Jimmy Tawater
Saturday, March 29, 2014 should be a day that all local musicians and fans come together to celebrate three performing acts, all from Chattanooga, as they make their way to the big stage and bright lights of the historic Tivoli Theater. I would like to challenge local musicians and fans to come cheer on some of their own and support the acts that get their opportunity to shine on one of this town’s great stages. Let’s show our community that local musicians do care about each other.
The night should be billed as an All-Star gala. Three members of the Chattanooga Music Hall Of Fame will be playing that evening – Roger Alan Wade, Tommy Lifsey, and Jimmy Tawater. Many of you younger musicians could learn a lot just by watching these three professionals on stage.
Here is the billing for the night – Remembering January Band, Roger Alan Wade with his band Sparkle Motion, and Jimmy Tawater and the River City Showcase. It’s a benefit for the Shriners, so not only do you get a chance to support three great acts, you get to help the fine folks at Alhambra Shrine who support the wonderful Shriners Hospitals.
Roger Alan Wade is no stranger to Chattanooga. The writer of many great country hits, like “Country State of Mind” by Hank Williams, Jr., he has penned music for his cousin Johnny Knoxville’s movies, Confederate Railroad, Mark Chestnut, and more. In 2010, Roger Alan Wade was named to the Chattanooga Music Hall Of Fame. Roger will be performing with the Sparkle Motion Band, consisting of high school age players.
Remembering January, winners of last years “Country Band Of The Year award, consists of Tyler Southern, Cody Bunch, Chris Deal, and Brandon Singleton. Tyler won the Guitar Player of the Year award, as well as Keyboard Player of the Year Award last year. The band also played at Riverbend as the core band for the Chattanooga All-Star Band in 2013.
Jimmy Tawater and the River City Showcase is an all-star band, comprised of some of the finest talent in the area. Jimmy Tawater on guitar and co-lead vocals was inducted into the Chattanooga Music Hall Of Fame in 2009. On Latin Percussion, Tommy Lifsey, Latin percussionist, is also a member of the Chattanooga Music Hall Of Fame, inducted as a member of Overland Express in 2009. Janella Hayes is co-lead singer and has been named Female Vocalist of the Year 5 straight times. On lead guitar, John Cady is one of Chattanooga’s leading guitar players and teachers, was named Best Guitar Player in 2013. Stephen Bearden most recently played with 10,000 Maniacs at Riverbend, is on Trumpet and backing vocals. Also from the 10,000 Maniacs show, Keith Guillot plays baritone sax.
On drums, Johnny Smith has played for many local music groups, including the WTM Blues Band, Power Players Band, Convertibull, Nathan Farrow Band, and the SRO Band. He also played drums for a couple national acts, as well – the Oak Ridge Boys and Cameo. He is a three-time winner of the Drummer of the Year award.
On tenor sax, Carle Vickers, is a founding member of the platinum record selling group LTD, as well as a touring member of the late, great Solomon Burke’s band. Known throughout the world as a world-class saxophone and trumpet player, he is a two time Horn Player of the Year recipient. (2012-2013)
On bass guitar, 4-time Bass Player of the Year award winner Jim Rhodes also performs as lead vocalist and backing vocalist. Barry Wilde plays keyboards and was Keyboard Player of the Year in 2009 and 2012.
As you can see, this March 29th evening will be full of great talent. All they need is you! Tickets are just $15 and are already going fast. It just isn’t everyday that local musicians have their name on the marquis of the Tivoli Theater.
You can order tickets by calling (423)-642-TIXS, stopping by the Memorial Auditorium or Tivoli Box Office, or online at http://chattanoogaonstage.com/events/shriners-benefit-concert-jimmy-tawater-river-city-showcase-2/.
Email Bob Payne at davrik2000@yahoo.com or catch him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/davrik2000.
Bob Payne