Benefit for a Brother Brings Out the Stars in Macon

I returned to Macon, Georgia again this week for the Benefit for Sid Yochim (aka: Benefit for a Brother) on Saturday night (August 4th) at The Grand Opera House in Macon, Georgia.

Sid was a long time bus driver for both The Allman Brothers Band and The Charlie Daniels Band, and is a friend to everyone in Southern rock. He recently underwent extensive heart surgery, and the benefit was to help pay some of the bills.

It was truly a Southern rock homecoming. I was blown away by the beauty of the old Opera House, and immediately flashed back to the Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert called “Saturday Night in Macon Georgia” back in 1973 that featured the Allman Brothers, The Marshall Tucker Band and Wet Willie. The show took place on this very stage, and tonight certainly brought to mind those glory days.

It was great seeing so many old friends in the house. Chank showed up for a while. For anyone who doesn’t know him, he’s Gregg Allman’s assistant, and a helluva nice cat. I was happy to see fellow Spartanburg home-towner Moon Mullins in attendance. Moon was the head of the road crew for Marshall Tucker during the glory days. Long time Allman Brothers crew man Scooter Herring was there. Pam Lockhart from The Georgia Music Hall of Fame was in the house, along with many other friends.

I myself opened the show, accompanied by the ultra-talented guitarist Donnie Winters (Winters Brothers Band) picking lead. Donnie is a true joy to work with, and never fails to “hit the note.”

Next up was The Revival. Now, this was my first time hearing these guys, and I was quite impressed. They are not Southern rock, but they blend many influences, including reggae, into a tight musical sound with amazing vocal harmonies. Lead singer Lamar Williams is the son of former Allman Brothers bassist, the late Lamar Williams, Sr. I truly look for big succes from these guys.

Next up was Tommy Crain and The Crosstown Allstars, delivering a red hot set that included originals like “The Hill” and “Find Another Lover,” along with a very nice version of The Allman’s “Jessica” and a tip of the hat to Tommy’s old boss Charlie Daniels, “Long Haired Country Boy.” The band was cooking. These guys are quickly becoming one of my favorite bands to see live. Great guitar work from Tommy and Bob.

The Winters Brothers Band hit the stage locked and loaded and never once let up, playing all of the crowd favorites, all the while accompanied by Mike Causey of Stillwater on guitar. As an added treat, brother Donnie Winters joined in on “Sang Her Love Songs” and “Devil’s After My Soul.” Like I said earlier, it was like a homecoming.

Dennis Winters introduced the man of the hour, Sid Yochim, who spoke briefly to thank everyone for coming out. Sid’s daughter Sydney stepped up next to sing a beautiful country song acapella. You could have heard a pin drop. All of the musicians on stage stood mesmerized by this child’s beauty and talent. She truly has “what it takes” to be a country star. We’ll be watching and listening.

Next came the moment we all live for, the all out jam. First to join in was Tommy Crain, who played along with The Winters Brothers on “I Can’t Help It.” Dennis Winters called me out, and I stepped up to sing “Can’t You See,” with Macon local talent Chris Patterson on guitar, our friend Weedy on slide, Bob Rumer from The Crosstown Allstars and various other members of Crain’s band and The Winters Brothers. Musicians were coming and going like leaves in the wind, with Dennis bringing Lamar Williams out to sing on a couple of songs, Sydney Yochim singing backup and her brother Tucker playing guitar on a few. Most of the time there were two drummers, Towson from The Crosstown Allstars and the great Stevie Hawkins.

We all joined in on “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Call me The Breeze,” with the assembled guitar army taking turns on lead runs.

Larry Howard of Grinderswitch made his way to the stage as Dennis kicked off “Before You Accuse Me,” and the the WBB tune “Ride, Ride, Ride.”

Howard stepped up to the mike to sing “Driftin,” and the jam turned a corner to become a red hot blues jam. Dennis ended the show singing the new acapella gospel song he introduced at the annual Winters Jam in June. It was a beautiful and heartfelt close to an outstanding Southern Rock jam.

I left the venue with a great big smile on my face, and great music music rolling around in my head. I’m ready to do it again. Anytime, anywhere.

Keep it Real. Keep it Southern.
Buffalo