It wouldn't

be a summer without a concert from the "party band of the South,"

The Swingin' Medallions, and area residents will have two chances to see

them locally and another chance if they want to take a drive to see them.

The Swingin'

Medallions are a band based out of South Carolina. The original band formed

on the campus of Lander University and recorded the million-selling hit

"Double Shot (of My Baby's Love)" in 1966. They followed it

up with the hit songs "She Drives Me Out of My Mind," and "Hey,

Hey Baby." Their blend of music has been called "frat rock,"

"beach music" and "shaggin' music" but everyone can

agree it is fun music that gets the crowd up and dancing.

Though John

McElrath is the only remaining original member of The Swingin' Medallions,

their spirit lives on as the band tours the Southeast and gets the party

started wherever they go. Other members of the group include Shawn McElrath,

Shane McElrath, Wayne Free, Robby Cox, Chris Crowe, Ashby Stokes and Josh

Campbell. The group plays a number of classic covers in addition to their

popular original numbers.

The Swingin'

Medallions will play their annual concert at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater

tomorrow. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for kids and all tickets are

general admission. "The Swingin' Medallions open for themselves and

play an energetic two sets. Friday, July 4, they will play at Callaway

Gardens. Events going at Callaway are beach activities, the concert and

a fireworks display. Tickets for the whole day are $15 per adult and $7.50

for children ages 6-12. Phone 1-800-CALLAWAY for more information.

If you can't

make either show this weekend, The Swingin' Medallions will return on

Saturday, Aug. 2 to the Villages Amphitheater in Fayetteville. Tickets

will be between $20-$30. Phone 770-461-6029 or visit www.fayetteville-ga-us.org

for more information.

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