By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review)of MJBragg Photography
Black Stone Cherry
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Although The Barn at Paint Fork may be many miles from home for the guys of Black Stone Cherry the scenery sure reminded them of Kentucky. With a venue full of fans in front of them and a sunset falling over a mountainous backdrop BSC seemed to be taking in the moment as the nights headliners. Celebrating their 20th anniversary and finally able to tour in support of their October 2020 album release of “The Human Condition” the bands pinned up energy and excitement for live music filled the stage. Members Chris Robertson (lead vocals, lead guitar), Ben Wells (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and John Fred Young (drums, backing vocals) were joined by newly added bassist Steve as all four played through a list of fan favorites like “White Trash Millionaire” and “Blame It On The Boom Boom.” BSC also mixed in new songs “In Love With The Pain” and “Again” and seemed quite surprised when the crowd sang these songs right back to them considering the lack of their live performances since release. Taking moments to thank the fans the group hinted at making The Barn an annual event for them. Black Stone Cherry is currently out on tour with dates listed through August. This is a show I highly recommend for any rock fan.
Artimus Pyle
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Direct support for the show came from none other than the legend Artimus Pyle himself. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame member is known for his time as the drummer of the iconic southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. As one of the survivors of the infamous plane crash Pyle continues on the legacy of the band with a group of musicians he’s assembled that performs all the classic songs true to their original versions. Artimus is no stranger to the area as he lives just down the road in Asheville, NC. He’s also spent time down in Spartanburg, SC where he played in local bands during the 70’s and frequently visits. It was easy to see that many of the crowd were in attendance to see Pyle and his band play through songs such as “Gimme Three Steps,” “The Ballad of Curtis Loew,” “Saturday Night Special” and many more hit songs. The APB had fans dancing and singing along throughout their set reliving the glory days of the 70’s and 80’s. Often labeled as the Ultimate Ronnie Van Zant tribute the group closed out their performance with “Freebird” and a bow to the crowd. Artimus took time to great fans on the front row before leaving the stage and could be seen throughout the night mingling through the audience taking photos with his fans.
Ali Randolph Band
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The Ali Randolph Band is a group I was not familiar with coming in to the evening. What a mistake that has been. The band provides mix of country, rock and southern rock with originals as well. The four piece hold nothing back as they provide a high energy show with covers by the likes of Ozzy Osbourne to Pat Benatar. Members Dan Wise, Daniel Kegley and Neil Crisp provide a solid foundation for Ali to deliver her powerful and commanding vocal performance. Drawing the crowd in with some familiar songs the band delivered originals such as “Pedal To The Medal” and “Crazy Ass Mama” that won over the crowd. As a band local to the Asheville, NC area I encourage residents to get out and see this band any chance you get.
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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
