You know it is going to be a great concert when Doug Gray, lead singer of the Marshall Tucker Band, suggests the city add more speakers for his appearance in Greer City Park.
Doug and I chatted last week how I was looking forward to this year's Greer Family Fest because of its 30th anniversary that will be memorable with MTB on stage.
Last year's performance can best be described as "delayed" one year. Rain with storms and lightning in the area forced the Chamber of Commerce to cancel the remainder of the festival.
Gray and the musicians hung around to greet many fans who would have braved almost anything to see their beloved band that originated from Spartanburg. He signed autographs, posed for photos and swapped stories.
Doug has a message to MTB fans this year: "We're ready to rock the lawn."
The Family Fest is Friday - Saturday, May 2-3. The Chamber has scheduled a media conference next week to announce its plans of the weekend.
Here's some of the Q & A session I had with Doug, musician to musician.
Q: How does it make you feel knowing that your No.1 hit song, "Can't You See" has been covered on "American Idol" and "The Voice" this year?
Doug: it’s amazing. I have been in contact with both people to let them know what a great job they did covering our song. There is a lot of talent on those shows."
Q: Recently MTB performed at the Paramount in New York. One of the reviews stated that you guys get better with age. How do you maintain yourselves and your voice?
Doug: It’s a must that we all stay in shape mentally and physically. Our fans deserve that, ya know? Music just makes you feel good.
Q: I know that I’m excited and so are a lot of other people that you will be in Greer next month for Family Fest. How is going to feel being home and performing?
Doug: We were supposed to play last year, but the concert was cancelled due to rain. We are so thrilled and looking forward to seeing everyone and giving you all a great concert.
Q: Recently, I was in Nashville for "The Voice" auditions. I had the unbelievable opportunity to sing on the Grand Ol' Opry stage. I cried for three minutes before I could even start to sing. Do you think that’s a normal emotion for a singer that stands in that circle?
Doug: Absolutely. That’s what it was like us, too. When you love music you appreciate that. Even though we aren’t a country group, you can’t imagine what an honor it was for Little Jimmy Dickens, to walk up and ask for his picture to be taken with you.