The historic Imogene Theatre in downtown Milton is set to welcome members of from several popular southern rock bands consisting of Molly Hatchet, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Georgia Satellites and others, for a two-night performance on September 11 and 12. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Navarre Beach Black Hawk Memorial.
Atlanta native Kyle Verner and Milton businessman Gary Pruitt of RE Development Inc., who are promoting the event, said the concert will also recognize first responders while remembering the events of September 11.
Verner said the entertainers are excited to perform in the historic Imogene building.
“They are all ready and psyched up and ready to come down,” he said.
In addition to playing popular songs their respected bands are known for, he said the performers will also cover other popular classic songs.
Verner, who regularly organizes and promotes concert events, said these musicians regularly perform with each other often.
Each performance will be limited to 300 seats, both promoters anticipate seats will sell fast.
“This should draw people from all around and introduce them to the Imogene,” Verner said. “(Milton residents) should be able to enjoy it more and that is what we are hoping to do by opening it up more and having more events there, not just rock and roll.”
In addition to a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales, all of the proceeds collected from a live auction of a guitar signed by the performers will also benefit the Black Hawk Memorial.
Monetary donations for the memorial will also be collected during each show including the tips collected by volunteers from the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 29.
Michele Tucker, a member of the class, said the group took on the project upon immediately learning about the Black Hawk crash incident from the news.
On March 10, seven members of the U.S. Marines and four members of the National Guard were killed in a helicopter crash during a training exercise which occurred in the waters near Navarre.
The Leadership Class is expected to bring their plans before the SRC Board of County Commissioners at an upcoming meeting. Tucker said a local artist has already been selected for designing the memorial as well as an location at NavarrePark.
She said she appreciates any support given to the memorial from the southern rock concert. She along with other members in the class plan to volunteer at the two night event.
“It’s going to be a good time for a great cause,” she said.
Tickets are currently on sale at the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce office located on Stewart Street, the Copper Possum Antique Mall on U.S. Highway 90 and Rickey Paschall – Ameriprise Financial Services office, located on Willing Street. More locations are set to be announced and tickets, if still available, will be sold prior the event.
The event is being sponsored by the SRC Chamber of Commerce, Fox Sports Radio AM1490 and Leadership Santa Rosa.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 'Southern Rock' All-Star concert to benefit Black Hawk Memorial