Are you Ready to Rock, Southern Sytle?

(The Rocker by Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Rock n’ Roll ain’t easy, but music is for everyone! Another great thing about the South is the incredible amount of live music. The legacy of Southern music includes everything from Rock, R&B, Folk, Zydeco, Country, Bluegrass, and don’t forget the Funk! The South has produced some of the country’s most famous acts like The Allman Brothers, Ray Charles, BB King, Widespread Panic, B-52’s, REM, OutKast, The Black Crowes and Waylon Jennings. The list goes ON! Whether it’s one night with your favorite artist or a weekend long extravaganza with a multitude of genres and bands, summer in the south brings the music like a heat wave!

Jazz Fest, SXSW, Bonnaroo, Wanee, The Hangout, and Wakarusa are great festivals to name a few. Whether you prefer sleeping in a tent, a condo with a view, or a ritzy hotel in New Orleans French Quarter there is a festival for you. You don’t have to travel the Southeast and break the bank to hear good tunes though. On just about any patio on a Southern summer night you might find the next big act! Parents, don’t worry, there are plenty of family friendly concerts and venues out there, do your research. Besides somebody has to teach these kids how to rock, just bring some ear plugs!

A few of my favorite bands from this summer include Xavier Rudd, Rising Appalachia, Beats Antique, Shovels and Rope, Medicine for the People, The Black Keys and the The Whiskey Gentry! Look into it, that’s all I’m saying. All you need is a ticket to ride, proper footwear, some sunglasses and a Koozie!

Here is a link to a tasty lick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1XMhdAGDgc

(“The Mushroom Stage” Wanee Music Fest. Photo by Max Mcinerney)