John "J.D." Sutphin is a popular figure in the Roanoke music scene as lead singer of the band Madrone.

But when Sutphin received two songs his late grandfather wrote in 1973 as a Christmas gift, he began a new side gig known as "The Freeman Project."

"I have to learn these songs, and I have to play these songs live," Sutphin said he thought when he opened the gift.

After months of practice, Sutphin performed as "The Freeman Project" (his grandfather's name was James Freeman) on June 1 at Kirk Avenue Music Hall.

The six-song performance consisted of two songs his grandfather routinely played, the two songs his grandfather had written and two that Sutphin himself wrote.

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