Strand Announces First Music Series
Marietta, GA (July 8, 2010) — The Earl Smith Strand Theatre will kick off its first official music series this August. Featuring the blues, ragtime, beach music, country, and pop, the unique lineup has something for everyone and patrons can count on a music event at The Strand once a month and sometimes more.
“The vision was that The Strand would be a multi-use entertainment facility for the community,” said Christy Rosell, director of business development & marketing. “We have musicals and movies and special event space for brides and fundraisers. We've had some music, but the audience always asks for more. Music has been the missing link. Until now.”
Through the end of 2010, The Strand will produce six music events:
Friday, August 20, 8 PM. Soulphonics & Ruby Velle. The Atlanta-based Soulphonics have been selling out venues since 2008 thanks to their catchy melodies and strong groove. The band drives down the avenue of heavy-hitting funk and dips deep into a valley of soulful ballads while pulling on the style of the blues. Sultry female vocalist, Ruby Velle, is backed by a solid lineup including a three piece horn section (trumpet, baritone sax, tenor sax) and a driving rhythm section (B3 organ, electric guitar, bass and drums). Blair Crimmins opens with an original solo act featuring a new take on New Orleans ragtime. All ages. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. $2 student discount with ID. On sale now.
Saturday, August 28, 8 PM. Banks and Shane. Since 1972, Banks Burgess and Paul Shane have entertained audiences in Atlanta and around the globe with their fun folk sounds. With the help of friend Jim Durand, the act will bring you back to the folk revival of the ‘50s and ‘60s with their Kingston Trio Tribute. Come take a ride on the MTA, spend a greenback dollar, wonder where all the flowers went, and see a show that not even Tom Dooley would miss. Proceeds from this performance will benefit the Stewart-Collins Memorial Scholarship Fund at Furman University in Greenville, SC. All ages welcome. Tickets are $27 - $33. On sale now.
Friday, September 10, 8 PM. Blair Crimmins & The Hookers. Crimmins and his Hookers may be based in Cabbagetown, Atlanta but their music pulls on the addictive styles of New Orleans jazz. Blair Crimmins' sound is a unique blend of gritty ragtime and ‘20s and ‘30s swing with clever lyrics and contemporary style. The band has eclectic orchestrations featuring any combination of saxophones, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, accordion, banjo, drum kit and auxiliary percussion. Jeffrey Butzer opens with his piano-driven songs that connect French folk tunes with Danny Elfman compositions. All ages. Tickets are $12. On sale now.
Friday, October 22, 8 PM. The Return. The Fab Four may be no more but their music is alive and well thanks to this nationally-touring quartet. The critically acclaimed Beatles tribute band, The Return, will take you right back to the 1960's and have you experiencing the British Invasion and Beatlemania all over again. The band's members are fiercely dedicated to accurately recreating the sound of The Beatles and the likeness is uncanny. Creative Loafing says: “There are moments when it's hard to believe you're not watching the Beatles!" So ladies, please try keep your seats. All ages. Tickets $18 in advance and $20 at the door. On sale now.
Friday & Saturday, November 5 & 6, 8 PM. A1A Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show with Jeff Pike. Let this energetic, outrageously fun Buffett band whisk you away to a beach where it's 5 o'clock and there's a margarita somewhere. Since 1992, AIA has been internationally recognized as the Official and Original Jimmy Buffet Tribute Show and the only band sanctioned by Jimmy Buffett himself. At the show, be prepared to have your fins in the air, congas in a line, warm breeze in your face and sand between your toes while A1A brings the Caribbean to you. Ages 18+. Tickets $15 in advance and $18 at the door. On sale now.
Friday, December 31. Billy Joe Royal. Ring in the New Year with Marietta native, Billy Joe Royal. He's had a long and successful career in music and it all started at The Strand. Welcome him back and enjoy the Top 10 hits he's best known for: Down in the Boondocks and Cherry Hill Park. During his 50-year career, he's crooned other well-known singles like I Knew You When and Hush, Tell It Like It Is, Burned Like a Rocket, and I'll Pin a Note on Your Pillow. All ages welcome. Tickets are $35. On sale September 1.
The historic Earl Smith Strand Theatre is a multi-use performing arts and events facility. The theatre is governed by the Friends of The Strand, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and depends on the financial support of private and corporate donors. It is The Strand's mission to serve the community with cultural entertainment for a diverse audience and to promote economic health in the City of Marietta and Cobb County. For more information, tickets, or to join The Strand's email list, visit www.EarlSmithStrand.org or call the Box Office at 770-293-0080. The Box Office is located at 117 North Park Square, Marietta, and is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 4 PM; and two hours before the show.
