The Jambodians shows have become a holiday tradition here in Bowling Green over the last decade or so. What started humbly as a small get-together of musicians who either live here or come from here  has grown since its’ inception. All proceeds are for the Son Rhea Foundation (www.sonrhea.org), and Son Rhea sponsors the shows. This year, the producers took a giant leap in venue, talent, and faith by moving the show to the big room at the Sloan Convention center. I’m happy to say it paid off big time. Both shows were more than well attended and I think, for the first time ever, the second night had the bigger crowd. Jambodians is always a two-night affair with the more established musicians playing the first night and the up-and-comers playing on night two.

The Sloan Convention Center did a nice job setting up the room with plenty of tables and seats and taking care of the food and bar arrangements. The talent was somewhat familiar, but the leap was a little bit higher profile band each night. The first show featured Black Oak Arkansas, the well-known classic Southern rock band. Although not the headliners (that honor went to the Kentucky Headhunters) it was great to see these guys in action again. The band was tight and certainly had “character”. Other highlights included Kentucky Thunder, a mini- Government Cheese reunion when Scott Willis joined Tommy Womack for two Cheese songs, Lisa Oliver-Gray backed up by a fantastic band and playing her new CD material, and Rufus Huff.

Night two’s headliners were Black Stone Cherry, the band from Muhlenberg County that had not played Bowling Green for several years. There are also two bands that played night two that have become fairly more well-known during the past year; Morning Teleportation and Sleeper Agent. Matt Schultz of Cage the Elephant also performed. Bowling Green musicians are doing well.

Tony Lindsey, president of SonRhea, was very happy with the way things went and considered it a huge success. It would seem they are on course to do it again next year, and I’m sure they learned a few things that they can improve on. So make your plans now for next year’s Jambodians. It’s always two days right after Christmas, it’s great entertainment, and a great cause. I can’t wait to see who will be playing.  

The Jambodians Holiday Bash was on December 27 and 28th at the Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green KY.

About the author: Pennman boughthis first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. Hehas spent much of his disposable income on music, especially liveperformances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps akeen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has aBA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbledin music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more ofPennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.htmlor visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bgor www.facebook.com/pennman