By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography
Simpsonville, South Carolina (June 30, 2018) – An evening thunderstorm didn’t deter fans of Charlie Daniels from showing up to Heritage Park Amphitheatre in Simpsonville, SC for an early Independence Day celebration. As the clouds rolled out, the crowds filled in the venue with their red, white and blue outfits. Food trucks filled the air with the smell of all your favorite festival eats, my favorite being the funnel cake. Early festivities were held honoring each branch of the military with a little back history on how America came to be. There was also a skydive jump by local Mayor Janice Curtis that raised money for a charity. The Eric Scott Band from Anderson, SC then opened the show entertaining everyone with their country and southern rock tunes.
After a short break, it was time for southern rock legend Charlie Daniels to take the stage. With his iconic fiddle work and backing band including members Bruce Brown, Chris Wormer, Charlie Hayward, Shannon Wickline and Ron Gannaway, the group thrilled those in attendance with many classic hits that can still be heard on many radio station airwaves today. As the band progressed through songs like “Simple Man“, “Long Haired Country Boy“, “A Few More Rednecks“, and many more fans sang along with every word.
Charlie enthralled the crowd with his smooth guitar pickin’ and exuberant bow work. Daniels also took moments between songs to express gratitude for a long career and praise the locally known Marshall Tucker Band as well for their contribution to his success. Mid-set Charlie broke it down for an acoustic moment playing a captivating version of the gospel hymnal “How Great Thou Art“. Throughout the show, each band member was given a chance to take the spotlight as Daniels introduced them and they traded forefront moments during some open jamming. Closing out the set with the infamous “Devil Went To Georgia” Charlie left the stage to packed out venue of applause as fireworks filled the sky with colorful flamboyance and kids waving American flags in the air.
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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
