It’s a musical experiment for a good cause.
Build the Band will bring together some of the area’s top musicians, many of whom have never played together, for a night of new sounds and new collaborations.
“The list of musicians is just nuts,” said Ryan Abel, who is the host of the event, scheduled for June 14 at the Miller Theater.
Out of Augusta’s talented musical pool, five “super groups” are going to play for 15 minutes each and battle for the title of the best. Voting links are available at the Augusta Habitat website.
One of the bands is called yeet.
Will McCranie, who has played solo as well as with bands such as Bodega Cat and Sweet Burrito, is heading the group with Matthew L Acosta, Charles Givens, Bradley Morganstern and Patrick Reagan. All of the musicians within the group have extensive resumes.
Bernadette Fortune, Habitat CEO, said the idea was to create a music-based fundraiser with a twist.
Read More: Habitat for Humanity CEO builds for the future
“I wanted it to be fun and for them to have a good time with it,” said Fortune, who worked with Abel on the concept.
It’s shaking up the music scene, but in a good way.
“It’s bringing different ideas, different mindsets, a different fusion and styles. It can lead to some pretty creative representations and interpretation of songs. And it’s helping a very worthy charity like Habitat while increasing the camaraderie in the local music scene; that’s important as well,” Abel said.
It’s designed to be a one-of-a-kind Father’s Day weekend event, but yeet. has its own Facebook page. There could be more music coming out of those performers at another time. McCranie said no dates are on the books just yet.
Fortune took the helm at Habitat for Humanity in February 2023. At the time, the organization was building a home a year, but Fortune wants to build five a year.
The fundraiser will help toward her goal, but Fortune said volunteers are always needed.
For tickets, go here.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
