Remember the 2nd International Atlanta Pop Festival in 1970? Better known to regional folks as
The Byron Pop Festival because it was held in Byron, not Atlanta. Well, September 14 and 15 there will be a huge celebration of the festival complete with the placement of a historical monument at the site of the festival. Here are the details. And according to our friend John
Charles Griffin, the event is
“Tie dyed optional.”
September 14th @ 7pm -10pm
“Remember When…The Byron Pop Festival” (Mature audiences only)
This three-day music festival featured performances by Jimi Hendrix, Grand Funk Railroad, B.B. King, the Allman Brothers Band, US Kids, and others, changed the life and perspectives of many teenagers in the summer of 1970. Doors will open at 7pm. Live music, by the original members of the US Kids, will begin at 7:30pm. Performance will be followed by a screening of original film footage and light show display. Evening will conclude with panel discussion/Q&A/stories from people that actually worked the event including the local police chief. Audience is encouraged to bring their Pop Festival memorabilia for show and tell. Wine & light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Perry Arts Center, 1121 Macon Road (U.S.41), Perry, Ga. ($5.00 admission at the door)
September 15th @ 3pm / Middle Ga. Raceway/4015 US Hwy 41 North, Byron, GA
2nd Atlanta International Pop Festival Historical Marker Dedication
The Georgia Historical Society has awarded a Georgia Historical Marker for the 2nd Atlanta International Pop Festival , held July 3-5, 1970 at the Middle Ga. Raceway in Byron, Ga. The dedication ceremony/unveiling begins at 3pm. The lead sponsor for the marker is Byron Area Historical Society. Additional sponsors include Georgia Historical Society, The Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association, The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House, and Hittin’ the Note.
This special program is sponsored by the Perry Historical Society and is part of The New Harmonies/Smithsonian Institute Traveling American Roots Music Exhibit....
The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House will host their first annual golf tournament to support the museum on September 10. Dubbed “Birdies for The Big House,” the tournament will take place at the The Brickyard at Riverside in Macon, Georgia. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 9 AM. Unique prizes will be offered for top, second and third place gross and net scores.
The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House is where members of The Allman Brothers Band, their families, friends and roadies lived, worked and played from 1970 to 1973.
For sponsorship information, team registrations or more information on the tournament, visit The Big Museum website...
Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member
Gary Rossington will join a distinguished roster of Georgia performing artists and music industry leaders in accepting awards on-stage at the
34th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Concert and Show, scheduled for Sunday, October 14 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centremin Atlanta. Rossington will be honored in the Songwriter Category having written well over 120 songs throughout his career including classic iconic songs like “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” and “What’s Your Name.” Lynyrd Skynyrd release their new album, Last of a Dyin’ Breed, on August 21, 2012.
Atlanta’s celebrated television icon Monica Pearson will be Mistress of Ceremonies of the event. A Special Performance by American Idol stars and recording artists Snellville, GA-raised Diana DeGarmo and her fiancée Ace Young, who met while appearing in the Broadway revival of “Hair,” will be another highlight of the evening. Many of the inductees will also perform during the Concert.
At the Concert and Show, to be televised live by GPB (Georgia Public Broadcasting), artists representing extraordinary talent in classical, contemporary, country and Southern Rock music will be saluted and will perform on-stage during the evening. According to Dr. Bobbie Bailey, President of Friends of Georgia Music Festival, Inc., “Since the first presentation in 1979, at which the legendary Ray Charles was an inductee, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Show and Concert has emerged as the premier forum for recognizing the scope of the performing virtuosity of Georgia-born-or-based music professionals.” Dr. Bailey thanked Jack Sawyer of Wilmington Trust, Joel Katz of Greenberg-Traurig, Delta Air Lines and Michael Taormina of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for “their generous and loyal sponsorship support.”
The 2012 inductees include, in addition to Robert Spano, recipient of the Chairman’s Award, musical and artist living legends as well as three giants of the Georgia entertainment arena being recognized posthumously:
· Performer – Sugarland, Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush: From the Platinum-selling #1 hit “Stay,” 22 million worldwide sales of albums and singles and five Country Music “Vocal Duo of the Year” Awards to Grammy and Academy of Country Music accolades, the duet partners combine vocal, songwriting, production and multi-instrumentalist greatness.
· Group – 38 Special: Bringing a strong Southern Rock influence to American music, 38 Special’s breakthrough hit “Hold On Loosely” has been followed by #1 Billboard albums and hits including “Back Where You Belong” and “Second Chance.”
· Non-Performer – Alex Hodges: A native Georgian, Alex Hodges is CEO of Nederlander Concerts and started his career as an agent at Walden Artists where he introduced Georgia’s Otis Redding and other R&B legends to the world. As principal at Paragon Agency and later Empire Agency, he guided the illustrious careers of stars including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gregg Allman and groups such as Lynyrd Skynyrd. The Police, The Allmann Brothers Band, Atlanta Rhythm Section, The Outlaws, Sea Level, The Marshall Tucker Band and The Charlie Daniels Band, among others.
· Songwriter – Gary Rossington: A founding member of the legendary band Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gary Rossington has contributed to the group’s 30 million+ worldwide album sales, three 2x Platinum records and a position among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine. He has created songs that cement him as a cultural icon, including “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man” and “What’s Your Name” among many others.
· Horizon Award – Riley Biederer: Riley Biederer is a singer/songwriter from Atlanta, USA, with a voice bigger than her ex-gymnast’s frame and a resume beyond her fifteen years. Since winning Georgia state titles in the vault and the floor exercise, she has been focusing exclusively on her music. In addition to writing prodigiously on her own, she has collaborated with a host of well-known songwriters in the pop, rock and country genres, and recorded with producer/engineer Matt Still. (Elton John, Outkast). She is currently writing and recording songs for her debut album.
· Posthumous: Blues guitarist Jonny Jenkins, Fox Theatre’s organist and WSB personality Bob Van Camp and Atlanta’s beloved DJ Skinny Bobby Harper.
The honorees and luminaries of Atlanta’s entertainment, cultural and philanthropic scenes will walk the Red Carpet, beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 14. For early arrivals, a cash bar will open at 4:00 p.m. The Awards Concert and Show will begin at 5:00 p.m. Tickets starting at $60 per person and $20 per student are available for sale from August 4th onwards through www.cobbenergycentre.com or www.ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000.....
Live albums are commonplace today, but tape recording was in its infancy during country music legend
Hank Williams’ lifetime. The equipment was cumbersome and tape was expensive, so very little live recording was done back then. Incredibly, two concerts performed by Williams were recorded in the months before his death and will be released for the first time as
Hank Williams: The Lost Concerts Limited Collector’s Edition on October 2nd (Time Life). The collection includes 19 tracks as well as Hank’s revealing conversations with the audience, introducing songs and telling anecdotes about his life. As a bonus feature, a radio interview Williams did in 1951 has been added to the CD, one of very few in existence.
Tracklisting:
Niagara Falls, New York: April 25, 1952.
1. Comedy with Hank and the Drifting Cowboys
2. I Can't Help It
3. Jerry Rivers and the Drifting Cowboys: Orange Blossom Special
4. Why Don't You Love Me
5. Are You Walking and A Talking
6. The Funeral
7. Hey Good Looking
8. Cold, Cold Heart
9. Lovesick Blues
Sunset Park, West Grove, PA: July 13, 1952.
10. Introductions
11. Hey Good Looking
12. Comedy with Hank and the Drifting Cowboys
13. Jerry Rivers and the Drifting Cowboys: Fire On The Mountain
14. Lonesome Whistle
15. Jambalaya
16. Long Gone Lonesome Blues
17. Half As Much
18. I Saw The Light
19. Lovesick Blues
20. Interview: Hank interviewed by Mack Sanders, KFBI, Wichita, Kansas, September 14, 1951.....
In 2013,
George Jones, the country music icon often referred to as the "the greatest living country singer" will mark the end of an era with a farewell tour for his fans titled "The Grand
Tour." After over fifty years of touring, Jones has decided he is ready to slow down and spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Jones was quoted as saying "It is tough to stop doing what I love, but the time has come". As a tribute to his loyal fans he wants to tour one more year and let them know, this will be his last.
The Grand Tour will visit approximately 60 cities in 2013. The star will perform many of his hits such as "White Lightning," "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" and "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair".
The legend also plans to record a new studio album for the fans, and Dolly Parton has been writing songs for him. It will be an album he loves and wants to do. There is no scheduled street date at this time.
After a brief bout with an upper respiratory infection earlier this year, Jones has returned to the road. Fans can see him at his upcoming concerts listed here or at www.georgejones.com.
George Jones on Tour (2012)
08/30 – Woodstock, VA – Shenandoah County Fair
08/31 – Northampton, MA – Calvin Theatre
09/07 – Biloxi, MS – IP Casino
09/08 – Houston, TX – Arena Theatre
09/21 – Huntington, WV – Big Sandy Superstore Arena
09/22 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Alabama Theater
09/28 – Manistee, MI – Little River Casino
09/29 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre
10/04 – Wichita, KS – Orpheum Theater
10/05 – Arlington, TX – Arlington Music Hall
10/12 – Branson, MO – The Mansion Theatre
10/13 – Renfro Valley, KY – Renfro Valley Ent. Ctr.
10/26 – Wichita Falls, TX – Kay Yeager Coliseum
10/27 – Midland, TX – Wagner Noel Perf. Arts Ctr.
11/02 – Mahnomen, MN – Shooting Star Casino
11/03 – Deadwood, SD – Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino
11/09 – Branson, MO – The Mansion Theatre
11/10 – Morton, MN – Jackpot Junction Casino
11/16 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
11/17 – Hiawassee, GA – Anderson Music Hall
11/23 – Winnie, TX – Nutty Jerry’s Winnie Arena
11/24 – Bossier City, LA – Horseshoe Casino
12/01 – Elizabeth, IN – Horseshoe Casino
12/15 – Jackson, TN – Carl Perkins Civic Center
This November marks the 70th birthday of
Jimi Hendrix, and to celebrate his legacy, EMP Museum is organizing a major new exhibition about one of rock music’s most influential artists. Endorsed by Experience Hendrix LLC,
Hear My Train a Comin’: Hendrix Hits London focuses on Jimi Hendrix’s arrival in London in September 1966, his rise to prominence on the British pop charts, and his subsequent return to America in June 1967 when his incendiary performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival created a worldwide sensation. Hear My Train a Comin’ opens at EMP Museum on November 17, 2012. Highlights from the exhibition are now on view at The Hospital Club (thehospitalclub.com) in London through August 31, 2012.
“Jimi Hendrix surmounted racial and cultural barriers in America and Great Britain at a time when youth culture, pop music, and society were radically changing,” says Jacob McMurray, EMP Senior Curator. “One of the most innovative musicians of the 20th century, Hendrix continues to influence an ever-increasing number of musicians, artists, and fans in the 21st century. EMP is privileged to partner with Experience Hendrix, who has long generated a platform to preserve Hendrix’s legacy.”
Featuring more than 100 artifacts, including rare costumes, instruments, photographs, albums, and ephemera from EMP’s unparalleled Hendrix collection, along with never-before-seen artifacts from the estate of Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer, Mitch Mitchell, this 2,500 square-foot exhibition is the first of its kind to shine a light on Hendrix’s London reception. In collaboration with Experience Hendrix LLC, EMP will organize commemorative programs and events throughout the year to mark major milestones in Hendrix’s life....
Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions Of KISS will be available on August 30th. An album description states: "There will never be a better show opener than 'Detroit Rock City'. 'Beth' is the gold standard for power ballads. And 'Rock and Roll All Nite' is the quintessential rock 'n' roll national anthem. Given Rockabye's kid-tested, parent-approved lullaby treatment, these KISS Klassics are as alive as ever - just as thrilling when xylophones and bells replace Ace Frehley's Gibson Les Paul and Gene Simmons' demonic snarl. Except come bedtime, junior won't be able to keep partying into the "nite;" these lullabies will have him counting a veritable KISS Army of sheep."
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In our debut issue, we are happy to feature an in depth interview with Texas singer songwriter Billy Eli, one of the most talented unsigned artists we know. There is also a great interview with Charlie Daniels as well as one with Blue Collar Comedian Ron White, both written by Cincinnati writer and long time collaborator Derek Halsey. There is an article on Macon, Georgia photographer Adam Smith, a piece on Bayou Cabins, down near New Orleans, and restaurant reviews from four outstanding eating establishments.
Still, I walked up to Stu that night during their break and spoke to him. He had hair all the way down to his waist. No kidding. And the guy was just smoking on guitar. I just had to tell him so. He thanked me, and said “You want a beer?” Yep. He bought me a cold one. In years to come, I would repay him many times. Like ten years later when he was playing with my friends The Silver Travis Band, and turned me onto Moosehead beer while we were down in Elberton, Georgia at the Sub n’ Pub. I bought him one, then he bought me one, and we kinda did that pattern for ..... a while. 
One of the years I was at Angelus, I was their with my then wife, Jill. Tammy Williams, the dear lady in charge, one heck of a hard worker, couldn't find our all access passes. Soon she discovered that two sets had been made for Stuart Swanlund and his wife Stacy. Please, no reading ahead. LOL. Tammy gave us the passes, so the whole four days I was walking around with Stuart’s name on my pass. Every time he’d see me, he’d say “What’s happening Stuart?” and laugh. I’d say “I don’t know. What’s up Stuart?” You know, he told that story for years. Every time we were together, at a road show or just chillin.’ Yes, I miss that guy so much.
music was just beautiful. Mike Blackwood sang a beautiful “I Can Only Imagine.” Long time friend and band mate Rusty Milner played guitar and Stu’s old Lightnin’ West band singer and friend Terry Bratton sang a beautiful “Go Rest On High.” And Dennis Solesbee, the LWB bass player, and a simply amazing singer/songwriter, delivered a new song called “On the Road,” all about Lightnin’ West and their hopes of grabbing their own piece of that “Carolina Dream.” It was simply wonderful, and segued right into the LWB classic, “High Rider.” Dennis sounded like a million bucks, and there weren’t many dry eyes in the sun baked chapel. Just beautiful.
