TRAC announces 2016 schedule of events

The Two Rivers Arts Council in Marengo County (TRAC) is starting their 2016 season with a membership drive and concert with 2BLU and The Lucky Stiffs on Thursday, Feb. 11 from 6-9 p.m. at the Marengo County History and Archives Museum in Demopolis.

2BLU and The Lucky Stiffs have been providing fans with their premium blend of blues, rock, funk, and gospel for years. Whether they are putting their original twists on Delta Blues when performing in an unplugged acoustic duo or trio, or bringing the funk in their electrified four- or five-piece configuration, 2BLU and The Lucky Stiffs create their own unique brew to rock your bones and soothe your soul.

The genesis of the band was the acoustic duo of Bruce Andrews and George Dudley, who adopted the name “2BLU.” With the addition of drums, bass, and percussion, the boys become “2BLU and The Lucky Stiffs.” Why the name? The guys are “lucky” to share a mix of music, faith, and life experience with anyone who will listen. On top of that, they’re a bunch of “stiffs,” old dudes who can’t quit playing and wouldn’t dream of quitting in the first place. 2BLU’s lyrical approach frequently reflects the band’s Christian faith, usually in a non-traditional format, mixing secular and faith themes in their tunes; exactly as life mixes the everyday grind with the divine. This combination represents the roots of the Blues. Diverse instrumentation includes custom hand-built lap steel guitars, bass guitars and hand percussion by bassist Jack Dudley of Don’t Fret Instruments.

Tickets for the 2BLU and The Lucky Stiffs concert can be purchased at the door. TRAC members are admitted with a membership card. Members of the Marengo County History and Archives Museum and students are admitted free. Water, spiced tea and snacks will be provided or bring your own beverage or spirit of choice and sweets or savories.

The TRAC is a nonprofit 501 c3 entity whose mission is to encourage and stimulate the practice and appreciation of the arts among the people living in Demopolis and Marengo County. The Council strives to bring quality arts exhibits and performances to the community and to encourage local efforts which enable the community citizens to create and make their own arts. The Council is run by a board consisting of Bill Barley, Frank Calloway, Carolyn Cowling, Judy Etheridge, Kaye Evans, Sarah Chandler Hallmark, Sheron Laney, Bobbi Mitchell, Morgan Walters, Laurie Willingham, and Morgan Allen. There are currently three board member positions available. Contact Morgan Allen at 334.289.1595 if you are interested in serving.

The TRAC would like to encourage you to become an arts council member. All members receive newsletters and a membership card that allows them admission to events. This year’s events include concerts by 2BLU and the Lucky Stiffs, Randy Glenn Band, Alabama School of Fine Arts, B.J. Reed, University of West Alabama and the Tiger Arts Guild’s spring production. An individual membership is $25 and a patron membership that includes two membership cards is $60. Membership brochures and more information are available at the Demopolis Public Library, the Demopolis Chamber of Commerce and at any of our events. For more information contact Judy Etheridge at (334) 295-4254, Morgan Allen at (334) 289-1595, or visit us on Facebook.