Calhoun’s GEM Theatre presents inaugural Summer Concert Series

Published 12:43 pm Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Calhoun’s Georgia’s restored GEM Theatre is bringing bluegrass, country, rock and Elvis to northwest Georgia this summer for the GEM’s inaugural summer concert series.

The series will kick off on June 16 with bluegrass musicians Sierra Hull & Highway 111. Hull has received five International Bluegrass Music Association nominations and is the first bluegrass musician to receive Berklee College of Music’s prestigious Presidential Scholarship. At age 8 she became well known for her skill on guitar and mandolin, and at 11 performed on the Grand Ole Opry with Alison Krauss. Hull has since performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the National Prayer Breakfast.

On June 29, Confederate Railroad will take the GEM stage. From rowdy country to raw emotion, a Confederate Railroad concert covers a wide range of feelings. Young people will rock to “Trashy Women,” while their parents and grandparents will sing along to “Jesus and Mama.” The band has fun right along with their audience, and at the end of each show greets fans, signs autographs and poses for photos.

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit will rock the GEM on July 27. Jason Isbell is a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Greenhill, Ala. From 2001 until 2007 he was a member of the rock band Drive-By Truckers. Isbell released his first solo album, “Sirens of the Ditch,” in 2007. Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit’s eponymous album was released in 2009. Their second album, “Here We Rest,” was released in 2011. The album was produced and recorded by the band themselves.

The series will conclude with an Elvis celebration week, featuring classic Elvis movies and a concert on Aug. 25 starring award-winning Elvis tribute artist Stephen Freeman. In addition to opening for Charlie Daniels and winning numerous Elvis contests, Freeman was recently recognized by Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. as the Elvis Tribute Artist Fan Vote Poll Winner.

Concert tickets range from $15 to $30 and are on sale at www.calhoungem.org, (706) 625-3132 and the GEM box office open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.