Southern and classic rock combo Southbound appears on Thursday, July 13, for the Idyllwild Summer Concert Series.
Photo courtesy Darryl Reed

A little heat, some country twang and gentlemanly hat tips to some of the greatest exponents of classic and Southern rock — that is what Inland Empire-based Southbound will bring to the Idyllwild Summer Concert Series starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 13.

Back for his third time with ISCS, Southbound spokesman Darryl Reed promised a country-flavored musical menu from iconic bands such as the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynard, Creedence Clearwater Revival and 38 Special familiar, boot-tappin’ tunes like “Hold on Loosely,” “Ramblin’ Man,” “Proud Mary” and “Sweet Home Alabama” that will ease your way to the dance floor so you can bust out your country moves.

Reed holds the center as rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist, joined by Mike Finn on lead guitar, Mike Hunter on drums, Kevin Haerr on bass and Patrick Vargas on piano.

The band developed its chops sending up a high-powered blend of Southern rock, country rock, R&B and classic rock all performed, as the band notes, “with a rural California attitude.” Florida-born Reed hues closely to his Southern roots, featuring music of classic Florida-born groups Skynard, Allman Brothers and 38 Special as regular Southbound fare.

“It’s great to be coming back to Idyllwild,” said Reed. “The people are always warm, friendly and responsive, and we love playing for them.”

Local Sandii Castleberry and Friends open for Southbound, taking the stage at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend the ISCS concerts, presented by Ken Dahleen and the ISCS board, for the dancing and listening pleasure of Idyllwild locals.

Each year, Dahleen and board begin the season with insufficient cash to fund the series. They depend on the generosity of concert patrons to make up the budget deficit. Contributions to help fund the series can be sent to P.O. Box 1542, Idyllwild, CA 92549, or contact Dahleen at 951-659-2229 to become a series sponsor.

Attendees are invited to bring food, beverages, chairs, blankets, flashlights and cash, especially cash, to fill the donation jars passed around by concert volunteers.