lead the class weekly and participate in monthly nursing home performances. They are also members of Barry Lanham’s clogging team and frequent performers — onstage and backstage — at the Lanham Brothers Jamboree.
“They have such a God-given talent that there is nothing they can’t do, and they love to share that music with others, while teaching or performing,” Randy Lanham said.
As he reflected on the upcoming White House performance, he said their mission remains the same wherever they go.
“We never want to forget those that can’t get out to hear music,” Lanham said. “We will always take it to them, to let them know they are loved and never forgotten.”
