Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Concert Recap: Froggy St. Jude Jam

 For three years, WFKY Froggy 104.9/101.7 out of Frankfort, Kentucky, has hosted an annual St. Jude Jam.  The concert features the acoustic talents of up and coming country music artists.  I always thought that Froggy puts on some of the best organized events for its listeners.
 
This year's line-up included Kentucky native duo, Aly'an, as well as Josh Pruno and Greg Bates.  Over 200 were in attendance at the Grand Theatre on Saturday night.  The best part, 100% of the proceeds (over $1600) went to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Froggy Crew with Aly'An and Josh Pruno
Aly'An started off the show with a heartfelt set with several good original songs, as well as covering "Landslide."  Highlights included "Busted" about catching a cheating love and "Going Home."

Aly'An singing "Going Home" - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Josh Pruno captured the room with his singing voice and his stories.  He also put tears in everyone's eyes when he mentioned that it was his 11th wedding anniversary and his family were there.  He dedicated Richard Marx "Right Here Waiting For You" to his wife.  He also brought his young son on stage to cover a Shenandoah tune.  Other highlights include "Better Me Than Me" where a girl does guy things better than the guy in the relationship, "Pistols and Diamonds," and "Another Life" written with Rick Huckabee.  He would end his set with the heartfelt "23rd Psalms."

Josh Pruno - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Headliner Greg Bates displayed his vocal abilities with a set that seemed short. Opening with "Everywhere With You," he continued to play several other original tunes, "Whipped," "Fill in the Blank," "Drive You Home," "Lost in Caroline," and "Did It For the Girl."  He also covered Garth Brooks' "Papa Loved Mama" and ended with "Heroes," a song recently cut by Justin Moore.

Greg Bates - Photo by Jessica Blankenship


At the end, all of the performers got back on stage to sing "Drift Away," complete with Cricket from Froggy playing tambourine in the background. (You HAD to be there to see what fun that was!) Overall, it was a great time for music and friendship.  Not only that, it was a great cause raising money for St. Jude Children's Hospital.

 
Me with Josh Pruno