As summer approaches, so do the much anticipated summer nights at The Villages Amphitheater in Fayetteville. This year’s lineup offers a wide variety of groups that should have something for just about every musical taste. Kicking off the season this Saturday (May 1 ) are country music legends, The Oak Ridge Boys, who will offer up 50 years of tradition on the stage as they perform an evening of their classic hits.
The four-part harmonies and upbeat songs of The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of Country hits and a Number One Pop smash, earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. Every time they step before an audience, the Oaks bring a stage show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere. And each remains as enthusiastic about the process as they have ever been.
“When I go on stage, I get the same feeling I had the first time I sang with The Oak Ridge Boys,” said lead singer Duane Allen. “This is the only job I’ve ever wanted to have.”
“Like everyone else in the group,” added bass singer extraordinaire Richard Sterban, “I was a fan of the Oaks before I became a member. I’m still a fan of the group today. Being in The Oak Ridge Boys is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.”
The two, along with tenor Joe Bonsall and baritone William Lee Golden, comprise one of Country’s truly legendary acts. Their string of hits includes the Pop chart-topper “Elvira,” as well as “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On,” “Thank God For Kids,” “American Made,” “I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes,” “Fancy Free,” “Gonna Take A Lot Of River” and many others. They recently covered a White Stripes song, receiving accolades from Rock reviewers. They’ve scored 12 gold, three platinum, and one double platinum album—plus one double platinum single— and had more than a dozen national Number One singles and over 30 Top Ten hits.
Amphitheater Director Brian Wismer expects this to be a crowd favorite.
“We have had so many calls from people who were especially excited about The Oak Ridge Boys coming back after a number of years. They certainly have a broad-based group of fans, here locally,” said Wismer.
Some tickets still remain and are available at the Train Depot and also via the website, www.villagesamphitheater.com.
Also appearing at the Villages this year are Johnny Rivers on June 12th, The Little River Band on July 10th, The Family Stone on July 31st and Grand Funk Railroad on August 28. The 2010 concert series is presented by Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta.
The Villages Amphitheater is owned by the Downtown Development Authority and managed by the Main Street Tourism Association of Fayetteville.
