David Hallmark – I began my musical journey by regularly attending a Saturday night jam in Garland, TX, known as the Garland Square Pickers. The atmosphere was welcoming and supportive, and a talented musician named Mark Land took many aspiring players under his wing if they were genuinely interested in learning bluegrass music. I met numerous individuals whom I now consider part of my extended family. These jams continue to take place on Saturday nights when the weather permits.

Around 2007, I joined a local gospel bluegrass group named Prairie Wind. I was sitting in Kemp, Texas, at the city park, playing the mandolin when a van pulled up and began unloading sound equipment. They were there to perform at an event in the park, and their mandolin player had just quit the group. The members included Ray Cornwell, Linda Cornwell, Jack Clayton, and Michael Morrison. I had previously met Michael at the Garland Square, and they asked if I wanted to play with them that day. It was a trial by fire, as they looked to me to kick off and play breaks on songs I did not know. Before I knew it, I was in the band! We performed at many churches and events, which was particularly special because this group had broken the denominational barriers that exist among many churches. I played with them for about 15 years until they retired.

I remember meeting Jonathan Thrift somewhere around this time at the Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass Festival in Grapeland, TX. He was an incredible banjo player who had his own family singing group, Living Proof, which ministers through song. Later, we met Jeff Robertson and had the crazy idea to sign up for the band contest at Salmon Lake Park. Well, we won, and that marked the beginning of the group Robertson County Line.  We recorded an all Gospel album “Hold to His Hand” and played many festivals and churches.

After a long hiatus, I felt the urge to play again, so I called up Jonathan and got together to pick.   We had so much fun that it inspired the formation of our new group, Thrift & Hallmark. It is an all-gospel bluegrass ensemble, and our hope is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through music.