Red Hot Chicken - Lefty Collins, Grant's Lounge, and Wet Willie
by John Charles Griffin
GABBA (Georgia Allman Bros. Band Association) 2009 Convention was a big
success opening on Friday June 19th at Macon's Cox Capitol Theatre with premier of The BIG HOUSE documentary film "Please Call Home" followed by Chicago House of Blues star Lefty Collins Band with the Vancura Brother's keeping an audience on their toes and feet throughout the rest of the evening.
On Saturday afternoon, June 20th a capacity crowd showed up for GABBA members jam at Grant's Lounge led by September Hase, Cousin Dave Neely, Blue Dad Howard, and Big Dave Pierson. Special appearances included Music Hall of Famer guest emcee Alan Walden and legendary Larry Howard (Grinderswitch) playing alongside Lefty Collins in a guitar duet of blues giants. Grant's with it's Wall of Fame is always a refreshing step back in time.
For the weekend's grand finale, Macon's ambient and historic Cox Capitol Theatre was packed to the rafters for the high-powered rhythm induced Wet Willie reunion concert with opening act Diane Durrett getting the audience energized. Then Jack, Jimmy, and Donna Hall graced center stage with Southern Fried "Dixie Rock" backed by dual guitarists Ricky Chancey and Ric Seymour along with the great John Anthony on keyboards and T.K. Lively on drums. The house was full of energy, dance, saxaphone, harmonica, rhythm and blues from back in time. "You got the right plane baby!!" Adding two solid encores worth. Oh Yeahh
Somewhere and somehow, in between stops, there were meals at the H&H with Mama Louise, a full tour of the Big House, and on Sunday the traditional Rose Hill Cemetary tour and cleanup. Macon Hambone blues are still alive and well and Mama Louise Hudson is still there to testify!!
Special recognition is in order for Greg and Laraine Potter along with Kyler Mosely and Kirk and Kirsten West and The GABBA Board of Directors.
PHOTO RETROSPECTIVE
All Photos By John Charles Griffin
Lefty Collins and Cousin Dave rock it out.
Lefty.
Dave Pierson, Alan Walden and John Howard.
Lefty jams with Larry Howard.
Lefty, Lee Anne, Joe Bell and Diane Durrett.
Ricky Chancey and Rick.
Wet Willie rocks!
Jimmy Hall blows some sax.
Wet Willie.
Larry Howard, John Griffin and Don Lehman.
THAT'S ALL, FOLKS!
