Briefs

Blast from the past

Flashback-the Classic Rock Experience

Date: Wednesday, August 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Mobile Civic Center Arena, 401 Civic Center Dr., 208-7261

Tickets: $37.50-$98.00 available through Ticketmaster

Many remember the various classic rock laser light show that made its annual stop at the Civic Center throughout the late ‘80s. The P.A. bombarded the altered attendees with the music of bands such as Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd while laser generated graphics (that would look silly by today’s standards) were beamed across the room.Veteran concert promoter Rick Bowen has decided to take this concept to the next level with “Flashback-the Classic Rock Experience.”

“Flashback” will present music from iconic rock acts such as Deep Purple, Derek and the Dominos, Steppenwolf, Rod Stewart, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin (of course) in “a mind-boggling multi-media spectacle one must see to believe.”

The show boasts furious pyrotechnics, dazzling lights, towering screens, a helium-filled zeppelin, but one thing that will make this show unique is that the music will be provided by The Mystic Orchestra.

Under the direction of Frank Gilcken, the orchestra will not only include various percussive instruments but also an 11-piece string-and-horn section. A plethora of vocalists will be sharing the mic including star lead vocalist Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, Shaun Williamson of King Karma, Jose Manzano and Katrina Chester.

Songwriter breaks out

Rock Killough & the Dixie Flyers

Date: Saturday, Aug. 23, 7 pm

Venue: Pirate’s Cove (6664 Co Rd. 95) Josephine, AL, www.piratescoverriffraff.com

Tickets: $5 at the door

Singer/songwriter Rock Killough may not be a household name for the casual music enthusiast. However, this Greenville, Ala. native’s life is truly a success story as far as music is concerned.

After songwriter Hank Cochran caught his act in Bradenton Fla., he signed him as a staff writer at Tree Publishing Co. in Nashville, and Killough began churning out hits for country legends such as Hank Williams, Jr., Sammy Kershaw, Brenda Lee and Randy Travis, just to name a few. Not only was he the father of many country favorites such as “Where Can I Surrender” and “The House at that End of the Road,” he lent his instrumental skills to many of the artists with whom he worked.

Killough spent many years playing with the Dixie Flyers, and they were quite a favorite at the Flora-Bama. These two musical forces will join once again for an evening of Dixie Flyer favorites and some of the hits on which Killough has built his admirable reputation.

Rootsy sound and downhome grub

Jimbo Mathus

Date: Saturday, August 23 at 7 p.m.

Venue: The Shed Barbeque and Blues Joint, 7501 Hwy. 57, Vancleave, MS, www.theshedbbq.com

Tickets: Free

The Shed has become one of the Gulf Coast’s best venues to see some of the nation’s greatest blues acts and devour award-winning barbeque. Everybody from the Burnsides to the Dickinsons has performed for the “Shed Heads” that frequent this establishment. Those who are not feeling brave enough to attend the Dauphin St. International Beer Festival should make the drive over the state line for Jimbo Mathus.

The big-band craze of the ‘90s propelled the Squirrel Nut Zippers into the limelight with their retro sounds. After parting ways, guitarist Jimbo Mathus retreated to his hometown of Clarksdale, Miss., (also home to Robert Johnson’s legendary crossroads).

Drawing from local inspirations, Mathus mixed blues, country, gospel and soul to create a sound that truly defines the Dirty South.

One listen will convince any blues aficionado that this man has a firm grip on his roots.

BayFest needs your help

Judging from a recent press release, BayFest has become quite the travel destination. Music lovers came all the way from Canada and Australia to party in the streets of Downtown Mobile with hundreds of thousands.

Beach-goers and tourists have made BayFest one of the top things to do while visiting the area. In addition, BayFest attendees booked approximately 3,000 rooms in Downtown Mobile during the three-day festival, and BayFest 2008 is already shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.

BayFest is currently looking for volunteers to work this non-profit event. Those interested in investing time in this festival should visit the BayFest Web site at www.bayfest.com and click on “Get Involved” or call 251-208-7835.

Stephen Centanni is Lagniappe music editor. Contact him at scentanni@lagniappemobile.com.

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