Community News
Back at it: Double Barrell Band returning for CountryFest.
By Dave Whitaker
Jul 31, 2016, 02:22

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Double Barrell Band is reuniting. After announcing their breakup earlier this year via the Facebook page, a post Saturday announced they would return to perform at this year's CountryFest. The Street Dance will be back after a year's absence.

Why did the DBB go their separate ways after entertaining people for years? Guitarist and vocalist Ronnie Smith said in an email burnout was a big factor.

"We weren't on tour or anything close to that but we were playing a lot more than we ever imagined when we first got together. I think we were all kind of burned out, especially Kerry (Lamb) who had to haul and set up all of our sound gear." Smith said it was becoming "burdensome" to rehearse and they'd gotten on each others nerves. Adding to the stress was a foot injury to vocalist Randy Barlow, who had limited mobility as a result.

Smith said he'd been keeping busy playing with other musical friends since the breakup but hoped in the back of his mind his DBB mates could reunite and play again. He said he heard a lot of public frustration last year with the DBB not playing at CountryFest, even more over there not being a street dance. Smith said he was glad the CountryFest committee decided to bring back the dance calling a "neat event" adding "We love seeing the huge crowd of family, friends and fellow residents. It's one of the pleasures of small town life."

So how did it come about that the DBB would once again entertain at this year's street dance? Smith said he called CountryFest committee member Russell Davidson on a whim and said while he (Smith) couldn't make any guarantees, what if the DBB could reform for CounryFest. Smith contacted the other committee members, all agreed a reunion would be great.

He said the band seems ready to go and they'd begin rehearsing "very soon." As to whether this is a one-time event or the start of something more, Smith said they would "play it by ear." He said the Fish 'N Pig restaurant in Macon, a venue that's hosted the DBB numerous times in the past, has already contacted them about trying to "work them in."

So at least for one night, the DBB will ride shotgun at CountryFest. The festival, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce will be October 15 with the street dance scheduled for 6-9 pm.

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