Rocking for the Red

By Nicholas Hilbourn
Arts and Entertainment Writer
Published: August 21, 2008

It wasn’t supposed to be a big deal.

Linda Boone-Smith, executive director of the Pee Dee Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Debra Suggs, the chapter’s director of public support, were hoping to raise some extra funds for the financially strapped agency.

They contacted local businessman and Nashville recording artist Barry Brown, wondering if he could help them out.

Barry, Boone-Smith said, “took (our idea) and ran with it.”

A one-man concert quickly became a six-band festival featuring a card of heavyweight names infused with popular local flavor.

A Bigger Event

It began in a small meeting room set in the back of the American Red Cross building on West Lucas Street.

“We initially approached Barry about doing a small concert either in Chesterfield or Darlington by himself,” said Boone-Smith.

“His response,” she said, “(was) that he had been wanting to do something like this. He had wanted to pattern something to benefit the military personnel, but when we explained to him what our services were, he was really excited about jumping on board and trying to help us with this.”

Providing shelter, clothing and essentials for fire victims, responding to community needs in the aftermath of weather emergencies, blood bank services and emergency medical and safety training are just some of the valuable services performed by the Pee Dee Red Cross chapter.

Of course, Brown was eager to lend a helping hand, but he also felt he couldn’t do it alone.

“I felt like the need was much larger for them than I could fulfill by myself,” he said. “I felt the community and (the Red Cross) deserved a bigger event, and I made a few phone calls and got people interested.”

Musical influence

It’s unlike anything the Pee Dee Chapter has ever done before, Boone-Smith said.

“I think the main thing with this ... concert is that we’ve had someone who’s really taken the lead to help with this,” she said. “Barry Brown ... has really done a great job lining up acts. This has been a fundraiser he has really led. That’s kind of unusual for us.”

Brown, who recently finished recording several tracks in Nashville including the radio success “300 Horses,” had made friends with some very important names.

Among them was country music legend Mel McDaniel, best known for his hit single, “Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On,” and rising country stars The Roys, whose single, “I Only Have Good Days,” is quickly accruing popularity.

He also stretched his local pull, drawing in Hartsville talent Trey Davis, Camden’s KT and Friends and The Saddle Creek Band from Rockingham, N.C.

The response to the event has been the most surprising part of the process, noted Brown.

All the musicians involved, he said, “are all really excited about it. Mel (McDaniel) has been wanting to call into radio stations and do interviews and anything he can do to help.”

Rounding up the necessary funds was another surprise.

“I called Tim Ringer (general manager) at Wal-Mart ... asking for advice, not involvement,” Brown said.

Two days later he received a call from Ringer that guaranteed the support of five different Wal-Marts in the Pee Dee.

Now, the event that was originally began as a small “Barry Brown concert” has become a six-band festival with a generous corporate sponsor.

Giving back

McDaniel, who actually met Brown through the Hartsville resident’s family RV business, said he thinks the event was such a success because Brown was behind it.

“Barry’s quite the guy. He’s a go-getter,” said McDaniel.

McDaniel has also taken an active role, calling into a local radio station to promote the event.

Brown, who will also be performing at the festival, said he has strived to find ways to give back to the community through music.

“I’ve always loved giving back,” he said. “A lot of times, I was involved with stuff in church, fundraising-type things, (so) I enjoy doing (this). It’s kind of a challenge.”

Also featuring ...

Beside music acts, the event will feature food vendors and wandering performers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and coolers, but no glass bottles. Vendors are welcome as long as 10 percent of their revenues are donated to the local Red Cross.

All ticket sales from the event will also benefit the local Red Cross chapter.

“It’s a very inexpensive day for a family,” said Suggs. “We’re going to have fun, but we’re also going to help some people in the Pee Dee who have had a major loss. These funds stay local. We do not send them out to other chapters or other disasters.”

Although they’re still busy setting up Saturday’s event, Boone-Smith and Suggs have already spoken to Brown about possibly making the festival an annual tradition if it the response is positive.

“He’s really been a charm to work with,” said Boone-Smith, adding that as long as Brown is involved, the Red Cross will be, too.

Brown agrees. Although it’s been a lot of work, he said he’d gladly be part of it again.

“We hope this is going to be a good foundation (on which to) build an annual event,” he said.

If You’re Going

WHAT: The Wal-Mart Concert Series to benefit the Pee Dee’s Red Cross chapter
WHEN: 3 to 11 p.m. Aug. 23
WHERE: Byerly Park, located at 700 Russell Road, in Hartsville
COST: $15
INFO: (843) 662-8121 ext. 120
ON THE WEB: http://www.peedeeredcross.org

Concert schedule
3 p.m. KT and Friends
4:30 p.m. Trey Davis
6 p.m. Saddle Creek
7:30 p.m. The Roys
9 p.m. Barry Brown and The New School Hicks
10:30 p.m. Mel McDaniel