Concerts by the Springs, the free summertime music series presented by the nonprofit Heritage Sandy Springs at the Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn at Heritage Green, will branch out into a different form of performance.
“We’ve heard from the crowd that they want some country and bluegrass music,” said nonprofit Special Events Director Christy Nickles.
To fill the bill, she engaged Smokey’s Farmland Band.
“It’ll be one of the first bands that do their own original work,” Nickles said about their repertoire. “They play covers but they also play original music.”
Trey Gibbs of the band said the selections are time-tested.
“We play a variety of covers from Johnny Cash to Mumford and Sons,” he said. “A lot of our original songs from our 2010 CD, ’80 Mile Getaway,’ are still in rotation, as well.”
However, country and bluegrass are not the only genres to be visited during the evening.
“[We play] good-time eclectic bluegrass with a touch of Southern swing,” Gibbs said.
“We stray off into Cajun and Gypsy jazz as well. We bring the energy of youth and a contemporary perspective of rock, reggae, jazz and Americana.”
While keeping time in a number of rhythms, the band also enjoyed good timing since its first gig Nov. 6, 2005.
“The band birthday is when we all met at the Cabbagetown Chomp and Stomp Chili Cook-off and Bluegrass Fest,” Gibbs said about a downtown Atlanta event. “We were picking on a friend’s porch and the festival stage manager walked over and asked us to fill in for a no-show.”
Patrons are encouraged to show up at 5 p.m. when gates open and to bring picnics or patronize the Hail Caesar food truck.
“They offer healthier options,” Nickles said about its menu, including a “guilt-free” Caesar dressing.
If you go
What: Smokey’s Farmland Band
When: Sunday at 7 p.m.
Where: Heritage Green, 6110 Bluestone Road, Sandy Springs
Cost: free
Information: (404) 851-9111 or
www.heritagesandysprings.org
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