Clarksville, TN – On Saturday, Beachaven Winery kicked off the 2011 season of their wildly popular Jazz on the Lawn Concert Series with the smooth stylingās of the band Conch Republic. This marks the 24th year for Jazz on the Lawn, and the 25th year that Beachaven Winery has been in business. People attend Jazz on the Lawn for wonderful company, good food, awesome wines, and to enjoy great music.
Conch Republic is a āTropical Rockā or beach band (often referred to as a Jimmy Buffett tribute band) out of Lexington Kentucky. āWe travel all over the country celebrating the life of Jimmy Buffet, and anybody else that dared to dream, to live at the beach, and surf and all that. Itās kind of a dream come true being a Jimmy Buffet wannabe, and having a great time, mostly because of crowds like this! Itās been fantastic!ā said Rich “Schooner” McGuire the lead singer.Ā The band was the recipient of the 2010 Rising Star Award for Top Beach Bands. This is their second appearance at Jazz on the Lawn. They also played at the Rivers and Spires festival earlier this year.
He continued, āThis is the second year we have been here in Clarksville. The Cookeās have been so gracious to be our hosts, and we couldnāt be happier to be back. We love their product, we love what they are doing for your community, and itās helping me to fall in love with your community of Clarksville. We came back a few weeks ago for your big festival (Rivers and Spires). I know we had a lot of rain but we had a blast, and we couldnāt be happier to be here. Thanks you so much for having us Clarksville, we love you!ā
The band is composed of “Panama” Michael Thomas; āSchooner” Rich McGuire; āSkelly-Mon” Shannon Gritton; “Vegas” McKinley; āChi-Town” David Hutter; “Senora” Theresa Thomas; “Tequila” Jenna McKinley; “Jam” Mike Cooley; and “Fliggity” Brian Flack.
Conch Republic has some dedicated followers locally including Clarksville Resident Sharon Bohnenberger āOh my gosh Conch Republic, I have been a huge fan of theirs for a long time, so getting to see them perform at Jazz on the Lawn is a treat!ā She has been attending Jazz on the Lawn at Beachaven Winery for the last 8 years, āI am here every year for the last 8; every time they do this. And I am loving Jazz on the Lawn! The Strawberry Wine is the best stuff around.ā
For more information on Conch Republic visit their web site, or become a fan on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.
Edward Cooke, the owner of Beachaven Winery is gentile southern gentleman, with a laid back attitude.
Normally Jazz on the Lawn is every two weeks, however this weekend is a special back to back concert featuring Tina Brown. The free concert starts at 6:30 pm and goes until 9:30 pm. Because seating is “general admission”, it pays to arrive around 5 pm to get both a good parking spot and a good viewing spot on the lawn.Ā The Jazz on the Lawn Concert season continues through October 22nd.
Photo Gallery
2011 Jazz on the Lawn Schedule
- May 28th – Tina Brown
- June 11 th – Rob Hawkins with Groove 101
- June 25th – Jim Gibson
- July 9th – Joel Brown
- July 23rd – Richard Waters
- August 6th – CJQ
- August 20th – Randy Moore and the Fabulous Suedes
- September 3rd – Nadia Turner
- September 24th – Top Tier Band
- October 8th – Party Zone
- October 22nd – Flashback
About Beachaven Winery
Beachaven Winery uses premium quality grapes and modern wine making technology to make Beachaven wines among the best wines in the world. At regional, national and international award competitions spanning 23 years, Beachaven has earned well over 500 awards, including 7 Consensus Gold and hundreds of gold and silver medals. They welcome visitors to the Winery and offer a number of tours, and wine tastings in addition to their very popular Jazz on the Lawn event.