Doors guitarist added to St. Petersburg Festival lineup

Krieger

   One classic rock guitarist is out, but another is in.
   Dickey Betts has canceled his scheduled appearance at the third annual Sunshine Music and Blues Festival in St. Petersburg, citing a family emergency.
   Taking his place is Robby Krieger, the guitarist for the Doors.
   The rest of the festival lineup remains intact: The Tedeschi Trucks Band, Los Lobos, the Both (Aimee Mann and Ted Leo), Grace Potter, the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, the Rebrth Brass Band, Matt Schofield and  Sean Chambers.
   The festival is set for noon Saturday, Jan. 17 at VInoy Park in St. Petersburg. Tickets are on sale now. They'll set you back  $63.50 for general seating and $117.65 for reserved seats. Call 800-745-3000 or go to livenation.com.

Tedeschi Trucks headlines St. Petersburg's Sunshine Festival

  The lineup for the third annual Sunshine Music & Blues Festival has been announced, and it's a great one.
   The Tedeschi Trucks Band is headlining again -- they also headlined the first two years -- and

Los Lobos

they're joined on the bill by Los Lobos, Grace Potter, Dickey Betts, the Chris Robinson Brotherhood (Robinson is the frontman for the Black Crowes), the Both (a phenomenal new collaboration from Aimee Mann and Ted Leo), Sean Chambers, the Rebirth Brass Band and Matt Schofield.

   The festival's scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17 at Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive N.E. in St. Petersburg. If you get tickets before 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, they're $39.50. After that they're $49.50. Even the regularly priced tickets seem like a great deal, considering how many excellent bands are scheduled to play. You can also get reserved seats for $99.50 and there are some VIP packages.
   Call 800-745-3000 or go to livenation.com.

Allman Brothers' "Brothers and Sisters" is reissued

   It's been 40 years since the Allman Brothers Band released "Brothers and Sisters," its first album after the death of Duane Allman.
  No one was sure how well the album, or the band, would fare without one of its two acclaimed guitarists, but with Dickey Betts, now a Sarasota resident, at the guitar helm "Brothers and Sisters" went platinum and became the most successful album the band had released up to that time.
   Now Universal Music Enterprises is reissuing the classic album -- which includes Allman standards "Ramblin' Man," "Jessica" and "Wasted Words" -- in several formats. There's the remastered album on CD and vinyl, plus two-CD and four-CD box sets that include rehearsals, jams, outtakes and (on the four-CD set) a live performance from September 1973.
   The live recording -- which takes up two discs -- includes previously unavailable versions of “Done Somebody Wrong,” “Stormy Monday,” “Midnight Rider,” “Statesboro Blues,” “You Don’t Love Me,” “Les Brers in A Minor,” “Blue Sky,” “Trouble No More” and “Whipping Post.” 
   All versions of the reissue will be available June 25.
  

Derek Trucks wants Dickey Betts, who lives in Sarasota, to play with Allman Brothers Band

Here's an excerpt from my Derek Trucks interview/story running today that should interest my fellow Allman Brothers Band enthusiasts and fans of Sarasota County resident Dickey Betts:

The anniversary topic leads to the sticky issue of Allman Brothers Band founding guitarist Dickey Betts.The Sarasota County resident wrote, plays and sings lead on classic Allman Brothers recordings like "Ramblin' Man" and "Blue Sky. He's also the architect of the Allman Brothers' monumental rock instrumentals "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" and "Jessica."
Gregg, Butch and Jaimoe fired Betts from the band more than a decade ago.
Derek and Dickey shared guitar duties in the Allman Brothers Band from 1999 to 2000.
Trucks confirmed a rumor this reporter has heard before that during the Allman Brothers' 2009 Beacon Run, which served as a 40th anniversary and tribute to original leader Duane Allman, Derek's hero, Betts declined an offer to join his former band mates on stage.
"Personally, absolutely whatever problems they have are not my personal problems," Derek Trucks said about Betts playing with the Allman Brothers. "The band reached out to him for the tribute to Duane on the 40th anniversary and a lot has gone on. But I feel for it to go out right, it's a natural thing to do, with everybody in the right spirit."
Trucks added, again with a nervous laugh, that Betts has his "vote, but I don't know if it counts."

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/01/17/4353817/derek-trucks-on-winning-grammy.html#storylink=cpy

Read more.

—Dickey Betts photo from Herald archives/dickeybetts.com

Kimberly Betts' Gamble Creek Band and more at 'PJ's Wish' concert in Sarasota

Manatee County-based singer Kimberly Betts (daughter of Dickey Betts) and her Gamble Creak Band will be playing at 'PJ's Wish Benefit' Battle Against Leukemia show on Saturday at the Farm Burea in Sarasota.

Several other acts are performing and there will be items up for auction and raffle as well food, drinks, fun and "entertainment for the whole family!"

Read more.

Details: Noon-9 p.m. Sept 15, Farm Bureau, 7289 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota. Tickets: $20; children age 12 and younger free. For more information contact Johanne Eisenmann at Johanne@workerstogo.com or 941-809-6082.

—Publicity photo of Kimberly Betts with her Gamble Creek Band.

Allman Brothers Band honored at Grammys; Dickey Betts a no-show

The Allman Brothers Band received their Lifetime Achievement Grammy on Sunday but CBS decided not to broadcast the acceptance speeches by former Manatee County resident Gregg Allman and the rest of the gang, which I would have much rather watched than, say, the performance by that girlfriend beater Chris Brown.

Sarasota County resident Dickey Betts, the man responsible for such ABB classics as "Ramblin' Man," "Blue Sky," "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" and "Jesssica" didn't show, which pretty much means the guitar great has no plans of ever sharing a stage again with his former band mates.

And that's a bummer.

The Allman Brothers Band received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Grammy at Los Angeles’ Staples Center last night. All seven members of the current band attended the ceremony, along with former keyboardist Chuck Leavell and the families of late band co-founders Duane Allman and Berry Oakley. Despite announcing that he would accept his Grammy alongside his former band, estranged founding guitarist Dickey Betts did not attend last night’s ceremony. Betts has not shared the stage with The Allman Brothers Band in almost 12 years, though many onlookers hoped last night’s award would be a step closer to a reunion.

Despite receiving a prestigious honor, The Allman Brothers Band’s acceptance speech was not broadcast on CBS. The award ceremony’s announcer briefly mentioned the group’s award and showed a 1980s press shot featuring a short-lived lineup which included oft-forgotten members like (Manatee resident) Dan Toler, Frankie Toler, David Goldflies and Mike Lawler.

Read more at Jambands.com.

—PHOTO: George Jones, Gregg Allman, Diana Ross, Glen Campbell. Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards 2012. Courtesy of www.allmanbrothersband.com.

UPDATED 11/10: Bonnie Bramlett joins Dickey Betts, others for Dan Toler benefit in Sarasota

UPDATED 11/10: Here's story with quotes from Betts and Bramlett:

Betts, Bramlett, more to play Toler benefit

Bonnie Bramlett publicity photo

Esteemed blue-eyed soul singer Bonnie Bramlett, formerly of the famed duo Delaney & Bonnie, has been added to the Dan Toler ALS Support Benefit Festival.

Dickey Betts & Great Southern headline the Nov. 12-13 event in Sarasota first reported about here.

Bramlett performed with the Allman Brothers Band during the Toler era of the late 1970s (see clip below). She can be heard on the ABB albums "Enlightened Rogues" (1979) as well as "Reach for the Sky" (1980). She also performed with Toler on the acclaimed 1978 Dickey Betts & Great Southern album "Atlanta's Burning Down."

As a member of Delaney & Bonnie, she performed with Duane Allman, Eric Clapton, George Harrison and Dave Mason. 

Bramlett's songwriting credits include the classic "Superstar" (with Leon Russell and Delaney Bramlett), which was a hit in 1971 for The Carpenters and subsequently covered by everyone from Luther Vandross to Sonic Youth; the latter's version heard on the soundtrack for the hit film "Juno."

Bramlett is perhaps best known, though, for playing Bonnie Watkins on the hit TV show "Roseanne" in the early 1990s.

The Allman Brothers Band with Bonnie Bramlett and Dan Toler live at the Volunteer Jam in Nashville Tennessee

UPDATED 4:45 p.m.: Gregg Allman vs. Dickey Betts: Ticket sale showdown on Friday (Aug. 12)

Undated photo of Betts (left) and Allman.

UPDATED 4:45 p.m.: "REVISED - GREGG ALLMAN In Concert At Ruth Eckerd Hall Saturday, January 14. Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 9."

Promoters weren't up for a ticket sale day showdown?
------
Few rock 'n' roll feuds are more famous than Gregg Allman vs. Dickey Betts.

On Friday at noon (Aug. 12), tickets go on sale to see the Gregg Allman Band perform with original Allman Brothers Band drummer Jaimoe's Jasssz Band at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Jan. 14.

That same minute, tickets go on sale to see Dickey Betts and Great Southern with Gregg's son, Devon Allman's Honeytribe, on Dec. 7 at Ferguson Hall, part of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, in Tampa.

Incidentally, the next day is Gregg's birthday.

Yeah, the previous night's show should make for interesting father/son conversation.

Back when I interviewed Gregg and Devon in 2006, they were touring together and all seemed good in the family. Hope this doesn't mean they've had a falling out. One of the highlights of the Sarasota Blues Fest that year was witnessing Gregg invite Devon on stage for a duet of "Midnight Rider," which ended with the two men embracing.

Although I would love to see it, the chances of Gregg and Dickey hugging anytime soon, or even sharing stage space, seems about as likely as an encore performance by Elvis.

Dickey Betts/current publicity photo

The ABB founding members have not, to the best of my knowledge, spoken since 2000.

Betts was reportedly suspended via fax that spring, leading to a lawsuit and the singer/guitarist's permanent firing, or separation, depending on who you ask.

In recent years, singer/keyboardist Allman, who resides in Savanah, Ga., has brought the Allman Brothers Band and the Gregg Allman Band back to their highest standing since the mid-1970s.

Meanwhile, Sarasota resident Betts' Great Southern Group, which consists of mostly local residents who regularly can be seen performing across Manatee and Sarasota counties in their respective solo groups, also continues to elate audiences with fiery live performances.

Gregg Allman/current publicity photo

The Gregg Allman Band will be performing songs from his new, commercially and critically successful solo album "Low Country Blues." Gregg's solo performance also usually include ABB and solo hits he penned such as "Midnight Rider," "Whipping Post," "Dreams," "Melissa," "Please Call Home," "Ain't Wastin' Time No More," "Wasted Words," "Come and Go Blues," "Queen of Hearts" and "Multi-Colored Lady."

Those songs will not be performed by Betts. He hasn't released a studio album in a decade and sticks to mostly choosing from the classic songs he wrote: "Ramblin' Man," "Blue Sky," "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," "Jessica," "Revival," "Les Bre in A Minor," "Southbound," "Crazy Love," "Seven Turns," "No One to Run With" and "Highway Call."

I plan to attend both shows.

Just wish Allman and Betts would share the stage again.

Also wish I would've seen a performance by Elvis.

Gregg Allman with Jaimoe's Jasssz Band, Jan. 14, Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Tickets: $35-$69.50. Information: 727.791.7400 or www.rutheckerdhall.com.

Dickey Betts and Great Southern with Devon Allman’s Honeytribe, Dec. 7, Ferguson Hall at David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Tickets: $29.50-$69.50.


Allman and Betts seated side-by-side performing acoustic version of "Melissa" in 1990.

Former Allman Brothers Band drummer Frankie Toler celebrated Saturday in Manatee (with video)

Dan Toler  honoring his brother Frankie on June 25, 2011. By Wade Tatangelo

Former Allman Brothers Band drummer David "Frankie" Toler, who died June 4 in Bradenton, didn't want a funeral.

He requested a celebration.

And that's what he received Saturday at Tom Mossman's beautiful grounds and the barn he uses as a recording studio/practice facility in the woods of Parrish.

Frankie's big brother Dan Toler, the guitar great who played with his sibling in the Allman Brothers, Gregg Allman Band and Dickey Betts' Great Southern, delivered a performance teeming with emotion and skill that bellied the fact health conditions forced him to sit throughout the set. 

Frankie (left) with Dan Toler. By Wade Tatangelo.

Percussionist Chaz Trippy, who played with his best friend Frankie, and Dan, in the Gregg Allman Band from 1982 to ’89, organized the commemorative concert with Mossman and Angie Vail Cook.

Gary Guzzardo, who replaced Frankie in the Marshall Tucker Band during the 1990s, augmented Trippy’s spot-on congas work. Dan’s longtime collaborator Johnny Townsend handled vocal duties on moving renditions of Allman faves like “I’m No Angel” — Gregg’s smash 1987 single featuring the Toler brothers and Trippy — as well as “Midnight Rider” and “Statesboro Blues.”

Betts couldn’t attend Saturday because he was not feeling well, according to a close friend of his. But Great Southern members Mike Kach (keyboard/vocals), Frankie Lombardi (drums/vocals) and Mark Serio (guitar) enhanced the festivities in honor of their pal.
 
Another highlight was watching on a large inflatable screen an unreleased DVD of the Gregg Allman Band performing at Daytona Beach in 1987. It features fierce interplay between the Tolers on "Whipping Post."  The crowd roared every time the camera focused on Frankie.

Good times inside Mossman Barn. By Wade Tatangelo

More than 300 friends and admirers were there with folding chairs and coolers enjoying the festivities that also included delicious barbecue for sale and raffles to raise money for Frankie's widow Marsha and their daughter Aja Kayle.

The congregation of Sarasota-Manatee musicians were all smiles, whether on stage or sitting around telling stories about the good old days.

People enjoyed a superb Southern party.

And Frankie Toler's last wish was definitely granted.

Former Allman drummer leaves lasting legacy
David ‘Frankie’ Toler: 1951-2011

Frankie Toler - Celebration of Life - Parrish, FL

UPDATED 6/27.: Former Allman Brothers Band drummer David 'Frankie' Toler has died in Bradenton

UPDATED 6/27: Former Allman Brothers Band drummer Frankie Toler celebrated Saturday in Manatee (with video)

UPDATED 6/8: Frankie Toler being remembered nationwide, with story running in numerous McClatchy Newspapers publications from Sacramento to Miami.


UPDATED 11:30 p.m.: Finished story "Former Allman Brothers drummer dies"/"Former Allman leaves lasting legacy" with a link to sign the Legacy Guest Book.

Paying tribute to Mr. David "Frankie" Toler at Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Monday at Aces Live in Bradenton.

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

UPDATED 2:45 p.m.: Marshall Tucker Band lead singer Doug Gray worked with his friend Frankie Toler from 1992-94.

"Frankie's personality was so big — it stuck out farther than his mighty drumsticks," Gray said. "I didn't know anybody who couldn't talk to him."

Gray paused and added, "There are a lot of people who loved Frankie. I'm just one."

Frankie (left) and brother Dan Toler/undated live photo provided by Mark Pucci Media.

A key player of the national Southern rock scene — and a beloved local — has passed.

David 'Frankie' Toler, former Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman Band and Marshall Tucker Band drummer, died 2 p.m. Saturday at Tidewell hospice care in Bradenton after a prolonged illness following a liver transplant.

He was 59 years old.

Frankie is survived by his wife, Marsha, their daughter, Aja Kayle, and his older brother, Dan Toler, who played with Frankie in the Allman Brothers Band, the Gregg Allman Band and several other projects. Dan Toler headlined MacFest in downtown Bradenton on May 14.

“Frankie was absolutely the best drummer I have ever played with in my entire life," Dan said in a statement. "He was a part of my life for the past 60 years and to lose him now is just devastating. But I did have the opportunity to grow up with one of the best rock and roll drummers in the world and it was truly a gift from God. I was blessed to have known him.”

Frankie Toler’s health had been in decline for several years and it prevented him from recording and going on tour, but after receiving a liver transplant two years ago he had been able to play at some band rehearsals.

Frankie (left) and brother Dan Toler/undated publicity photo provided by Mark Pucci Media.

"It's a sad day in Sarasota, Bradenton and in the music world in general," said Sarasota Blues Festival producer Barbara Strauss. "Danny and Frankie, you always said them in one sentence. They'll always be loved by everyone. Our hearts are broken but there are no words for what Danny and Frankie's family must be going through."

Frankie Toler came to national attention as the drummer on Dickey Betts & Great Southern’s 1978 album "Atlanta's Burning Down" and toured extensively with the group. He was then asked to be the drummer for the Allman Brothers Band and appeared on their 1981 album "Brothers of the Road," which features the Top 40 hit single "Straight from the Heart."

When Gregg Allman began planning his solo album at the time, he only had one drummer in mind for his new band: Frankie Toler. Frankie recorded two albums with Gregg — including the 1986 gold record "I'm No Angel" —  and toured extensively as the drummer with The Gregg Allman Band.

“Frankie was a big part of that era of the Brothers,” Gregg Allman told Relix.com shortly after Toler’s passing. “We had amazing times and we stayed great friends. I’m gonna miss him.”

Frankie also played and toured with The Marshall Tucker Band from 1992-1994 and he played on their album, "Walk Outside The Line." Frankie, along with his brother Dan, recorded two albums as The Toler Brothers Band and together they toured extensively throughout the country in the early 90s. In 2005, Frankie recorded an album with a legendary ensemble of Southern Rock all-stars as the Renegades of Southern Rock; and in 2009 Frankie played drums on the Toler/Townsend Band’s self-titled first album.

Gregg Allman introducing Frankie Toler and rest of band before performing his solo masterpiece "Queen of Hearts" at New Orleans show from 1982.

Q&A with former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dan Toler; headlining free MacFest on May 14

Dan Toler/photo provided

As a personal and Bradenton Herald policy, I don't do email interviews for feature stories. But when told that former Allman Brother Band, Dickey Betts & Great Southern as well as Gregg Allman Band guitarist and Manatee County resident Dan Toler had a swollen vocal cord and was under doctor's orders not to speak, it seemed only fair to make an exception.

Toler headlines MacFest: A Free Celebration of Suncoast Music.

The event on Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton starts at 2 p.m. Saturday (May 14) and features an outstanding lineup of artists who are members of Dickey Betts' Great Southern group.

In addition to this e-mail exchange with Toler, I talked to Great Southern keyboardist/vocalist Mike Kach, Betts' bassist/vocalist Pedro Arevalo and others involved with MacFest for this Weekend cover story:

Southern rock showdown in Bradenton.

Q&A with Dan Toler

So sorry to hear about the vocal problems. How long have you lived here?

I actually live in the Whitfield area ...  I have been in this area since 1975, with the exception of 1989 through September of 1992, when I lived in Nashville.


Who will be singing vocals and backing you May 14?

I have a young man, a guitarist and vocalist by the name Tony Tyler. And a good possibility of a young lady who really sings her you know what off, Lauren Mitchell, may do a couple tunes. What a voice.

Of the other confirmed artists/acts on the lineup — Michae Mac Band, Ben Hammond Kettle of Fish, Mike Kach, Pedro Arevalo — have you performed with any of them before?

Yes, I have worked with Mike Kach and Pedro Arevalo when I was working with Betts & Great Southern. I have not had the pleasure of meeting Ben Hammond or Kettle of Kettle of Fish but am looking forward to it.

Kach and Arevalo are in Betts’ band, which you played in as recently as the mid-2000s. When was the last time you talked to (Sarasota resident) Betts?

Actually several months ago. I am not 100% sure of when exactly. We run into each other once in a while.

Last time you played/jammed with Betts?

We played a benefit for a little girl with eye problems a few months back. Dickey`s son Duane was playing with Great Southern and it was really cool jamming with Duane. He`s a real good dude.

When you were an Allman Brother for a three-album run from 1979 to 1982, including the band's comeback, “Enlightened Rogues,” how many band members lived in Manatee or Sarasota?

Dickey, Frankie Toler (drums), David Goldflies (bass), Greg Allman and myself. Butch Trucks (drums) lived in Tallahassee, Jaimoe (drums) lived in Macon and Jim Essery (harmonica) lived in St Augustine.


What’s your favorite memory from that period with the Allman Brothers?

There are a few, I really enjoyed playing JFK Stadium in front of 140,000 people or fans. When they would cheer the musical sound would disappear from the crowd volume, and what a feeling of power that represented.

When you and your brother Frankie were cutting the title track to  “I’m No Angel” with Gregg Allman did you sense it would be such a big hit?

Yes, absolutely. Ya know, ya kind of get a feeling in your gut about a song like that, as it has all the right ingredients: catchy intro good chord changes, a great melody and vocal, a killer solo and a killer vamp out. We played that song on the road for three years before recording it.

When was last time you spoke with Gregg?

Right after my brother's liver transplant in 2008.

Any surprise guests expected at MacFest?

Can`t let any cats out of the bag as you never know who might show up. This area has several fine artists so just come on down and check out the scene on May 14th and see for yourselves.


What future Dan Toler projects — or Toler/Townsend Band should we know about?

John Townsend and I have been collaborating on new songs and ideas for a new album in the future. As for myself, I am thinking about a possible blues album for next year and am currently working on gospel songs as this is something I have a major desire to do and to be able to give something back to the Lord as He has blessed me with music all my live and I am totally grateful for this.

You’ve played with all the Southern rock greats. What’s your favorite song to perform (that you didn’t write)?

Tough one here. I would have to say "Can`t You See" by the Marshall Tucker Band is one of the all-time great Southern rock songs. Also,  I would have to say "Midnight Rider" (Gregg Allman) is another classic and it stands to reason if you are going to play Southern rock ya best know one of these numbers.

Favorite of your own songs?

I love all of them bro. They are all very special to me.

Anything you wish to add?

We love playing to our fans and new people and I am proud to play with these guys. I only hope our fans come out in big numbers to support us as they usually do and we promise to rock their socks with some of southern rocks best players. We love ya`ll. Come have a good time with us on Saturday night May 14th. God bless you all.

Check out "Dangerous" Dan Toler's killer, 3 minute solo at the 1:42 mark from this 1979 Allman Brothers Band performance in Gainesville.

REVIEW: Manatee Players have fun 'Singin' in the Rain'

 Kim Betts-Gingrich
by PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com 

Kim Betts-Gingrich has a wonderful singing voice. She speaks splendidly, too.

But not as loud-mouthed Lina Lamont.

She’s the villainous, vocally challenged leading lady of “Singin’ in the Rain.”

And the silent movie star will to do just about anything to survive the advent of sound films.

Talking more like a truck driver than a gorgeous screen queen, Betts-Gingrich peppers the Manatee Players’ impressive production with ample laughs.

The musical is based on the classic film of the same name

And getting unfair Gene Kelly comparisons out of your head at times will likely prove difficult.

But Dewayne Barrett, who also choreographed the show, still shines as leading man Don Lockwood.

His greatest accomplishment comes at the end of the first act.

After already singing and dancing through the previous three numbers, Barrett received a well-deserved round of thunderous applause for his performance in the unforgettable title sequence.

And, yes, director Rick Kerby made it rain, which easily ranks as the show’s most stunning scene.

As for providing chuckles, Jonah Wright, playing Lockwood’s pal Cosmo Brown, also elicited quite a few — and not just when he sang “Make ’Em Laugh.”

In the singing department, all the cast members were adequate or better, but Andrea Wright, portraying aspiring actress and Lockwood’s love interest Kathy Selden, turned in particularly remarkable vocal performances.

The showers came again for the finale featuring the entire cast reprising the title song, ending the show on a fittingly fun note — the audience visibly and audibly satisfied.

Among the attendees at the Thursday opening of “Singin’ in the Rain,” which runs through May 22 and closes the Manatee Players season, sat a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

Dickey Betts, the singer/songwriter/guitarist responsible for such Allman Brothers Band gems as “Blue Sky,” “Jessica” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” gushed during the after party about his daughter Betts-Gingrich’s superb portrayal of the musical’s beautiful but rough-sounding baddie.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen her perform,” Betts said with a broad smile. “I’m so proud.”

Betts-Gingrich is a vocal instructor at her Parrish studio.

“It was hard singing off pitch,” she said. “Not so much for me,” joked her dad, the voice and composer of the Allman Brothers biggest hit, “Ramblin’ Man.”

Click for info on tickets, showtimes, etc.

Read my previous story "Manatee Players prepare to make it 'rain.'"

This review appears on page 2A of today's Bradenton Herald.

Dickey Betts at Manatee Players to see daughter in 'Singin' in the Rain'

Kim and Dickey/by Rick Kerby

A Rock and Roll Hall of Famer attended the Manatee Players opening of "Singin' in the Rain" tonight at Riverfront Theatre in downtown Bradenton.

Dickey Betts,  the singer/songwriter/guitarist responsible for such Allman Brothers Band classics as "Ramblin' Man," "Blue Sky," "Jessica" and "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" gushed during the after party about his daughter Kim Betts-Gingrich's superb performance as the vocally challenged leading lady Lina Lamont.

"It's the first time I've seen her perform," Betts said with a broad smile. "I'm so proud."

Betts-Gingrich is an excellent vocalist in real life.

"It was hard singing off pitch," she said.

"Not so much for me," her dad, the voice of the smash hit "Ramblin' Man," joked.

UPDATED 4/29: Southern rock showdown coming to Bradenton

UPDATED 4/29:

Here's the website for the Mac Fest/link to festival's Facebook page.

------

Stay tuned for more details — and more artists — being added to this killer downtown Bradenton event.

WATCH: Damon Fowler's 'Sugar Shack Mondays' webcast with Mike Kach of Dickey Betts' band at Ace's in Bradenton

UPDATED: Missed "Sugar Shack Mondays" live show/webcast? Scroll down to watch.

After a highly successful debut last week, Damon Fowler's "Sugar Shack Mondays" show/webcast from Ace's in Bradenton continues today at 8 p.m. with special guest Mike Kach.

Kach plays Hammond B-3 organ and sings with Dickey Betts and Great Southern. He's also performed with Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes and toured nationally with Molly Hatchet. When not playing with a Southern rock hero, the Sarasota resident fronts his own act the Michael Kach Group

Mike Kach

I've witnessed Kach singing and playing organ — he excels at both — on the Allman Brother’s Band favorite “Statesboro Blues” while performing with Betts. 

Fowler used to wow crowds with a fiery rendition of the ABB epic classic “Whipping Post.” Could we hear some Allman Brothers songs Monday?

“That’s up to (Kach), but I’d be up for it, for sure,” Fowler said.

Incidentally, Fowler's album "Devil Got His Way," released by Blind Pig Records Jan. 18, recently received a glowing review in top Americana publication No Depression.

Expect to hear the Bradenton Beach resident perform songs off "Devil Got His Way" tonight.

"Sugar Shack Mondays" Jan. 3, 2011/Photo by Tracy May

Here's how "Sugar Shack Mondays" operates:

Fowler and I introduce Kach, who then plays with his band for about an hour.

Following the performance, I interview Kach and throw a few questions at my friend Fowler, who I've known now for about a decade.

That’s when the webcast ends.

But not the event, which, incidentally, is free.

After the cameras are turned off, the Damon Fowler Group performs a few songs and then jams with Kach and perhaps some other musicians who have been invited in advance. Last week, in addition to special guest JP Soars, longtime Fowler performing and songwriting collaborator Ed Wright joined the jam.

Damon Fowler's "Sugar Shack Mondays" Jan. 3 with special guest JP Soars

Check out "Sugar Shack Mondays" on Facebook for more pictures and updates here and here.

Damon Fowler's "Sugar Shack Mondays"

Showcasing the best in touring talent

 8 p.m. Mon., Jan. 10 with special guest Mike Kach

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

No cover

"Sugar Shack Mondays" webcast from  Mon., Jan. 10:

Intro by Damon Fowler and Wade Tatangelo

Mike Kach performing with Damon Fowler Group

Mike Kach and Damon Fowler interviewed by Wade Tatangelo