'Take it All Away ' singer to present Evans concert

With hot weather having officially arrived, the Columbia County Amphitheater will serve as a hot spot for music Saturday with a concert by a California pop-rock artist.

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Ryan Cabrera will perform in Evans during a summer concert that will open with Patrick Blanchard, an Evans acoustic musician.

County Community Events Specialist Keela Fruehling said this concert is different from others shows, such as the country- and beach-themed series, that the county has held in the past.

"We love that people come back over and over again to our events, but we've kind of wanted to broaden our horizons and reach a little bit different audience," she said.

Cabrera emerged as a well-known singer, songwriter and musician with the release of his 2004 album Take It All Away .

"He's very talented," Fruehling said. "He has some good songs and some great music."

The album debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart, according to the Atlantic Records Web site.

Two of the record's singles, On the Way Down and True , were deemed certified "gold" hits by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Fruehling said Cabrera is working on another album.

"We've had a lot of calls and a lot of e-mails," she said. "Just when I was going around town putting up the posters, it was really neat to me to see everybody's reaction.

"During our blues series, we handed out little fliers about it, and so many people were excited and were really looking forward to it."

Gates to the venue open at 6 p.m. with Blanchard taking the stage at 7 p.m. Cabrera is expected to start his performance at 8 p.m.

Admission at the gate costs $10. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 at the Community Events office in Building B of the county government complex on Ronald Reagan Drive.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs, but no coolers will be allowed inside the amphitheater.

Vineyard Wine Market will provide beer and wine for sale, and Bean Baskette Coffee, the new vendor for the library cafe and amphitheater concessions, will sell food.

For details about the concert, call (706) 312-7192 or visit www.columbiacountyga.gov.

if you go

What: Columbia County concert featuring Ryan Cabrera (right) and Patrick Blanchard

When: Gates open at 6 p.m.; Concert begins at 7 p.m.

Where: Columbia County Amphitheater

Cost: $8 in advance; $10 at the gate

More: Call (706) 312-7192