Ryan Abel and Friends Push Music Forward Into the 1990s
Ryan Abel, and a select band of local musicians are offering fans an excuse to don baggy pants, backwards baseball caps, and sing along with favorites from the 90s.
The 1990s was the last decade before social media, before 9/11 scarred all of America and before becoming an influencer was a thing. It was also, for many, the last great decade for music. Fueled by equal parts optimism, teen angst, and MTV, the music of the 90s offered up great songs in every genre and even introduced a new one by way of the coffee-charged city of Seattle.
Now, local musician, Ryan Abel, and a select band of local musicians are offering fans an excuse to don baggy pants, backwards baseball caps, and sing along with favorites from the 90s - rock, country, hip-hop, alternative, pop and, yes, grunge. The performance, promoted as “Back to the 90’s | Ryan Abel & Friends”, will feature hits by Goo Goo Dolls, Coolio, Alan Jackson, Oasis, No Doubt, Alanis Morissette, Janet Jackson, Nirvana, The Offspring, Marky Mark, Natalie Imbruglia, and many more.
The concert event takes place Saturday, March 22 at Miller Theater. Abel, known for his performances with Goin’ South and Ed Turner & Number 9, will be joined onstage by a Murder’s Row of local musicians, including Russ Jarrett, Patrick Reagan, Joe Looney, John Krueger, Will McCranie, Rino Mendoza, Keith Petersen with special guests Keith Jenkins and Michael Vincent Baideme. Joining Abel on vocals will be Brooke Lundy, Jaycie Ward, and Ashley Rivera.
Assembling that long list of experienced musicians seems like a tall task, but Abel said the band was motivated.
“It works out pretty well,” he said. “Everybody’s pretty generous and they all want to do their part to give back to the community.”
Proceeds from the concert benefit the Junior League of Augusta’s mission to promote volunteerism, develop the potential of women, and improve the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Junior League uses the funds for this purpose, including for grants for other nonprofits in the Augusta area that empower women.
Abel said the set list will represent all genres of 90s music, with a few notable exceptions. Because it is important that the performance remains family-friendly, there will be no hardcore hip-hop. He also said Bye, Bye, Bye to any boy bands.
“That’s where I draw the line,” he said with a laugh.
Still, the established set list includes plenty of variety, and Abel promises it will be the “40 songs and an encore in 2 hours.” Tickets are available at MillerTheaterAugusta.com and more information about the Junior Leage of Augusta can be found at jlaugusta.org
WHAT: Back to the 90s | Ryan Abel & Friends
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 22
WHERE: The Miller Theater
COST: $35
Go to millertheateraugusta.com
