Southport Magazine

The folk-rock duo make a stop at Odell Williamson

BY : JEFFERY STITES

Fans of American roots music have a treat in store this month as The Kennedys make their third appearance in Brunswick County. Combining sounds reminiscent of Buddy Holly and The Everly Brothers with more modern acoustic and electric vibes (and even a ukulele).

The Kennedys are celebrating 20 years of marriage and 20 years as a musical duo. Husband and wife team Pete and Maura Kennedy are touring this year in support of three new albums—each artist has released a solo CD as well as The Kennedys’ newest, “West,” inspired by the couple’s search for America’s musical roots and their own musical version of the American dream.
“Two decades on, The Kennedys are hitting a songwriting high point, and from that point they follow the well-worn Amer- ican path West,” said Jeannie Dufour, director of Listen Up Brunswick County.
The Kennedy’s will take the stage at the Virginia Williamson Events Center inside the Odell Williamson Auditorium building on the campus of Brunswick Community College on Saturday, January 9th at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $24 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Fuzzy Peach or Cattail Cottage in Southport, the Chamber of Commerce on Main Street in Shallotte, or online at www.listenupbrunswickcounty.com. All ages are welcome and doors open at 7:00 pm.

Not only will concert-goers enjoy some wonderful music, they will be helping their community. The Kennedys represent the first show of the 2016 Season for Listen Up Brunswick County, a non-profit, dedicated to music and charity. Proceeds from this show, and the rest of Listen Up’s 2016 season, will go to benefit the New Hope Clinic, providing medical services to low income un- and under-insured Brunswick County residents. A representative of the New Hope Clinic will be at each show this year to answer questions and talk about the clinic’s work.

“We have been fortunate to receive support from the business community and residents within the borders of Brunswick County. It is gratifying to be recognized for our goal to bring great music to the county while supporting those in need from Calabash to Leland,” said Dufour.

Listen Up Brunswick County continues pursuing its mission of “Good Music/GoodDeeds” with three more shows in 2016. Philadelphia-bred singer/songwriter Vance Gilbert will appear Saturday, February 20th. Idlewheel Acoustic, featuring Craig Bick- hardt & Jack Sundrud of the 1960s-era coun- try-rock band Poco, will be in town on Friday, March 18th. And Grammy-nominated sing- er/songwriter and activist Eliza Gilkyson will perform a matinee show on Sunday, April 17th. All shows are at the Odell Williamson Events Center. Details can be found on the Listen Up Brunswick County website.