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Hootie, friends put celebration to music in Township concert Michael Miller The State, April 11, 2000
Like almost everything Hootie does, the Monday After The Masters concert is loose, fun and all about family.
Family in the case meaning the close-knit community of musicians Hootie has come to know over the years, a talented bunch of of pickers and singers who share a mutual respect for the rootsy, down-home sound the Blowfish have championed during the past decade.
Monday's annual gig at the Township that followed the charity golf tournament was filled with lots of this cool music played by friends who couldn't help taking part in each other's set.
The North Caroline band Hobex kicked things off at 9 p.m. with a set of rocking retro funck that was made even funkier by a three-piece horn section, Hammond organ player and percussionist. Guitarist/lead singer Greg Humphreys was in fine form on tunes such as "Groove Baby" and "Windows" from the band's latest CD, "Back ion the '90s."
Following Hobex to the stage were Ken Block and Andrew Copeland of the band Sister Hazel, who played a nifty acoustic set with help from Hootie's Jim Sonefeld and Gary Greene on assorted percussion. The highlight was a rousing version of the band's 1997 hit, "Alll For You," that inspired Hootie lead singer Darius Rucker to join in on vocals. The crowd roared its approval and did a fine job singing the chorus once all by itself.
Edwin McCain joined the performers onstage for the old R&B classic "Bring It On Home," then hung around for a set of his own. He Was joined by the guitarist from his band, Larry Chaney, and an old Hootie friend from Liverpool, England, Pete Riley of Treehouse.
This trio delivered some string acoustic music as well, including Treehouse tune "Daddy Inside" and McCain's bi hit, "I'll Be." When McCain played the first notes of "Solitude," everyone roared as Rucker returned to the stage and harmonized passionately with his long-time friend.
After a short break, the Blowfish sauntered onstage at 11 p.m. and kicked off their set with a laid-back bluegrass take on the Carter Family standard, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." It set the perfect tone for this laid-back evening, and the concert picked up steam from there and roared into the night.
Family and friends have to stay out late sometimes to have the kind of fun Hootie has.
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