The Oak Ridge Boys “Shine the Light” At Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts

July 22, 2018
2 mins read

For 75 years, the music of The Oak Ridge Boys has delighted audiences around the world. Founded in 1943 as the Oak Ridge Quartet, the current lineup has been together since 1973. The quartet consisting of Duane Allen (lead), William Lee Golden (baritone), Joe Bonsall (tenor) and Richard Sterban (bass) continue to record and tour with the Mighty Oaks Band.

I grew up listening to their legendary blend of gospel, blues, and country rock, but never had a chance to see them live until now. Why did I wait so long?

The performance opened with a witty introduction by Darrick Kinslow, the band’s road manager. He set the stage for a Friday night of toe-tapping fun in the impressive Thrasher-Horne Center. Duane Allen’s energy was contagious. From the moment he came on stage until the last encore 95 minutes later, he was a ball of fire. Their sound and lyrics are pure and easy to listen to. The instruments, vocals and sound levels were effortlessly balanced.

The stage, lighting and backdrop created a wonderful atmosphere and enhanced the overall live show. By the end of the night, the crowd was completely into the performance. They were having the time of their singing, clapping and interacting with the group.

The Oak Ridge Boys covered their hits, but also introduced us to songs from their new album called 17th Avenue Revival. Duane described it as rock meets gospel. I especially loved the ballad called A Brand New Star.

I did not see an empty seat in the house and the parking lot was at or near capacity. The sold out show reaffirms that the Thrasher-Horne Center is a prestigious venue in Northeast Florida. They continue to bring in quality talent over and over again. I look forward to visiting this jewel in the heart of Clay County and encourage residents from the surrounding communities to make plans to attend a show this year.

 In addition to the perfect acoustics, comfortable seating with fantastic views of the stage, there is also FREE parking. This particular night, the Center also had food trucks on site and made it a night out versus just a concert. Kudos!!

If you did not attend Friday’s performance, you missed one of the best live concerts I have ever attended. ~ Leigh Ann Rassler

 For tickets, visit www.thcenter.org

The 2018 Season has 10 more shows lined up through January 2019, including Hippiefest 2018, Howie Mandel Live, Lightwire Theater presents The Ugly Duckling, The Naked Magicians, Molly Hatchet 40th Anniversary Tour, Diavolo, Voctave: An A Cappella Holiday and Something Rotten.

 Setlist

  1. Every Day
  2. American Made
  3. You’re the One
  4. Come On In
  5. Louisiana Red Dirt Highway
  6. This Crazy Love
  7. Love Song
  8. Y’all Come Back Saloon
  9. Louisiana in the Broad Daylight
  10. Roll Tennessee River
  11. Dream On
  12. Sail Away
  13. Thank God for Kids
  14. Dancing the Night Away
  15. Come on in
  16. Boom Boom
  17. Pray to Jesus
  18. A Brand New Star (Up in Heaven)
  19. There Will Be Light
  20. I’d Rather Have Jesus
  21. Let It Shine on Me
  22. Elvira
  23. Bobbie Sue

 

 

 

Previous Story

Lin Manuel Miranda’s ‘In the Heights’ a Spirited Musical at Players By The Sea

St. Johns County’s Beachwalk, Photo by James Brown Jr.
Next Story

St. Johns County’s Beachwalk Lagoon Filled, Chic Homes and Shopping Opportunities Coming Soon

Latest from Feature

Nancy Wilson: Still Rocking, Still Writing, Still Raising Hell

By Teresa Spencer In a world where music icons are too often frozen in amber, Nancy Wilson remains in motion writing, playing, evolving. And when you speak with her, it’s clear the Hall of Famer hasn’t just survived rock and roll. She’s still breathing fire into it. At

Florida Theatre Ball: All that and a bag of chips

Words by Kerry Speckman The Florida Theatre held its signature fundraising gala last month, and can I just say what a ball it was. Held at the historic Downtown theater, the event was a ’90s-themed party with hundreds of guests donning their splashiest track suits, loudest graphic tees

Loud, Fast and Lifted: Lifted Riffs 

Words by Carmen Macri  “It wasn’t always the dream, you know, I didn’t always want to be a punk or a rockstar, it’s just something that kind of happened through life.”  Jacksonville’s music scene might seem like a thing of the past — if you’re not paying attention.

Are We Losing the 24-Hour City?

Words by Kaili Cochran When COVID hit, everything changed. It felt like the world shut down. Businesses ran on limited hours and most people started working remotely. But even five years after the pandemic ended, some changes haven’t gone away.  One of the most significant shifts is the

Nightlife Tech

Words by Kaili Cochran What does it mean to go out when the dance floor might be virtual, the music silent and your wristband reflects your mood in real time? Nightlife is constantly evolving and so are the ways we socialize and spend our time. Earlier this year
July 5th Cleanup
GoUp

Don't Miss

Something Rotten: Funniest Musical Ever Seen at Theatre Jacksonville, Photo by Maya Adkins

Something Rotten: Funniest Musical Ever Seen at Theatre Jacksonville

A DUAL CRITICS REVIEW: Something Rotten at Theatre Jacksonville Theatre

Landscape of Guitar: Visual Art with an Intricate Soundscape Creates Multidimensional Reality

Joy, happiness, bliss, sound, and love. Those are the brushstrokes