City announces spring 'Shindig' lineup for Gaffney Cabin Concert series

City officials say dust off your lawn chairs and get ready to see the stars in May as Gaffney prepares for its spring Shindig at the Gaffney Cabin Concert Series. Each Friday night in May at 6 p.m.., the streets of downtown Gaffney will be filled with music from just about every genre, and the best part is it's free.

This year's lineup starts with a 'bang' on Friday, May 2, as American Gun from Columbia, S.C. rides into town. This talented group of five, formed in 2004, began performing not only to local audiences, but also in Atlanta, Charlotte, Savannah and everywhere in between. The group has gained international attention, with accolades published in Great Britain, Belgium and Holland. Michael Mee from NetRhythms, UK said of the group, "The band claims to have drawn influences from county, folk and blues…What the bold claim doesn't fully explain is that the band has taken the genres out into the backyard, kicked them around in the dust until they're good and dirty, then shot a bolt of lightning through them."

On Friday, May 9, the allfemale foursome known as The Nearmisses performs at the Gaffney Log Home. This group hails from Charlotte, N.C. and has played throughout the Southeast and along the East Coast delighting audiences with their unique sound. The group performs an eclectic blend of originals, drawing upon American roots, rock, pop, contemporary folk, country, and jazz influences. Each member switches off songwriting duties and lead vocals while utilizing a range of instruments that includes acoustic and electric guitar, djembe, bass and mandolin. Creative Loafing named the group the "Best Band" (Readers' Choice) in its "Best of Charlotte: International Edition."

Classic country and swing will be heard Friday, May 16 as Kelley and the Cowboys take to the stage. Kelley Breiding and her band come to Gaffney from Mount Airy, N.C. where they "have been immersed in old-time music and early country roots for most, or all, of their lives, giving them a nostalgic feel to their music that just can't be found in the music of today." Kelley stated that the group has "drawn on influences of Patsy Cline, Hank Williams Sr., Ernest Tubb, Bob Wills, and many others." According to a spokesman for the group, "many times, Kelley and the Cowboys have converted the proclaimed 'non-country fan' into at least a Kelley and the Cowboys fan.

Gina Stewart, Brenda Gambill and Allison Modafferi make up the acoustic, folkrock group known as Volatile Baby. This Charlotte-based group will be showcasing their musical talents on Friday, May 23. Volatile Baby's latest album., Traveling Light, was released in May, 2006 and featured- among others- Carlene Carter, daughter of June Carter Cash and Don Dixon of the group REM. Dixon said of the trio, "Volatile Baby builds on the grand tradition of female vocal groups while adding their own ingenuity, spirit, instrumental prowess, and joy. Their inimitable chemistry shines through their songs live and in the studio."

Those attending may shag into the night as Sammy O'Banion and Mardi Gras takes us to the coast with lots of good old-fashioned beach music on Friday, May 30. Sammy, who now lives in Warsaw, N.C., was born in Augusta where he grew up listening to Jackie Wilson, Otis Redding, and The Platters. O'Banion and Mardi Gras promise quite a show for Gaffney with lots of energy and creative choreography.

City officials are very excited about this spring's Concert at the Cabin Series and the wealth of talent that will be coming to entertain our community. Each concert will begin promptly at 6 p.m., is free, and open to the public. The public is urged to come early to get a good spot, sample delicious food and beverages served up by local vendors. Remember to bring your lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy some quality entertainment with your family and friends.

For more information about the Shindig at the Cabin concert series, please feel free to contact- Pat Throneburg or Susan Parris at the City of Gaffney Visitor's Center located at 301 North Limestone Street. Office hours are Monday through Friday- 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (864) 487-6244 or email pthroneburg@ cityofgaffney-sc.gov.