Home Lifestyle A “Ramblin’ Man” Plays at GABBA Fest Honoring Allman Brothers Band

A “Ramblin’ Man” Plays at GABBA Fest Honoring Allman Brothers Band

GABBA Fest
Image submitted by John Martin

MACON, GA – GABBA is the Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association and it started its journey in 1992.  It is a registered non-profit organization in the state of Georgia and its purpose is to promote a family-oriented community and to keep the music of The Allman Brothers Band alive and well for future generations. 

Each year since 1997 GABBA has hosted a music festival in Macon, GA.  It is a full weekend of celebration and music all in honor of The Allman Brothers Band and what they did for so many of their fans on an international basis.  Proceeds from “GABBA Fest” are donated to various charities in the middle Georgia area and some of those profits have gone to various musicians to assist them with their medical needs.

This festival draws people from all over the United States and from other countries.  So many simply feel the need to come to Macon for this gathering once a year of like-minded people to fulfill their need to continue to be part of this community to which they are all connected and drawn to the meaning of what this music has done for so many around the world. 

The officers and board members work tirelessly to make this happen.  I want to thank Laraine Potter, President, John Howard, Vice President and Kyler Mosely, Vice President and other officers and all of the board members, staff and volunteers that made this happen.  Idlewild South was honored  to have been  part of this outstanding event.  This is indeed a very special time and place; just ask anyone who has been. 

The Festival began at Kirk West’s Photographic Studio downtown with a gathering on Thursday evening.  It was a catered event and of course live music was present.  Kunio Kashida from Japan – yes, they have Blues players in Japan – made an appearance there and performed.  Kunio is a great Blues guitarist and is well known in Japan, but more on him later. 

Friday there was a performance at The Douglass Theater and former Allman Brothers Band member Johnny Neel, among others, was part of the show that night , but more on Johnny Neel later as well.  Then of course there was an after-party at the famous Grant’s Lounge.  

On Saturday there was a “member’s jam” at The Big House.  The Big House Museum is a large three story Tudor style house where in the very early days it was home to The Allman Brothers Band and extended family of roadies, etc.  It later became The Big House Museum that houses anything and everything Allman Brothers-related memorabilia.   Perhaps I will write an article just on The Big House simply because after reading about GABBA it would certainly be a great follow up so watch for it. 

This event was very well attended and was held in the back yard of The Big House.  There is a permanent stage as they have events there from time to time.  The music was super and all of the performers seemed to have brought their “A” game.  They invited Idlewild South as a band to perform a few songs.  This was something they had never done before at the “member’s jam” so needless to say we were quite honored to fill this spot created for us.  Playing on The Big House stage has been something I have been wanting to do for many years and I can’t believe it actually happened.  It seemed we were well received by the response when we left the stage, so that was one dream fulfilled. 

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Right after that Idlewild South performed a late afternoon show at The Back Porch.  The performance that night at The Douglas Theater featured none other than the great Jack Pearson who was also a former member of The Allman Brothers Band.  Kunio Kashida also joined Jack (among others) on stage and they put on a spectacular performance.  But the night was still young and there were a ton of music-hungry fans ready for more.  So the after-party was taking place at The Back Porch featuring Idlewild South, The Allman Brothers Band Tribute. 

The after-party kicked off sometime after 10:30 p.m. and as the music played the venue started to fill up with those still hungry for more music.  Kunio Kashida was one of our guests on stage and I must say he played beautifully and fit in nicely with us.  By 11:20 or so the venue was full and the music was cooking.  We took a break after a very long set and went back on and continued to play.  I think we ended it just after 3:00 a.m. and what a night – or I should say what a full day – of music it was. Personally, I have played two shows in the same day several times but this was a first for me as now I can say I have played three shows in one day. 

Sunday had some festivities for anyone that were still in town.  All I can say is if you are a fan or even think you’re an Allman Brothers fan then GABBA is the place for you.  Everyone there is super friendly and will extend their openness, make you feel very welcome and you will be glad you attended.  

There is so much to do while you’re there in Macon aside from GABBA.  However, so much is connected to The Allman Brothers Band.  There is H&H Restaurant where you absolutely must dine while you’re there and you might just see an old “rock star” in there having lunch.  And if you’re lucky “Mama Louise” might be there in her chair. 

Rose Hill Cemetery is the resting place of Duane Allman, Berry Oakley, and now Gregg Allman.  I suspect Butch Trucks will be placed there soon too. 

There are so many landmarks there to see and don’t forget that Capricorn Records (who put out so many artists’ recordings including The Allman Brothers Band) is there. 

I mentioned “more on Johnny Neel” – he will be joining Idlewild South at The Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro/Chapel Hill, NC, on October 26th and what an honor it will be to have him onstage with us.  

GABBA is truly one of the most unique festivals I have ever attended and or played.  The vibe there is like no other and the attendees and the artists are also like no other.  So if uniqueness, friendliness and an overwhelming experience are what you’re looking for then look no further than GABBA in late September every year.