On Saturday, May 17th 2008, after several months of planning and organizing by Bruce Wall, the selected weekend finally came to celebrate the 4th annual Jam-A-Que.
I personally spent hours on the phone with Bruce to gain insight and gather updates to share with those visiting the Southern Rock Society web-sites, and I can tell you, Bruce was doing an amazing job keeping structure and organization to this multi-faceted event. Denise and Gramma, and a few guests handled much of the food undertaking, which included delicious hotdogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, pasta dishes, and much more. The all important task of music and stage management was delegated to Scott Braswell, who took on the daunting task of lining them up, organizing intermediate jams and kept a semblance of order; all of which Scott orchestrated like a pro. Scott also fired up his gargantuan Marshall stacks and ripped the guitar like only he can; he was genuinely appreciated.
Now let’s list some VIPs…. First off, Bruce and Denise Wall for hosting this fun event and great time for all who attended, as well as for all who observed via the internet simulcast. Bruce, Southern Fried Magazine, Down South Jukin, 43TheHawk, and the Southern Alliance have the right idea - friends, family and southern rock music.To continue with the VIPs - The Jam-A-Que couldn’t take place without a good backline and sound-works, graciously provided by the Southern Boys Band, which includes Wayland, Kevin, Kenny, and Justin Bailey, Jason Gooch, with Justin McCorkle, and Bruce Wall; when he has time. In spite of a few electrical power challenges, these gentlemen helped assure a good time was heard by all. To record the Jam-A-Que on video, present was David Peck (Chris Hicks’ right hand man!), who captured much of the event, and may have DVDs/videos available soon. The thousands of folks who couldn’t make it out to the event in person, were able to enjoy the festivities via the internet, and that was made possible thanks to the web expertise of Mr. Joe Bar-Nadav (Jersey Joe). Joe Bar also performed with many of the bands and jams by rocking his keyboards with great tone and awesome southern style; much appreciation to Joe, thank you.
Are you looking forward to viewing, more than once perhaps, many great pictures on the web-sites? Yep, me too, and the man to thank is Tony Beazley. Tony is the Pro-Photographer with the keen eye for great shots, and vivacious mobility to gain the best vantage points to make sure those viewing the pictures can really feel what was happening there. Tony also plays a groovin’ beat on the bass guitar, in the Outfit Dudes band, along with CJ Dubyson (guitar), Craig Thomson (drums) and Mike McIllwan (also on guitar). The Outfit Dudes rocked the audience at the Jam with some great southern rock music, including hits like Working for MCA, and What’s Your Name; great stuff. Rock on Brothers! Other distinguished guests in attendance include Candy Coburn, Monica Perry, Jane Van Zant, Jo Jo Billingsley, Jaime Fox, Lyman Ellerman, Mike Kinnamon, Sonny Edwards, Mark Johnston, Harley (Coconut) Lamoureux, and D. Scott Miller. Also there, was Keith Landry and two writers for Southern Fried Magazine Susan Snider and Teri Merchant. Thanks to you all, and thanks for helping out with the great idea of raffles, when everyone there had the opportunity to win fine shirts, autographed CDs, and a guitar too!
Let me go back to Friday night for a moment. To warm up the atmosphere on the night before the official Jam, there was a fantastic get-together of friends and musicians at the Wall residence that included a fun party and acoustic jam in the living room. Most notable was the sincere Bryce Shaver and Gage Hernandez, playing some cool tunes and demonstrating fine guitar, bass and singing talent that’s sure to grow into something special. As well as a few acoustic guitars strummin’ the chords for Chelsea Boyles, so she could warm up for the coming day!
Chelsea Boyles started off the music event Saturday, promptly at noon, singing like a Nashville star, and looking every bit the part. Chelsea’s clean vocals and strong drive, smokin’ the lows and hitting the highs, all demonstrated her awe-inspiring talent. I sincerely believe that we will be hearing and seeing much more from Chelsea on the music scene. Our band, the Southern Rock Society Band, had the opportunity to play backup music to Chelsea’s singing, and I will admit, it was a big part of the fun and gratification we experienced as a band at Jam-A-Que 2008. Following Chelsea’s performance, and while we were still playing backup, we had the tremendous opportunity to play two songs with Keith Landry (who performed with Toto and Lee Greenwood), and we found Keith to be a great vocalist; I would have liked to of had more songs to jam with him.
The Bryce Shaver band followed the Outfit Dudes’ jam, and just like the night before, there was no disappointment; all four members of the band confirmed their talents and established their place on the music scene. After a brief stage adjustment, the stage was graced by the brilliantly talented, the one and only, the rocking country music star, Candy Coburn. Candy, sans her full band, rocked the stage with her guitarist Josh Carroll, and many guests of the Jam-A-Que, including Bruce Wall, Harley (Coconut) Lamoureux, Justin McCorkle, Tony Beazley, Craig Thomson, Joe Bar-Nadav & Jo Jo Billingsley.
It was an electrifying performance sure to be remembered by all. I know for me, the next opportunity I have to see Candy at one of her shows, I won’t miss it. Likewise, as the jam continued, the stage had another star to host. That star would be accomplished singer/songwriter Monica Perry, and again just like in Spartanburg, Monica’s singing was polished, rocking and soulful; a magnificent performer.
Now Candy certainly rev’d up the crowd with Rev-It-Up, but there is another kind of rev’n, and that would come via Phillip and Dana Crunk and their band State Line Mob pushing the RPMs and rev’n up the crowd with their General Lee, and even more so with their music. State Line Mob has an original sound, with fine harmony vocals that is pleasing to the ears, and southern rockin’ good; Southern Comfort is sure to come to the fans of this fine band! For great mélange of blues and southern rock all in one performance we turn to the Terry Eckard Band. The Terry Eckard Band put on an excellent show, and I was very happy that I got to see and hear them live. I look forward to the next time I’m near one of the venues where they play. Then our band, the Southern Rock Society Band, got the chance to play, and that was a blast playing for our friends and those we admire and respect. For example, the great harmonica playing of Harley Lamoureux, and the awesome guitar playing of Scott Braswell, as well as Sonny Edwards. To top it off, we got to play three Lynyrd Skynyrd songs with Jo Jo Billingsley; which was way too cool for us, what an honor. Jo Jo’s solo CD is full of soul and R&B, with southern flair; a recommended Buy. The honor continued, as we played three of Jo Jo’s original songs from her CD (which we rehearsed while ready for Jam-A-Que 2008), one of which Phillip Crunk of State Line Mob came on stage and harmonized with Jo Jo, with great tone; moreover, Phillip has a great voice.
To close the show, after a full day of setting up the stage, setting up the bands, running sound for everybody, and handling so many of the challenges of the event – let me present the Southern Boys Band, and in behalf of myself and everyone there: Thank You!
There was a cool chill in the air, and the setting was just right. With all of the musical gear ready and the stage populated, the Southern Boys Band fired up the lead performance, and God bless ‘em, they were short one member; drummer Kevin Bailey. Kevin, not being able to attend, left the drumming to big brother Wayland Bailey. Keep in mind, Wayland, the band’s front man, also had to tackle the lead vocals while playing the drums! Never fear though, these southern boys are smooth, and they really know how to share their music and make you feel it.
Every time I hear, and especially see the Southern Boys Band perform Dixie Dreamin’, I am personally moved. The song really shows their playing and writing ability and their way of sounding together as one; it makes one glad to be southern. The Southern Boys Band can play Dixie Dreamin’, as well as many other songs for 10 minutes, or 20 minutes in duration, and the jam of it just keeps you drawn in. When they play, I am reminded of the Allman Brothers, Chris Hicks, MTB, Winters Brothers or Tommy Crain and the Crosstown AllStars, when they jam on and on, and the music never gets monotonous. I truly appreciate the Southern Boys, Justin McCorkle, Bruce Wall, and all of the remarkable guests at the 4th Annual Jam-A-Que. The total jam at the end of the night, late as it was, expanded the magical moments built up throughout the day; you all rocked it!!! I look forward to seeing this event happen year after year.
