Some point to the emergence of the groundhog as a sign of spring, while others believe it is when pitchers and catchers report for spring training. In Fayette County, a case can be made that spring’s true arrival is when the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater announces the lineup for their annual concert series.
Although the trees are still bare and there is a slight chill in the air, thoughts of a concert under the stars at The Fred can instantly bring back memories of warm evenings with good music, good friends and bobbing flamingos.
The series kicks off on Saturday, April 30 with Kenny G and the Heart and Soul Tour. Kenny G has sold 75 million albums worldwide, won Grammys and is in the Guinness Book of World Records for playing the longest note ever recorded on a saxophone. Among some of his more popular songs are “Havana,” “Going Home,” “The Joy of Life” and “By The Time This Night is Over.” His latest album, “Heart and Soul,” was number one on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart in July of last year.
Returning on Saturday, May 14 is Creedence Clearwater Revisited. Stu Cook and Doug Clifford, members of Creedence Clearwater Revival, formed the band in 1995. They play all of CCR’s famous hits and have had fans all over the world bopping along in the seats. The band has a southern/swamp rock feel and songs like “Looking Out My Back Door,” “Run Through The Jungle” and “Who’ll Stop The Rain” are just a few of the group’s most famous hits.
Country fans will have something to “yee-haw” about when Jo Dee Messina and special guest Jimmy Wayne come to town on Saturday, June 18. Messina, a Platinum recording artist, had nine singles reach number one on the Billboard country music charts. Last year, she released a trilogy of EPs called Unmistakable: Love, Drive and Inspiration. Wayne has had seven Top 40 country singles, including a cover of Hall and Oates “Sara Smile.” Last year he walked 1,700 miles over seven months, walking 25 miles a day and only coming off the walk for scheduled concerts. The walk was to raise awareness about homeless youth.
The “celebration” continues when Kool & The Gang arrives on Saturday, July 16. The group has sold 70 million albums worldwide and is known for a collection of hits that can honestly be called groovetastic. Songs like “Jungle Boogie,” “Hollywood Swinging,” “Ladies Night,” “Get Down On It,” “Joanna,” and of course, “Celebration,” have kept Kool and the Gang on the radio and in the hearts of millions of listeners.
There will be a major concert on Friday, Aug. 5 but it can’t be announced until Mar. 21. Series organizers will only say that the act has been at the top of many request lists for years.
The series closes Saturday, Aug. 20 with 10,000 Maniacs and Edwin McCain. 10,000 Maniacs formed in 1981 and has performed with a variety of lineups over their 30 year career. They achieved the most popularity with Natalie Merchant as lead singer but have made several albums with many original members. Among the group’s best known hits are “What’s The matter Here,” “Like the Weather,” “These Are Days” and “Candy Everybody Wants.” McCain, from Greenville, South Carolina, is best known for the song “I’ll Be,” but has recorded seven albums and achieved a high level of popularity by building a large fan base through a lot of touring.
Series tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, Mar. 4 with individual concert tickets on sale Monday, Mar. 7.
Series organizers are excited that their lineup features several genres of music including jazz, rock, country, and even a little pop. Artists in the line-up have hits that span the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s. Series Tickets will be $247.50 per seat in the Reserved Seating section, same great seat for all six concerts in the series. A savings of over 40 percent of the individual reserved ticket prices. Individual concert ticket pricing varies by concert, and seat location. In addition to the summer concert series, there will be an entire schedule of community and free events for the entire family. A complete calendar of events will be available in March.
Contact the Fred Box Office for details at (770) 631-0630, via e-mail at info@amphitheater.org, or visit the Fred on-line at www.amphitheater.org. Want to be the first to know what is happening at the Fred all year long, “Like” them at facebook.com/thefredptc.
