7 minute read
A helping of southern musical stew: Blue Dogs
Have a helping of southern musical stew
Interview with the blue dogs’ Bobby Houck & Hank Futch Written by Cayci Banks Concert-goers are in for a treat when South Carolina natives The Blue Dogs take to the Opera House stage on February 20, 2020. With a unique sound they self-describe as “Southern musical stew,” you can expect a little bit of everything during their performance—from early Country and Bluegrass tunes to Rock n’ Roll, Soul, and Big Band elements.
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Since their debut record, “Music for Dog People,” hit in 1991, the Blue Dogs have been entertaining their loyal and continually growing fanbase— performing alongside mega superstars like Willie Nelson, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Widespread Panic, to name a few. With nine albums and two DVDs under their belt, the band was inducted into the South Carolina Lowcountry Music Hall of Fame in 2018.
But, their story and friendship goes back much further, as acoustic guitarist Bobby Houck and upright bassist Hank Futch have been lifelong friends, meeting as Cub Scouts and growing up together in Florence, SC near the Black Creek and a little town known as Quinby. “Walter.” The Newberry Opera House audience will be singing and dancing along as Hank and Bobby pack the stage with other South Carolina musicians, including a 3-piece horn section, keyboards, an electric guitar, and a pedal steel player. These musicians will add a twist to the original Blue Dogs sound and increase the fun and excitement of the evening through the Big Band atmosphere they will bring.
As the Blue Dogs so eloquently wrote in their hit song “What I Want:”
Let’s pack the Newberry Opera House on February 20 with people who not only know their name but who are also ready to welcome back to the stage a few of the best musicians South Carolina has produced!
They founded The Blue Dogs together in the late 1980s after they both developed a love of music at an early age. Hank was raised around his guitar-pickin’ father who was influenced by multiple genres of music, including Bluegrass, Classic Country, and Gospel. Meanwhile, Bobby found a love for Classic Southern Rock, listening to the likes of Lynard Skynard, Marshall Tucker Band, and Charlie Daniels as a young kid. All of these influences can be heard throughout their music as it was these genres that molded these two musicians into the “Country Rock band from the South” that their fans have come to know and love.
While new music is likely to be on the horizon in 2021, the band promises its fans some hit classics in February, like a few of their all-time favorites “Cosmic Cowboy,” “Hope She Falls in Love with You,” “Half of My Mistakes,” “Isabelle,” and
Blue dogs
Sat. Feb 20, 2021 // 8:00 p.m. // Tickets: $35
Based out of Charleston SC, the Blue Dogs are one of the most loved Bluegrass and Alternative Country bands in the Southeast. Embracing a unique mix of Roots-Rock rumble, Bluegrass chicanery, and an eccentric twist on classic Nashville Country sound, the Blue Dogs are fan favorites. The group has shared the stage with the likes of Darius Rucker, Willie Nelson, Edwin McCain, Hootie & The Blowfish, Bruce Hornsby, and so many more. Expect guests to stand and dance along at the performance. If you would like to sit, please consider the balcony or orchestra boxes.
Similar Artists: Edwin McCain, Delbert McClinton, Paul Thorn
Fairytales on Ice: Featuring the stories of The Little Mermaid & Pirate Adventures
Back by popular demand: Fairytales on Ice is a magical presentation featuring many of your favorite fairytale characters. This performance will weave tales from The Little Mermaid and Pirate Adventures. Is it really an ice show? Yes! The dance, music, and story help create the visual and emotional journey for audiences everywhere fusing the theater, music, acrobatics, and the art of figure skating.
How to survive middle school
Rescheduled date
A Dufford Institute for Cultural Diversity Event in conjunction with Newberry Arts For All (NAFA)
Tue. mar 09, 2021 // 7:00 p.m. // FREE!
There’s no simple formula for helping middle school students navigate this stretch of their lives. But comedian Robert Post, a performer who captivates audiences nationwide with his hilarious one-man variety show, brings middle-school kids and their deeply felt concerns right to center stage.
Peach state opera Operatizers!
Sponsored by Audrey Love Charitable Foundation
The Peach State Opera presents Operatizers! This performance will be comprised of arias, duets, trios, and ensembles from all of opera’s greatest hits- think “La Boheme,” “Carmen,” “Die Fledermaus,” “La Traviata.” Peach State Opera, an Artist Affiliate of Perimeter College at Georgia State University, is Georgia’s premier Opera touring Company, bringing accessible, audience-friendly opera classic to our community. Similar Artists:
La Boheme, The Lincoln Trio
The malpass brothers
Fri. Mar 19, 2021 // 8:00 p.m. // Tickets: $65
The Malpass Brothers toured with the late Don Helms (former steel guitarist for Hank Williams), opened for music legend Merle Haggard on multiple tours, and appeared on stages from the Shetland Islands to the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to Merlefest in NC. Gifted musicians and songwriters, the Brothers have shared billing with artists including Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Doyle Lawson, Rhonda Vincent, Marty Stuart, Doc Watson, and more.
Similar Artists: Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Gene Watson, Dailey & Vincent
The Led Zeppelin Experience: Hammer of the Gods
Rescheduled date
Sat. Mar 20, 2021 // 8:00 p.m. // Tickets: $50
Considered to be the ultimate Zeppelin experience, you will hear popular songs including; “Stairway To Heaven,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Kashmir,” “Since I’ve Been Loving You,” “When the Levee Breaks,” “Rock and Roll,” and “Achilles Last Stand.’’
Similar Artists: The Machine, A Van Morrison Celebration, Mother’s Finest La bohème Rescheduled date Presented by TEATRO LIRICO D’ EUROPA Sponsored by Audrey Love Charitable Foundation
Teatro Lirico D’ Europa presents Puccini’s most beloved opera, “La Bohème.” About starving artists falling in and out of love in 19th century Paris, La Bohème tells the story of Rodolfo, a young poet, and Mimi, a seamstress living in the Latin Quarter, who fall in love while searching for a lost key. La Bohème is the perfect mix of romantic passion, heartbreaking tragedy, and high-spirited fun that you won’t want to miss. Similar
Casual Classics: Peach State Opera, The Lincoln Trio
Celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month With Cola Jazz
SUn.Apr 11, 2021 // 3:00 p.m. Tickets: $20
Jazz Appreciation Month (fondly known as “JAM”) was created at the Smithsonian museum in 2001 to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of Jazz for the entire month of April. JAM is intended to stimulate and encourage people of all ages to participate in Jazz - to study the music, attend concerts, listen to Jazz on radio and recordings, read books about Jazz, and more. Similar Artists: Deas Guyz Orchestra, Brian
Culbertson
Doyle Lawson And Quicksilver Fri. Apr 16, 2021 // 8:00 p.m. // Tickets: $75
International Bluegrass Hall of Famer and acclaimed Gospel and Bluegrass band Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver bring their impressive music back to Newberry. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have been thrilling audiences for over 40 years and keep them coming back time and time again. Similar Artists:
Del McCoury Band, Steel Betty, Balsam Range
Etta may & The Southern fried chicks
Sat. Apr 17, 2021 // 3:00 p.m. // Tickets: $90
The Southern Fried Chicks presents new stories, music, audience participation, singing, and dancing in this PG-13 show audiences are sure to enjoy. Think Blue Collar Comedy Tour with better hair and bigger attitude! Similar Artists: Capitol Steps, James Gregory
Brian Culbertson Thur. Apr 22, 2021 // 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $125 Rescheduled date
Award-winning Jazz musician, songwriter, and producer Brian Culbertson is one of Jazz’s finest talents, masterfully creating over 30 #1 hits including “That’s Life”, “Always Remember”, and “Fullerton Ave.” Through a bold, genre-crossing brand of music with elements of Jazz, R&B, and Funk music, Culbertson proves he’s a true musical genius. Similar Artists:
