Inland Empire-based Southbound and Company make their first appearance at Ken Dahleen’s Idyllwild Summer Concert Series on Thursday, July 17, as a Buddy Holly Tribute Band, serving up rockabilly music by one of the most influential artists in rock and roll history, according to Rolling Stone. Holly’s career was cut short at age 22, when he died in a plane crash while on tour with fellow rockers Richie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. Holly’s brief moment in the rock-and-roll spotlight, nevertheless, left a lasting legacy with hit songs “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue.” He is known for first laying down the rock-and-roll instrumental template of two guitars, bass and drums. Holly also was one of the first to write, produce and record his own songs. Southbound’s Darryl Reed — lead vocals, rhythm guitar and harmonica — said his band’s Holly tribute would be a dancing marathon, honoring Holly and the genre he infused with good humor, strong melodies and infectious rhythm. Asked about his group’s name, Reed said came from some of the members’ Southern roots and the country-strong style of music they like to play. Southbound also performs tributes to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Joining Reed are Mike Finn on his yellow Epiphone lead guitar and backup vocals, Mike Hunter on drums, Pete Madary on bass and backup vocals, and Patrick Vargas on piano and organ. Southbound takes the stage at 7 p.m. Opening at 6:15 is the local group Unwound. There is no charge for the event, which is presented by Dahleen and his board as an evening of summer music and fun for locals. Each year, ISCS begins the eight-week series without total funding, so the ritual passing of the donation jar has become an important part of the concerts. Bring food, drinks, chairs, blankets and a donation to the Thursday night event. Visit www.southboundandcompany.com for more information. Next up on July 24 is wildly popular jazz chanteuse Yve Evans and Friends. The series runs every Thursday up through Aug. 21 when Lisa Haley is the final headliner of the season.
I grew up listening to Buddy Holly. It’s great to see talented musicians keeping Holly’s music alive and thriving.