38 Special

October 31, 2015

North Augusta, SC

Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee

Reviewed by Joseph Hett

38 Special Makes Halloween In North Augusta Extra Special

38 Special came to North Augusta, SC on Halloween night for the 31st annual Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee. This event was located downtown with the stage positioned on Georgia Avenue. The event organizers said they wanted to increase the prestige of the event by inviting a major musical act to play, so they went out and got the unique stylings of 38 Special.

ZZ Top songs blasted from the speakers leading up to the show. This really got the crowd in the mood for some good rock and roll. 38 Special would later pay homage to the three hombres by performing “Just Got Paid.”

The band was anchored by lead singer/guitarist Don Barnes and longtime members: lead guitarist Danny Chauncey, keyboardist Bobby Capps and drummer Gary Moffatt, along with their newest addition, Barry Dunaway on bass.

The band walked out on the stage to an eruption from the energetic crowd. They then started “Rockin’ Into The Night,” the song most appropriate for the occasion. They continued with “Rough-Housin’,” “Back Where You Belong” and the classic “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys.”

There was a seven song medley that was capped-off by “Teacher Teacher,” from the “Teachers” movie soundtrack. Capps took over on vocals for “Second Chance,” 38’s biggest hit, chart-wise, from 1988.

Barnes asked, “How many guys brought their fantasy girl out here on Halloween night?” And continued, after a brief pause, “Ladies, just give him a little poke, and he won’t be in trouble when you get home.” They then played the radio anthem “Fantasy Girl.”

The guitars were cranked up with full distortion for the hard-rocking “Trooper With An Attitude.” Smoke bellowed out during the performance. Moffatt got his chance to shine with a killer drum solo while the stage lights twirled lighting up the smoke.

Barnes was positioned to the left of the stage all night, even though he had every right to be center stage since he is the sole original member. He was flawless with his vocals all night long.

They finished the set with “Caught Up In You,” while the crowd sang along. They left the stage before coming back out for the encore.

More smoke started rolling out, along with claps of thunder on the PA system for “Chain Lightning.” They wrapped the show up with another classic sing-along, “Hold On Loosely,” and a cover of CCR’s “Travelin’ Band.”

They brought the full 38 Special experience to this show. Most bands would have only played an hour at a special event, but 38 Special brought a full hour and forty minute show. They were high-energy and fun to watch. Hopefully, the City of North Augusta continues to bring in these major acts for future Jack-O-Lantern Jubilees.