Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White


Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White

Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White

Holiday Acoustic Night to feature 4-musician lineup

The Bama Theatre will host their fourth annual Holiday Acoustic Night to benefit the Good Samaritan Clinic this Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

“They do a wonderful job of helping people who have no health insurance and don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid,” David Allgood, manager for the Bama Theatre, said. “All artists are playing entirely for free.”

Featured artists will include Sparrow + the Ghost, Blaine Duncan, Elliot McPherson, Dan Voight & Jil Chambless and Mark Hughes Cobb.

“We always have a good turnout for this show; [it’s] close to capacity, about 100 people,” Allgood said. “I reach out to artists who play Acoustic Night during the year and have a good following.”

Mark Hughes Cobb, who will be playing his fourth Acoustic Night on Thursday, said this is a good event for people who like to listen to music in a smoke-free, but booze-enabled atmosphere.

“Other places have occasional acoustic performances, but mostly, you’re going to hear ‘Last Dance with Mary Jane’ and Dave Matthews wannabes there,” Hughes Cobb said. “David Allgood and the Bama staff seek out musicians who want to go a little deeper, who’re trying to create something different and weird all their own.”

The size and atmosphere of the room also has positive effects for Hughes Cobb.

“It’s a warm, intimate room,” Hughes Cobb said. “As a musician, I love being able to see everyone. I can feel reactions immediately. If folks like something, the feedback is tremendous, like a wave of warmth.”

Blaine Duncan, who frequently plays Acoustic Night, said speaking from past experience of playing both normal Acoustic Night and Holiday Acoustic Night, this one usually has the biggest draw.

“I think that the reason is twofold – one, all the artists for the holiday show are local, and two, there are more artists on the bill, which perhaps draws more people,” Duncan said. “Also, hopefully, people are just good-hearted and want to help.”

Hughes Cobb, who has played one previous Holiday Acoustic Night, said the Holiday Acoustic Nights tend to be more popular because there is such a diverse lineup and the proceeds support a good cause.

“The Greensboro Room feels full, not just in numbers, but in intent,” Hughes Cobb said. “By that, I mean the folks who come are here to listen to the music.”

Hughes Cobb also said this is the best at-one-time lineup of musicians and songwriters he’s been privileged to be part of since some of the previous Kentuck Festivals he and his old band participated in.

“Elliot McPherson is a wonderful songwriter, with a lot of wit and style,” Hughes Cobb said. “And Sparrow + the Ghost blend and play off and complement each other in such a way that they really hit that one-voice sound all combos are seeking. Wonderful people and tremendous musicians.”

Duncan said the standout acts of the night will be Sparrow + the Ghost and Elliot McPherson because Sparrow + the Ghost don’t perform shows as much and because McPherson of the Dexateens rarely plays solo.

“Those two acts are an especially good reason for anyone to come,” Duncan said.

Admission to the event is $5, and all proceeds and extra donations go directly to Good Samaritan Clinic. For more information, visit bamatheatre.org.

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