The extent of the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is mind-boggling. But rather than feeling overwhelmed and powerless, a group of area bands and musicians are taking action.
The bands are combining forces in the "Bridging the Gulf -- A Benefit for Wildlife Affected by the Gulf Coast Oil Spill," a Saturday event at Steve's Bar and Grille in Fort Mill.
The goal to get involved is shared by an assemblage of area favorites, including The Rockaholics, Tatttermask, Drop D, 8th Street Stereo, The Square Roots, Zach Fowler, Ziggy Van Zant, Beyond The Fade and Under Attack.
All proceeds will go to the National Audubon Society to aid in the rescue of birds and wildlife affected by the oil. The participating groups represent a cross-section of musical styles.
For example, The Rockaholics are "planning a real mixed bag," said Lou Lambruschi, keyboard player. "We're working in Jethro Tull, Doors, Tom Petty, Neil Young, Deep Purple, Drivin' and Cryin', 3 Doors Down, Warren Zevon, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, for sure. A lot will depend on the timing and time available."
Noon is the start time when birds of a feather will rock together Saturday for the benefit at Steve's Bar and Grille, 2150 Gold Hill Road in Fort Mill. For more info, call 548-1799.
There are multiple nominations for the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards in several categories listing Darin and Brook Aldridge. And "The Sweethearts of Bluegrass" will be performing Saturday at the Sylvia Theater in York.
The couple received nominations for Entertainer of The Year, Best Vocal Group, Album of the Year and several more. Members of their band were nominated in just about every instrument category -- banjo, bass, dobro, guitar, mandolin and fiddle. There's a good chance this collection of talented musicians/performers will spend a great deal of their time on stage accepting awards come next month.
"The Sweethearts of Bluegrass" -- Darin and Brook Aldridge - along with their band will perform Saturday at the Sylvia Theater, 27 N. Congress St. in York. For more info, call 684-5590 or visit sylviatheater.com.
The video for the new single from the Goo Goo Dolls premiered on VH1.com this past week, then hit the rest of the media and radio a day later, in time for the band's tour stop Tuesday at Road Runner Mobile Amphitheatre at the N.C. Music Factory in Charlotte.
Titled "Home," this is the first single off "Something for the Rest of Us," the ninth studio album by the Goo Goo Dolls which features singer, songwriter and guitarist Johnny Rzeznik, bassist Robby Takac and drummer Mike Malinin. The CD hits the streets the last day of this month and is the follow up to 2006's "Let Love In," which marked the Goo Goo Dolls' 20th anniversary. Several tunes have been chart toppers. They've snagged four Grammy nominations and sold over 10 million albums.
They have a string of hits including "Better Days," "Stay With You" and "Before It's Too Late," which was featured on The Transformers' soundtrack. But two particular songs -- "Name," from A Boy Named Goo along with the hauntingly poignant "Iris" written for the movie City of Angels blasted the band into superstar status. "Iris" in particular was significant not only because of the song's unforgettable melodic and lyrical strength, but also due to its pervasive presence, staying at the top of Billboard's Hot 100 Airplay charts for a record-breaking 18 weeks and also nominated for three Grammys. "Iris" was a track on the triple platinum "Dizzy Up the Girl," along with hits "Slide," "Black Balloon," "Broadway," and "Dizzy. " Look for these classic songs plus newer tunes and much more from The Goo Goo Dolls plus guests Switchfoot and The Spill Canvas Tuesday at Road Runner Mobile Amphitheater, N.C. Music Factory, 820 Hamilton St. in Charlotte. For tickets and show details call 704-549-5555 or visit livenation.com. Get band details at googoodolls.com and myspace.com/googoodolls.
Additional avenues leading to musical marvels await:
