How to go
What: 32 Below with The Highway Junkies
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 22
Where: J.D. Legends, 65 Millard Drive, Franklin
Cost: $10
Info: (937) 746-4950
FRANKLIN — The band 32 Below comes to Franklin this weekend, launching the J.D. Legends annual concert series.
The group plays at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 22, with opening band The Highway Junkies. 32 Below is based in Minnesota and North Dakota, but has gathered a national fan base.
“We travel all over. We started playing at the Coyote Ridge Saloon in Monroe and developed a following one person at a time. That’s how we do it everywhere. We keep it going, grass-roots style,” said Matt Aakre, lead singer and guitarist for the group.
32 Below is just starting to write songs for its next album, which has no release date as of yet. The group will road-test new material at J.D. Legends.
“It’s a lot like our other stuff. It’s really kind of country rock, I guess you could say,” Aakre said.
This is the fifth year the bowling alley/restaurant has booked national acts, and “the crowds are bigger and better every year. The community has really embraced it,” said Steve Miller, a manager at J.D. Legends. He estimated the shows draw as many as 1,500 people.
This year’s concert series includes such veterans as Travis Tritt on June 12 and Poison frontman Bret Michaels on Aug. 7. Michaels is recovering from his recent brain hemorrhage but is still expected to appear, Miller said.
The concert lineup of national acts includes:
• 6:30 p.m. June 12: Travis Tritt, $27.50
• 6 p.m. June 19: Blues Traveler, $20
• 6 p.m. June 26: Easton Corbin, $12
• 7 p.m. Aug. 7: Bret Michaels, $29.50. Tickets on sale June 1
• 6 p.m. Oct. 9: 32 Below, $12.
In addition, J.D. Legends will welcome a number or regional performers over the next several months, including The Whammies today, May 21, The Menus on July 31, Scotty Bratcher on July 30, and McGuffey Lane on Sept. 18.
For tickets, call (937) 746-4950 or visit www.J.D.legends.com.
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