On Saturday, October 20, 2018, the gates at the Buford Community Center opened promptly at 4:30 p.m. with an already large fan base anticipating the night filled with various bands promising to keep us on our feet for the duration. 94.9 the Bull sponsored the concert allowing for a free show as the weather cleared earlier for a rain-free show. It promised to be one heck of a great night full of music and dancing. Ages of the concert goers ranged from those being pulled in little red wagons to those who appeared to be young newlyweds, to grandparents.
First up, The Daniel Lee Band, a country group from Athens, doing what they do the best singing about what they know, life in the South, and blue-collar living. Songs including “Rebel”, “Hell Yeah”, “Whiskey”, and “Headed South” pretty much tell you where this band stands on life. Their song “Slide”, had everyone from all ages stomping their boots. What a way to open the concert and get those hearts pumping, getting us ready for The Cadillac Three.
The Cadillac Three, who are Nashville natives, are getting lots of rave reviews in Europe at the moment. Jaren Johnston, lead vocals, often brings along his family and tonight was no exception.
The crowds hearts were warmed despite the cold temps as we watched his son, Jude “playing” the drums as he imitates Neil Mason on drums. As Kelby Ray kept the beat going, Jaren went over to kiss his beautiful wife and son, showing once again his love of family. The song “White Lightning” will have you swaying to the beat and lets you feel at least a little bit of his deep feelings for his wife.
The next act, Michael Ray (Roach) is probably best known for his hit, “Kiss You in the Morning.” Which has reached number one on Country airplay charts. He is billed as a country artist, although his style leans more to the pop side with many of his songs, but he does pepper his show with the more traditional country covers such as “Forever and Ever Amen” by Randy Travis.
LOCASH, brings us back to more of the countryside of the free concert. Consisting of vocalist Chris Lucas and Preston Brust, while not Southern born, can sure do up country/rock right! The duo have seven charted singles on the Billboard Hot Country list including the hit “I Know Somebody”. This song had everyone off their blankets and out of their chairs dancing and singing every word. Jaren Johnston, lead singer from The Cadillac Three joined Locash on stage much to the delight of the crowd.
I have paid big money to watch concerts, this by far surpassed all of them and it did not cost a dime. The City of Buford does an amazing job attracting top name talent to our town. The venue was impressively staffed, from security, to gate entrances, to parking which was in abundance. If you were not one who got there early enough, no problem, there were plenty of buses to get you right to the gate. Leaving the concert was equally convenient. Buses lined up ready to go. Pedestrians and cars alike moved through the area with ease.
It was such a pleasure to see our town of Buford come together as a whole to enjoy this wonderful night of music, dancing together, making new friends, and reconnecting with old friends.
