By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Ultimate Southern Rock Legends Tribute Tour is coming to Edgerton in October. Headlining the all-day event, which takes place on Saturday, October 4, at Fleo’s Flicks Drive-In, is Southern Strut, a band that is making it a true celebration of Southern Rock legends.
“It’s going to be a unique opportunity for music fans to be a part of music history right here in Williams County,” said Edgerton resident David Ansley, who was formerly a drummer for the David Allen Coe Band and is now percussionist for Southern Strut.
Southern Strut will be playing some of the music hits from legendary artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, The Allman Brothers Band, Bad Company, and many more.
“We’re very excited about the opportunity to entertain the people and to experience Southern Rock at the same time,” said Ansley.
The band itself is well-represented from legendary Southern Rock groups, including Mari Jayn, Black Kat Moan, The GOD 2, and David Allan Coe.
Band members include another Edgerton resident, J.C. Lee (vocals, guitar); John Church (keys, vocals); Gary McMeckin (guitar, vocals); Scott Martin (guitar, vocals), and Rick Havoc (bass guitar, vocals).
J.C. Lee comes from a family that used to own Buck Lake Ranch in Angola, Indiana, during the days of concerts with many top headliners such as Alabama.
“His (Lee’s) voice was built for Southern Rock,” said Ansley. “The music fits naturally with his vocals and the music he loves.” He was also raised there and eventually grew up to play with many well-known bands.
“We have some pretty cool new residents of Edgerton,” pointed out Ansley. “Two band members of Southern Strut came from another nationally touring group, “Likes of Loyalty.”
What brought Ansley and Lee back to the Edgerton area is retirement, and they also purchased a home in town a few months ago.
Not only are they among six bands who are performing at Edgerton Rock-toberfest, but Southern Strut will be filming a music video produced by Rick Moore, who is also shooting his own new music video the same day.
Moore will be shooting video for his new hit song, “Tame This Country,” which also features Ansley on the drums. Ansley is looking forward to performing in front of a capacity crowd that is expected to invade Fleo’s Flicks Drive-In.
“It’s a beautiful location,” he described the drive-in. “We’re very excited with the big screen in the background to shoot our music video.”
There will be six different bands scheduled to perform at Toberfest, which gets underway at 10 a.m. and lasts until midnight.
Among the performers are Rick Moore & The Lost Highway, Super Hawk, Driven Enemy, Cheap Fiction, Christ Church Worship Band, and Southern Strut.
Tickets are now on sale with general admission $10, and a VIP package is also offered at $100 each. It will include Rock-toberfest passes, non-alcoholic beverages, parking, security, food, and the opportunity to meet and greet with Southern Strut.
“We’re hoping to fill the place up,” said Ansley. “Buying a $10 ticket to watch six different bands perform in one day; it’s a bargain for everyone.”