For the past 20 years, Bill Johnson, owner of Main Stage Productions and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, famous guitarist for the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, have been putting on shows to benefit the “Wounded Warriors”. This year they are doing it on Saturday, March 28th in downtown Ft. Myers!
Johnson, who is an original board member of the International House of Blues Foundation, knows music and musicians. Over the past five years, he has put together some of the musicians he knows to make up the American Vinyl All-Star Band. A great line-up of musicians who have played with some of music’s biggest names including James Brown (Robert “Mousey” Thompson, The Wailers (Leroy Romans), the rock band Boston (Sheehan and Goudreau) and of course, Skunk Baxter, all for charity.
Lead singer is Danny (Fosterchild) Beissel of Philly. Danny is truly one of most charismatic front men around. He can sing everything these seasoned professionals have in their arsenals of 70’s and 80’s hits even though he is the youngest of this group. You either have soul or you don’t, he does!
This year’s festival includes some regional bands such as guitarist favorite Sean Chambers and his band, Matt Faciolla Band and some guest stars from bands such as Train and Pure Prairie League. Steve Augeri (formerly Journey) and local Sarasota favorite, Allman Brothers member, Chaz Trippy will be on hand.
The Wounded Warriors Project and The Lewis P. Tabarrini Children’s Music Outreach Foundation will benefit from this festival. Tickets are only $15.00 general admission! Go to Eventbrite.com for tickets Come to beautiful downtown Ft. Myers, hear some great music and help the Warriors and the kids!
photos by Vicky Sullivan, Rock the lens photography
2
0
17
20