I went to the annual Rock, Ribs, & Ridges festival in Augusta , NJ this past weekend on 6/24 & 25/17. I’m here to tell you from my point of view Southern Rock is alive and well. The veterans of the genre may have an occasional crackle or two in their voices, but when they try to reach the vocal ranges from 4+ decades ago, it’s to be expected and forgiven (so Please keep the negativity to a minimum, Thanx). The 2 day affair had some of the old and some of the new and it’s a pleasure to hear the music still filling the air especially from the old guys, but Blackberry Smoke did show me something and I became a fan. I had seen/heard some of their material and thought they were “OK”, but I was digging their efforts on Sunday when they closed out the festival. I was late both days and sadly missed some that I wanted to catch. I was lucky enough to catch one of them as the kind folks running things gave their blessing (and wrist bands) for the “Camper’s Only” set by The Steppin’ Stones on Saturday night.

Day 1 had a line-up consisting of Charlie Daniels, Marshall Tucker, The Kentucky Headhunters, The Steppin’ Stones, & The Farmer Phil Band. I arrived half way through the Kentucky Headhunter’s show and they kicked it. Great Southern Blues rock, I’ve been missing the boat with these Gents. I’ll hopefully catch show shows in the future? They joined the Marshall Tucker Band for a few tunes, it was a special blend that made their set a little special with the interplay between Chris Hicks, Rick Willis, and the Headhunter’s Greg Martin. Doug gives you what he’s got and shared some of the vocal duties with Hicks, Willis, and Marcus Henderson. Great stuff. Charlie Daniel’s is a legend. He is always a boisterously fun show. I love him and the ball of energy that he omits. The Steppin’ Stones is a young power trio that may have something to say in the years ahead. They did the double duty playing in the second slot Saturday and then played for the camper’s show starting @ 9:45pm later in the evening.

Day 2 had a line-up of Blackberry Smoke, The Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, & Stolen Rhodes. I sadly missed all of Stolen Rhodes and half of Molly Hatchet. There were many moments of solemn reflection and celebration of Gregg, Butch, and others on both days. The Kentucky Headhunter’s closed their set with a ABB tribute playing Statesboro Blues. Blackberry Smoke dedicated the song Free On The Wing to Gregg. Charlie had some words of love and the Outlaws also as they shared thoughts and played It’s About Pride and Grey Ghost. Chris Anderson sang his normal couple tunes and also took the mic on Billy Jones song Holiday. I love the continuation of Hughie’s music through the guitar wizardry of Mr. Anderson and Steve Grisham. They’re both hand picked by Hughie and there’s no better pairing to keep his legacy alive. Henry Paul ‘s guitar is a glorified prop, but man those two Gents can bring it. Henry does great with his own original Outlaw vocals and adequately brings to life Hughie’s, but there is a void that Hughie left that nobody can fill. I AM thankful for the present band that breeds life into the music. They are worth a visit when they come to your town. IMHO.

Here’s some clips of my attempt to document these musical moments in time, so judge for yourself. Please support live music and the artists that bleed it. Thanx

Blackberry Smoke (whole set was Great)

Free On The Wing

Ain’t That Much Left Of Me

Sleeping Dogs

Good One Coming On

The Outlaws

It’s About Pride

Grey Ghost

Holiday

Hiding Out In Tennessee/Freeborn Man

The Charlie Daniel’s Band

Southern Boy

Trudy

Tennessee Fiddlin’ Man (a nice new tune by Charlie)

Simple Man

The Marshall Tucker Band

Can’t You See

Midnight Promise/Hillbilly Band

Take The Highway

Dog Eat Dog World

The Kentucky Headhunters

Statesboro Blues

Drums/Spirit In The Sky/Dumas Walker

Molly Hatchet

Flirtin’ With Disaster

The Steppin’ Stones

Mama said

I will throw some still pictures up on a later date as life allows. Live Full/Do Right/Thanx