Grits Band was in the house on Friday evening ushering March in like a lion. The local band is busy preparing for their debut cd which will be released later this Spring. Tennessee Weather will have offer an array of original tunes, which the band has been previewing at shows in the region and beyond. Grits can be found at Dandridge Pizza and More on the First Friday of every month, as well as many venues in the Greater Knoxville area. Contrary to their name, Grits has a diverse sound with roots in blues, Motown and old school rock and the four man band can certainly rock the room one minute and then follow up with something smooth the next, offering a little something for any music lover. The guys of Grits obviously love good music and they often welcome other musicians to the stage to sit in with the Band. Friday evening saw several talented musicians join Grits in performing to a packed and appreciative house. Jerry Naylor, a former native of Jefferson City, made the drive from Kingsport to perform a few sets with the Band. Local vocalist Lesli Cox and Nancy Bryant, a veteran performer from Virginia Beach, both joined the band for a few impromptu songs. Grits is comprised of Robert Higginbothem, Noe Cruz, Rick Sharp and Mark Havely. The four member band has been performing together for only about six years, but the sound says decades rather than years. The members of the band are all veteran musicians that have spent years on the stage crafting their talents and, though relatively new to the local scene, they enjoy a loyal following. Grits will be performing at the Dumplin Valley Concert Series, the Jefferson County Fair and the Hamblen County Fair, as well local clubs and restaurants, throughout the Spring and Summer. Of course, you can always get a helping of Grits on the First Friday, as they lend their groove to kick off a new month with style.