The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Molly Hatchet, Wet Willie, the Marshall Tucker Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd are just a few of the bands Ryan Abel grew up listening to.
“I love it. I was raised on Southern rock,” said Abel who, along with his band, Goin’ South, will offer up some of the finest samplings of the genre at a Sept. 10 concert at the Miller Theater. “The first concert I went to was Lynyrd Skynyrd with 38 Special.”
MORE: Ryan Abel Wears Multiple Musical Hats
Abel is a well-known area performer. He’s been on stage with Sharon Jones, Ed Turner and Number 9 and the Augusta Players to name a few, but Goin’ South has a special place in his heart.
He started the group after hearing the Marshall Tucker band several years ago. With only one original member left in the band, the group didn’t sound the same, he said. A friend who also attended the concert told Abel he should sing that type of music, so he did.
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Keith Jenkins, who led James Brown’s band, leads the Goin’ South band.
Goin’ South played its first concert in 2018. Its most recent concert was in May when the group took the stage as part of the Waynesboro-Burke Concert Series.
While Abel said he grew up listening to the songs his dad loved from the 60s and 70s, Goin’ South plays songs from a broader time frame
“The songs are from the 60s to 2000s,” he said.
Southern rock is more than a geographical reference. It encompasses a variety of genres into one distinct sound with hints of blues and classic rock ‘n roll, he said.
Abel et. al only get together for a limited number of performances. Often, Goin’ South raises money for area charities, and the Sept. 10 concert is no exception with some of the proceeds going to benefit a couple of organizations — I’m Aware and the GLM2 Foundation — that help people coming out of human trafficking.
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“I’m Aware is extremely excited to be part of this event. We are grateful that the community continues to support us as it takes everyday citizens to fight against trafficking,” said Elizabeth Szoka, co-founder of I’m Aware, in a prepared statement. “This show is going to be a highlight of the year!”
MORE: Column: 38 Special Rocks Into the Night At the Miller
Joining Goin’ South for the event, which is being billed as Goin’ South Volume 4, The Family Reunion, will be the Kenny George Band and Sweet Burrito. Also performing a set of their own will be Brooke Lundy and Jaycie Ward, who are Goin’ South’s Peachettes,
Tickets are $29-$44 and are available at goinsouthlive.com or at the Miller Theater website millertheateraugusta.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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