BayFest

By Trudy Helmsing

Lagniappe staff

With BayFest upon us once again, it’s time to make that crucial decision-who you just can’t miss this year. You’ve heard the hype about Ludacris. You might have seen Top of the Orange or Fat Man Squeeze play last year and are awaiting their return. But, who to see in between? Follow this guide and you won’t miss anything you’ll regret this year.

Start with Sparta on Friday night at 6:45 on the Pepsi Stage. Just back from a summer European tour, this El Paso, Texas based band has spent the month of September touring with Velvet Revolver. Their latest album, “Threes,” was released in 2006.

After Sparta, stick around the Pepsi Stage for Alice in Chains at 8:15. After taking an eight-year break from the business, Alice in Chains is back on the road again, also as part of Velvet Revolver’s Re-Evolution tour. The band, which has been around for twenty years, has won critical acclaim as a legacy of rock-n-roll.

If you’re looking for a change of pace, head on over to the AT&T/IP Casino, Resort & Spa Stage for LeAnn Rimes at 10:15. Her latest video just reached the Number One spot on CMT’s Top Twenty countdown on Sept. 17. She is also featured in recent issues of People Magazine and US Weekly, both out Sept. 24.

If country music isn’t your thing, you must check out Ludacris at the same time on the Miller Light Stage. His fifth and latest album, “Release Therapy,” has been acclaimed for showcasing his growth and maturity as an artist, without losing the humor he has become known for in his singles. The album took home the Grammy for Rap Album of the Year, with its lead single, “Money Maker” winning Rap Song of the Year in 2007. On his latest single, “Slap” Luda talks about the hardships of just trying to make it through the day. As one of his favorite tracks, he thinks it’s a song anyone can relate to.

Saturday offers a whole array of bands to choose from. Australian-born Geoff Achison is worth checking out at 2:30 on the AT&T/IP Casino, Resort & Spa Stage. Achison, who first came to the United States in 1994 is now based out of Atlanta and has recently been hitting the tour circuit with great success throughout the Southeast. That doesn’t mean he’s lost his support Down Under, winning Band of the Year at the Australian Chain Awards in 2007.

At 5:00, head on over to the Pepsi Stage for Top of the Orange. Returning from last year, this local band continues to play around the Mobile area with great success. They will also be performing at two after parties for BayFest this year, Friday night at Soul Kitchen and Saturday night at Club Seven.

You can’t miss Blue Oyster Cult on the AT&T/IP Casino, Resort & Spa Stage at 7:00. 2007 marks their 35th anniversary. Blue Oyster Cult is best known for three songs, “Burnin’ for You,” “Godzilla” and “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.” The band was the subject of a Saturday Night Live skit in 2000, in which producer Bruce Dickinson, played by Christopher Walken, demands “more cowbell” out of Will Ferrell’s character, the made-up Gene Frenkell, while recording “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.” The band has responded by having a roadie play the cowbell onstage during performances.

At 10:45, check out Daughtry on the Pepsi Stage. Their self-titled debut album debuted at Number Two on the rock charts when released in November 2006 and has since reached Number One twice. They recently appeared on MTV’s Video Music Awards and released their video “Over You” on Sept. 22 on VH1.

On Sunday, the decision of who to see will be harder, with Luke Bryan, Boyz II Men and Blues Traveler all playing at 5:30. Then you have Big & Rich featuring Cowboy Troy, Brian McKnight and The Wallflowers at 7:15. The good news is that no matter your taste in music, you should be satisfied with the headliners this evening.

Luke Bryan will be on the AT&T/IP Casino, Resort & Spa Stage. His debut album, “I’ll Stay Me,” released in August 2007 just reached Number Two on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. He was also named one of Billboard Magazine’s new faces to watch in 2007, the only country singer who made the list.

Boyz II Men, performing on the Miller Light Stage, is the most successful R&B male vocal group of all time, based on sales. Their latest album “MOTOWN: A Journey through Hitsville, USA” is set for release at the end of this year.

At the same time, on The Pepsi Stage, is Blues Traveler, who is celebrating 20 years together this year. Over that course of time, they’ve put out eight albums, sold over ten million discs and earned six gold or platinum plaques. Their latest album, “¡Bastardos!” was released in 2005.

Big & Rich featuring Cowboy Troy will be on the AT&T/IP Casino, Resort & Spa Stage following Luke Bryan. Big & Rich is nominated for two CMA awards this year, Vocal Duo of the Year and Single of the Year for “Lost in this Moment.” Cowboy Troy, who is produced by John Rich, has been on tour with them this fall.

Performing on the Miller Light Stage at the same time, Brian McKnight has been making music since 1991. He was recently nominated for The BETJ “Cool Like That” award. On Oct. 8, he is making his Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in Chicago.

The Wallflowers, who can be seen on The Pepsi Stage, are at the beginning of their first tour in two years. They are best known for their singles “6th Avenue Heartache,” “The Difference” and “One Headlight,” which won two Grammys in 1998. Their fifth and latest album, “Rebel, Sweetheart,” was released in 2005.

So, there you have it, who to see at BayFest this year. Better get geared up for a weekend of great live music and pull those dancing shoes out.

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