Head to “The Fred”

By LINDSAY BIANCHI lbianchi@thecitizennews.com

It will soon be time to head to “The Fred” for another season of great entertainment. The first series of acts at the Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater begins the weekend of April 22 and 23 with the Four Tops. Still going strong after more than 40 years, the Motown magic can be heard in every one of their 60s hits including “Baby, I Need Your Loving,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugarpie, Honeybunch),” “It’s the Same Old Song,” and “Bernadette.”

The weekend of May 6 and 7 offers twice the talent with Starship and Pure Prairie League playing back to back. Starship featuring Mickey Thomas is best known for their 80s hits “Jane,” “No Way Out,” “Sara,” and, of course, “We Built This City.”

Complimenting the rock sound of Starship, Pure Prairie League blends folk, country, rock , blues and even bluegrass to create their own brand of music. Songs like “Amie,” “Let Me Love You Tonight,” and “It’s All On Me” demonstrate the crossover quality of their country-rock sound.

Styx, the famous Chicago-based progressive rockers, are set to perform their numerous classics such as “Lady,” “Come Sail Away,” “Too Much Time On My Hands,” “Renegade,” “Blue Collar Man,” “Fooling Yourself,” and “Babe” May 20 and 21.

Things get funky when Kool & The Gang show up June 3 and 4. Now in their third decade, the gang keeps things upbeat with familiar favorites “Celebration,” “Ladies Night,” “Cherish,” and “Jungle Boogie.”

Closing out the series June 17 and 18, the Fred welcomes back .38 Special. The popular Florida rockers get the crowd movin’ as they perform “Hold On Loosely,” “Teacher, Teacher,” “Stone Cold Believer,” and “So Caught Up In You.”

In addition, a special performance by the Swingin Medallions on July 2 for the Fireworks over Lake Peachtree celebration provides one more reason to head to “The Fred.”