The Sucarnochee Revue returns April 16

Published 1:55 pm Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Sucarnochee Revue, the nationally syndicated radio program showcasing Black Belt music, returns to the University of West Alabama for a live taping Friday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Bibb Graves Auditorium.

This edition of the musical variety show will feature several genres, including folk, blues, country, gospel, pop, bluegrass and more.

“There is an incredible amount of talent in the area that spans the musical spectrum, and we use the Sucarnochee Revue as a platform for these artists,” said producer and host Jacky Jack White.

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Atlanta’s Jackson County Line, a six-piece alternative country group led by singer/songwriter Kevin Jackson, is known for its sweet, laidback harmonies and all-acoustic instrumentation. Prominently featured chamber-pop cello and muted trumpet are surprising additions that set the group apart. Other group members include Cade Lewis, bass; Steve Warner, percussion; Matt Phillips, mandolin; Tim Anderson, cello; and Danielle Sansone, keyboards and vocals.

Rubber Soul, a Beatles tribute band, transports the audience back to the days of Beatlemania. Its performances include much of the visual imagery of the Beatles through accurate reproductions of the instruments used by the Fab Four and authentic costumes that span the group’s career. Even stage banter is done with British accents.

Gospel group Audrey Graves and the True Vine Fellowship Singers are in-demand across the Southeast. Graves’ distinctive keyboard and singing styles drive the Spirit-filled performances. The group’s recordings “I Really Needed Jesus” and “Woke Up on the Wrong Side of the World” are gospel radio favorites.

The Sucarnochee Stage Hands, Justin McCoy and Ivory Robinson, began by assisting with the production set up until their talent was discovered. A fan favorite, the duo is featured on the upcoming Silverwolf/Sucarnochee Records CD, “Music for the New South, Volume 3.”

In addition to this month’s guests, the Revue regulars, including Jacky Jack White, Mississippi Chris Sharp and the Jangalangs, J. Burton Fuller, and Britt Gully, round out the performance.

Presenting Black Belt regional music in its most authentic manner, the Revue was honored by the Country Music Association for its continuing efforts to support the grassroots of country music. The show has also received recognition from the Black Belt Community Foundation and the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Sponsored by UWA’s Center for the Study of the Black Belt and the Sumter County Fine Arts Council, the Sucarnochee Revue airs on public and commercial stations across the county and the world. The show airs Saturday nights at 10 p.m. on Alabama Public Radio. Now in its sixth year of production, the Revue also tapes live the first Friday night of each month at the historic Temple Theatre in Meridian, Miss.

Tickets are $8 at the door. For more information about the show, contact White at 205-652-6680 or visit www.jackyjack.com.

The Revue leads up to the seventh annual Sucarnochee Folklife Festival. The festival, a celebration of Black Belt regional culture, takes place Saturday, April 17 in downtown Livingston and includes the Sucarnochee 5K River Run, Cornbread Cook-off, folk artists, musicians, storytellers, a walking ghost tour and more. For more information about the Sucarnochee Folklife Festival, please call 205-652-3892.