Where there's a will ...

Bands give support to fellow musicians
Date	January 31, 2013
Section(s)	Our Town
Byline	By LINDSEY ADKISON The Brunswick News
The day in early January started off as many others had. Jessica Holloway was driving to meet her friend and Soul Gravy band-mate, Will Gore. But before she arrived at Gore's recording studio, she received an upsetting phone call. "I was actually driving to meet Will to lay down some vocals when he called to say, 'Don't bother coming, because someone had broken into the studio and stolen all of the recording equipment,'" said Holloway, the band's singer and key board player. "Of course, I went anyway, for moral support." What she discovered was that about $10,000 worth of equipment the band was using to create its first album had been taken from the studio in McIntosh County. Gore, who provides vocals and lead guitar for Soul Gravy, is also responsible for the mixing and mastering the group's original songs. Both Holloway and Gore were, understandably, devastated. But after the initial disappointment, Holloway decided to turn the negative into something positive. "Of course, we were upset and depressed. But then you start thinking about it, and, you're like, 'OK how can I make this better?'" she said. That was when the idea surfaced to have a concert to raise money to replace some of the uninsured equipment. "It was actually Josh Nunn of (the band) Defunk who came up with the idea to host a small music festival" she said. "So, at the beginning, it was like planning a trip - you get your dates, place and go from there." Holloway named the benefit "Where There's a Will, There's a Way." The date she chose for it - Saturday - is almost at hand. Lining up donations and talent came next. "I really didn't have to do anything. I just had to tell people that I wanted to do it and when. Then all of these people wanted to help," she said. "It was really overwhelming." Holloway was able to line up several bands to perform, beginning at 1 p.m Saturday in the courtyard at Golden Isles Marina. Holloway also brought in Jeff Montaigne, owner of Coastal Kitchen at the marina, to help. "These guys are my friends, and, as a musician, I've played with them for a while," Montaigne said. "I have a lot of experience in hosting events and festivals, so I wanted to help. It's great to be able to help out." Several bands will lend their talents. The schedule begins at 1 p.m. with Jeff & Brooke from Live Bottom Groove. At 1:30 p.m., DeFunk will take the stage, followed by Ambrosious at 2:50 p.m. The Matt Williams Trio will start at 4:10 p.m., and Soul Gravy will perform at 5:30 p.m. In addition to the performers' time, Holloway received gift card donations from more than 20 restaurants for a raffle. SBlt Lifestyle Editor Lindsey Adkison writes about lifestyle topics. Contact her at ladkison@thebrunswicknews.com, on Facebook or at 265-8320, ext. 316. If you go "Where There's a Will There's a Way" will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday in the courtyard of Golden Isles Marina, on Lanier Island at the F.J. Torras Causeway and the Frederica River. Five bands will play until 7 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. All admission proceeds and a portion of drink sales will go toward helping the band Soul Gravy replace equipment taken in a burglary.