The Genesis Sessions: Where Songs Begin

Join us for an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and fellowship at "The Genesis Sessions: Where Songs Begin".

A Christian Writer's Round/Concert celebrating original songs and the stories behind them.

Hosted at the Farragut Church of Christ in Farragut, Tennessee, this FREE EVENT brings together talented Christian songwriters to share their heartfelt creations and the faith-filled journeys that inspired them.

Event Details:

When: Typically every 3rd Thursday of the month (next date April 16th)

Location: Farragut Church of Christ

136 Smith Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934

Time:

Doors open at 6:00PM

Concert: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Admission: Free to the public

Don’t miss this monthly opportunity to connect with others, be inspired by original songs of faith, and hear the stories behind the music. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a fellow songwriter, or simply someone who loves uplifting worship or songs with a message of hope. The Genesis Sessions offers a joyful space of creativity, encouragement, and praise.

No tickets or registration required, just come as you are and enjoy a night of heartfelt music and fellowship.

"The Genesis Sessions: Where Songs Begin", because every song has a story, and every story begins with Him.

APRIL SONGWRITERS

BIG HATS AND BIGGER HEARTS!

Meet The Songwriters

Perry Bonck: Take a smattering of Jazz, blend in a pinch of Gospel and then fold Traditional Country into the mix what cooks up is the Americana style of singer, songwriter, Perry Bonck. Born in New Orleans, Perry grew up surrounded by music. From the Cajun fiddle tunes and Bourbon Street blues of his home town, he was exposed to a community that percolated with rhythm. But it was a guitar playing Uncle that kept music front and center in Perry's life. With vocal comparisons to that of Ronnie Dunn, Tim McGraw and Randy Travis, Perry sings with passion and emotion.

Along with his wife, Sally, they moved to Tennessee in 2007, making East Tennessee their home. Perry has won numerous awards in his musical career and has become a songwriting instructor for the prestigious Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival held annually in Orange Beach, Florida. He enjoys playing locally around Knoxville, Maryville and Townsend. He says, “I just love what I do, especially when someone tells me how much they enjoy my music. That makes it all worth while.”

Parker Pressley: Hailing from the scenic landscapes of Enka/Candler, NC, just outside of Asheville, Parker Pressley is a passionate musician now making waves from his farm in Tennessee. His journey into the world of music began in the soul-stirring ambiance of the church he attended with his grandparents, who nurtured his early love for singing. Encouraged to share his gift, Parker graced the church stage with his voice, laying the foundation for a lifetime immersed in the art of music. In 1993, Parker took a pivotal step toward realizing his dreams when he collaborated with Jimmy Snow, the son of the legendary musician Hank Snow. This collaboration marked a turning point, earning him his first singing award and fueling his determination to pursue music seriously. Over the years, Parker's path intersected with renowned artists, including the Bellamy Brothers in 2008 and Clinton Gregory in 2010, expanding his musical horizons. His dedication and talent caught the industry's attention, leading to a fruitful association with the Sims Record Label. In 2014, Parker's contributions to the country music scene were celebrated when he clinched the New Horizon Entertainer of the Year Award from the North American Country Music Association International (NACMAI). Parker Pressley's performances are a captivating blend of covers and original compositions, showcasing not only his versatility but also the collaborative spirit with fellow songwriters. With a career that echoes the heart and soul of country music, Parker continues to enchant audiences with melodies that resonate with authenticity, a testament to the dreams he once dared to chase.

David Watson: David Watson spent three decades wearing the flat hat of a Park Ranger, where storytelling wasn’t just entertainment...it was a tool. After retiring, the creative spark that guided his writing, art, and photography finally stepped into the spotlight. Now, with time on his side and a guitar in his hands, David has embraced songwriting as his second career, bringing a ranger’s eye for detail and a naturalist’s sense of wonder to every lyric.

Praised by fans for his narrative depth and plainspoken honesty, David has been compared to Guy Clark, Kris Kristofferson, and Dean Dillon. His acoustic shows move easily between Country, Americana, and heartfelt originals—songs that feel lived-in, dusted with road grit, and rich with character.

David has played songwriter festivals from Third Street in Baton Rouge to the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival at the Flora-Bama, earning recognition along the way:

*Song of the Year (Nominee), 2023, Cumberland Mountain Songwriters Guild — “My Smokey Mountain Home”

*World Songwriting Awards Top 10, June 2022 — “Tin Roof”

*World Songwriting Awards Top 10, September 2022 — “Has Country Lost Its Country Heart”

*World Songwriting Awards Top 10, May 2023 (Best Gospel) — “Are You Ready”

*ISSA, Voted #3 Americana Artist — June 2022

The Josie Music Awards, Songwriter of the Year (Nominee) — 2019

*ISSA, Songwriter of the Year (Nominee) — 2023

*Rocky Mountain Songwriter Showcase, Top 20 — 2022, “Barbwire and Trains”

*Featured in Write Away (UK) online magazine — 2022

Grounded by a lifetime of service and fueled by a late-blooming creative fire, David writes with the clarity of someone who’s walked the trails, watched the seasons turn, and learned that the truest stories are the ones you’ve lived.

Troy Stavros (Host): Troy Cross (artist name) is an East Tennessee Americana/Roots Country artist and songwriter whose timeless acoustic style turns everyday struggles into songs of hard-won hope. As a recording artist, Troy blends Country, Americana, Bluegrass, and Gospel influences into story-first writing that feels lived-in and honest. For Troy, music is a calling. His faith shapes the foundation of his work, but he delivers it through characters and scenes that welcome both lifelong believers and those still searching for what’s missing. Whether he’s singing a quiet ballad or an uplifting anthem, Troy’s songs aim to tell the truth with tenderness, offering dignity, encouragement, and a clear reminder that no one is alone in the fight. But he's also not afraid of infusing his humor into songs either. On stage and on record, Troy creates a space where faith meets Roots music and hope feels within reach.

Want to Be Part of The Genesis Sessions?

Are you a songwriter interested in performing in a writer's round at The Genesis Sessions?

Or would you like to support the event as a sponsor or donor?

We’d love to hear from you!

If you’re a writer and would like to participate, please email us with:

*A link to a video of you performing

*A demo and lyrics of the songs you'd like to share

(a simple guitar/vocal demo is fine)

For sponsorship or donation inquiries, feel free to reach out as well.

Contact: [email protected]

Thank you for your interest! We look forward to connecting with you!