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Dickey Betts - Alive at Five in Albany Places Betts On the Hudson
by Rich and Laura Lynch
Dickey Betts and his large band known as "Great Southern" were the featured act at the long running Alive at Five concert series on June 28, 2012 in Albany, New York at Riverfront Park in the Corning Preserve.
Guitar legend Dickey Betts rocked the Hudson as Albany came alive at five.
Before striking out on his own, Dickey Betts wrote and sang on the Allman Brothers Band's biggest hit, "Ramblin' Man", and composed many of the group's best-loved songs. The New York Times calls Betts "one of the great rock guitarists" and Rolling Stone ranks him among their list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
Betts and company thrilled the packed park and lawn space was at a premium for this command performance by the legendary Allman Brothers guitarist and company. The incendiary triple-guitar attack and ethos of the south added heat to the already sweltering day but those in attendance didn't seem to mind the unusually high temperature.
Great Southern had the crowd up on their feet, dancing and celebrating the arrival of summer in the capital city of Albany. Alive at Five has kept downtown Albany's spirits high after work on Thursdays throughout the summer for 23 years. The stage comes alive with music from national, regional and local artists; each night plays host to a different genre of music. The weekend kicks off with an early start, as many of Albany's professionals, community members and friends enjoy the diverse musical talent presented during the series.
Dickey Betts and Great Southern during the free Alive at Five concert in Albany, NY.
The music is not the only form of entertainment at Alive at Five as great crowd participation, dancing and people-watching all make for a unique blend of concert atmosphere and hometown block party fun. Attendees of Alive at Five can also sample an array of summer favorites such as ice-cold beer, fresh squeezed lemonade, cotton candy and delicious BBQ from some of the area's favorite local vendors. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and music of this wonderful series that is a signature event and a summer staple in the Capital City of Albany, New York.
Albany - two hours north of Manhattan - is a city seemingly undergoing a renaissance despite the current hard times. The downtown has become a musical mecca with clubs, restaurants and the Times Union Arena catering to the scene. West of the city the suburbs are thriving supported by the sprawling University campus and the college community. The New York State Museum offers world-class exhibits and the mountains are only minutes away. If you haven't checked out the Empire State's seat of power - now would be a good time - while the summer's hot and the music is in the air.
THE BAND: Dickey Betts - Guitar / Vocals; Andy Aledort - Guitar; Pedro Arevalo - Bass; Duane Betts - Guitar; Mike Kach - Keyboards / Vocals; Frankie Lombardi - Drums; James Varnado - Drums
Duane Betts (right) and Gregg Allman doppelganger are two long-time members of Great Southern.
Related Links:
For more information on DICKEY BETTS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Dickey Betts |
Albany Alive at Five
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