An out-of-the-box concept proved to be a recipe for success for one local non-profit.
“We were really blessed with the response for the first year,” said Will McCranie, Senior Director of Business Development for Augusta Habitat for Humanity.
Last year, McCranie was a performer with Build the Band, which returns Saturday to the Miller Theater. The show starts at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are $38.71 to $94.59.
Augusta boasts a rich musical community. The idea for Build the Band is to bring together some of those performers but group them with other musicians than those they regularly play with.
Last year, McCranie headed a band called YEET, which won the top award on the night.
Through the inaugural event, he got the chance to work with Matt Acosta, who he wanted to perform with for years, as well as Patrick Reagan. And it was a great experience for him both personally and professionally.
“I wound up with friendships and collaborations,” he said.
He’s performed with some of his newfound friends at other locations since then.
While the musicians, who spent hours rehearsing and playing their hearts out that night, were major pieces to the event’s success, the audience members who showed up to give their support also played a key role.
“I think it’s a testament to how much people love local musicians. When you have 20 to 30 of them in a room, it’s a big deal,” he said.
This year’s lineup includes Ryan Abel and The Peanut Doctrine featuring Jacob Beltz, Zach Coleman, Kenny George, Travis Petrea and Paxson Summer; Luke Amerson and Lightweight Lush featuring Justin Anderson, Brandon Henson, Brad Morganstern, Levi Pulaski and Christian Thornton; Trey McLaughlin & the Feel Goods featuring Andrew Fowler, Joe Looney, Dave “Muz” Mercer and Travis Shaw; and Jaycie Ward and May River Symphony featuring Ethan Balducci, Jeremy Froebel, Rino Mendoza, Danny Rosario and Jason Shepard.
Judges are Russell Joel Brown, Karen Gordon, Coco Rubio, Scott Seidl, Joe Stevenson and David Watts.
The event will raise money for Habitat for Humanity.
McCranie said the organization is close to finishing two homes on Hummingbird Lane and starting another soon on Macon Avenue. Another two homes should be started by year’s end.
“The goal is to build homes, community and hope right here in our community, in the CSRA,” he said.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s a Georgia Press Association winner and the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
