The Fayette Citizen-Weekend Page
Wednesday, August 25, 1999
Southern Fried Music Fest moves away from controversy

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Weekend Editor

It has all the makings of a 1980s fighting-the-establishment movie. A man attempts to promote a benefit concert in a suburban county south of a major city and the county officials block the event.

Shawn Owen of Tyrone was hoping to hold The Southern Fried Music Fest, a benefit for Habitat for Humanity, at the New Senoia Raceway. The concert features several country, blues and rock acts from the region, as well as Southern food, and exhibits from local businesses and artists. Owen has been putting the show together since February.

As the day of the concert neared, county officials began to throw up obstacles. Coweta County administrator Theron Gay said that the festival does not conform with the county's zoning. “The zoning for the racetrack allows special recreational events but our opinion is this is a money making event for the promoter.”

Owen hopes to raise $100,000 for Habitat for Humanity with the concert. “The money that could be raised by this event could build at least four houses,” said Owen. “It could also bring in thousands of dollars in tax revenue into the county.”

The Coweta County officials obtained a restraining order in Fayette Superior Court, because Owen is a resident of Tyrone. “That type of event is not allowed at the raceway,” stated Coweta County attorney Mitch Powell.

Owen then had the rock/blues part of the concert moved to Masquerade Music Park on North Avenue in Atlanta. The country part of the show will be at George Jones Southern Comfort Restaurant on Moreland Avenue.

The artists featured at the rock part of the show will include The Screaming Cheetah Wheelies, Bare Jr., and Soul Miner's Daughter. The show will begin at noon. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.

It may not be the Hollywood ending but the show will go on. People will go, spend some money and have a good time. Habitat for Humanity will get proceeds from the concert and Owen will have accomplished his goal, just a little farther from home.

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