For years, the Phenix City Amphitheater’s Summer Concert Series has presented a wide range of musical acts in a festive, intimate setting. The 2013 lineup promises to be one of the best yet. Make plans now to grab a lawn chair or blanket and get together with friends to catch these great shows:
Mark Farner (Saturday, May 25)
Cap off a day of celebrating Memorial weekend and whitewater rafting with a strong shot of rock and roll. Mark Farner, founding member of Grand Funk Railroad, delivered lead vocals and guitar riffs for classics like “Footstompin’ Music,” “Some Kind of Wonderful,” and “We’re an American Band.” His post-Funk career has included solo recordings and collaborations with Ringo Starr. Expect a mix of GFR’s greatest hits and newer material, with a fireworks display after the show ($10 admission: free for ages 12 and under).
Natalie Stovall and Brandon Giles (Saturday, June 8)
Two of Nashville’s young guns, Natalie Stovall and Brandon Giles, take the amphitheater stage. At age 10, Ms. Stovall was playing fiddle and singing at Opryland. Today, she tours extensively, attracting fans with her blend of traditional country and rock. Nashville-based Brandon Giles gets back to rockabilly basics with vocals and piano playing heavily influenced by early Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis records. Giles has performed in the Fifties-themed musical, “Million Dollar Quartet” ($10 admission: free for ages 12 and under).
“Legends Tour” Starring Ambrosia, Firefall, Poco and Pure Prairie League (Saturday, June 29)
A mini-festival featuring four classic rock outfits. Ambrosia formed in Los Angeles, turning their blend of progressive rock and blue-eyed soul into big hits like “How Much I Feel” and “Biggest Part of Me.” Firefall’s soft-rock style graced Top 40 charts with songs like “You Are the Woman,” “Just Remember I Love You” and others. Poco pioneered the country-rock sound starting in the late Sixties, releasing several acclaimed albums before scoring hit singles with “Crazy Love” and “Heart of the Night.” Pure Prairie League’s vocal harmonies and tight musicianship have entertained fans for four decades with memorable songs like “Amie” and “Let Me Love You Tonight” ($20 advance, $25 day of show).
Food and drinks will be available for purchase during amphitheater shows: no coolers are allowed. Also, please leave your pets at home and keep in mind that the amphitheater is a smoke-free facility. For more information, visit Phenix City’s website or call 334-291-4711
Summer Concerts at the Phenix City Amphitheater
The Columbus Ga Music Scene Welcomes CutBait Music Festival
Music lovers throughout the greater Columbus area are looking forward to the CutBait Music festival being held this weekend May 17 and 18th downtown in Columbus, Georgia along the banks of the beautiful Chattahoochee river.
The music festival is expected to host 40 musicians and bands of various genres such as rock, pop, country and more. Popular acts featured at the festival include: 90’s alternative rock group Sister Hazel (known for their hit single “All for you”), southern rocker Shooter Jennings, and the popular country musician Jeffrey Steele.
The event will begin Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at noon. Tickets will cost $35 for a weekend pass, $15 for a Friday only ticket and $25 for Saturday only. Children 10 years old or younger will be admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased online at cutbaitmusicfestival.com.
Concert goers will be able to listen and live the music in a variety of locations. The music acts will perform both outdoors and inside many notable downtown establishments. Venues hosting the festival include: The RiverCenter, The Springer Opera House, The Loft, and the Iron Bank Coffee Company. Indoor venues have limited space, so plan to arrive early for certain acts.
Music Festivals are a great experience. No other place on earth can match the atmosphere created by hundreds of music fans gathering for a weekend of fun. Those who attend the CutBait Music festival will be surrounded by music, art galleries, unique stores, and great restaurants.
This event is also a great value, as attendees get days worth of music for the price of one concert. A music festival also provides a lot of variety in music, which provides entertainment for everyone.
For more information about the CutBait Music Festival please visit cutbaitmusicfestival.com or call 706-317-9922.
Memorial Day Concert Celebration with The Columbus Community Orchestra and DNR
Military members sacrifice their lives every day for our country so why not honor them with a concert thanking them for their services? That’s exactly what The Columbus Community Orchestra and the band DNR plan to do. On Monday, May 13 at 7:30 PM The Columbus Community Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. William E. Fry, and DNR will honor military members with a free concert. The concert will be held in the Conference Center of Columbus Regional Medical, 710 Center Street and will benefit the Columbus Regional Medical Foundation in their efforts to support a new Pediatric Emergency Room.
The band DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) is an all doctors band that plays a wide range of music from oldies, to rock and roll, country and contemporary pieces.DNR has been together since early the 2000’s. The band members consist of Dr. Ed Bayne (baritone), Dr. Keith Blanks (vocals), Dr. Sterling Cannon (percussion), Dr. Bill Fry (saxophone), Dr. Kendall Handy (Percussion), Dr. Jeff Jones (lead guitar), Dr. Anthony Miller (Saxophone), Dr. Mac Molnar Jr. (bass), Dr. Vince Naman (keyboard) , Dr. Vince Nicolais (harmonica, trumpet, valve trombone, guitar), Dr. Frank Saucier (drums), and Dr. Joe Surber (trumpet, guitar).
Enjoy a free admission concert played by The Columbus Community Orchestra and DNR honoring our great military members May 13 at 7:30 PM in the Conference Center of Columbus Regional Medical, 710 Center Street. For more information call 706-322-3714.
Cirque du Soleil: Quidam
Have you ever felt lost in a sea of anonymity? Are you consumed with boredom and unable to break out of your everyday routine? If so, Cirque du Soleil: Quidam is the show for you. The world of Quidam is a place of dreaming and imagination that allows people emerge from anonymity through the use of their individualism. Quidam centers around a character named Zoé who slides into an imaginary world – the world of Quidam – where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul.
Quidam had its world premiere in 1996 and is described as a classic Cirque du Soleil production. It is a two hour family friendly show recommended for ages 5 and older. The acts in this show include: Aerial Contortion in Silk, Banquine, Cloud Swing, Diabolos, German Wheel, Hand Balancing, Skipping Ropes, Spanish Webs, Statue, Aerial Hoops, and Juggling. The cast is culturally diverse, representing 20 different countries. There are approximtely 250 costumes, 500 costume accessories and 200 to 300 pairs of shoes for a52-member cast of acrobats, musicians, singers and characters. Each artist has between 2-7 costumes. So prepare yourself for bright and colorful characters and allow your imagination go wild.
Cirque du Soleil: Quidam premieres at the Columbus Civic Center on May 11. There will only be four performances so don’t miss out on this eye-opening show. The performance times are Saturday, May 11 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm or Sunday, May 12 at 1pm and 5pm. The ticket prices range for adults from $35 to $80, for children (12 and under) from $28 to $65 and for military, seniors and students from $31.50 to $67.50. You can get more information about the show and buy tickets at: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/quidam/default.aspx or http://www.ticketmaster.com/Columbus-Civic-Center-tickets-Columbus/venue/114927?brand=columbuscivic.
Downtown Concert Series
The Downtown Concert Series kicks off again this Friday with Big Woody and the Splinters… The series is one of my favorite things to do in Columbus Ga as it is great for all ages. The streets are blocked off on Broadway so that kids can play and Adults can relax in chairs, have a beverage, and enjoy the music. The local restaurants enjoy strong sales but you can just bring a picnic and not spend any money of you want. Just a great time for all ages.
Feeling Froggy? Frogtown Hollow Jam
Get ready Columbus. It’s just about time for another round of Frogtown fun!
On the first weekend in April, why not get out to enjoy the Georgia springtime and hop on down to the premier Columbus music festival: the Frogtown Hollow Jam! Featuring a ton of great musical acts, delicious food from local vendors, hand-crafted jewelry, art, and a hot air balloon, this two day event is perfect for the entire family.
This year’s headliners are John Popper of Blues Traveller (Friday) and up-and-coming Country sensation Natalie Stovall (Saturday). Other acts include the Chris Collins Band, Whisky Bent, Sweet Lisa, Southern Ashe, Barb Wire Bluegrass Band, and several more.
Some notable sponsors include the Suite Bar and Grill, Macon Road BBQ, The Loft Recording Studio, and Skybar Entertainment.
One day tickets are $20, or you can get a two day pass for $30.
Don’t miss out on this chance to see so much great live music all in one place!
Lady Antebellum in Columbus GA
Lady Antebellum was in town last night along with Darius Rucker and Thompson Square. They rocked the house for a sold out crowd at the Columbus Civic Center! Playing their best music new and old like “I need you now” Lady A did not disappoint. Combined with Darius Rucker who ended with “Purple Rain” the team is pretty unstoppable touring together.
This is Lady A’s first tour where they are the headliners. Just about 5 years ago I saw them open for Jason Aldean in the same Civic Center with it only about half full. It is amazing how far both bands have come in the last 5 years!!
One of the great things about Columbus Georgia is that we get to see great bands like this for a fraction of the price of seeing them in Atlanta at a venue like the Phillips Arena. So it allows us to get great tickets and sit up close and personal for a reasonable price.
