I imagine most of you were in dream land fast asleep comfortably under your sheets and comforters. While most of the Lowcountry was sleeping, a few of us witnessed another beautiful miracle; a Charleston sunrise. Like a cinematic IMAX in the sky, the minute by minute reel was filled with colors, depth and warmth.
A Lowcountry sunrise is a gift we are blessed with most mornings.
For those that could not witness this remarkable dawn, we were able to capture and share with you all.
This new Blackbaud Institute report provides research-backed best practices for marketing, promoting, soliciting and fulfilling a sustained giving program. (PRNewsfoto/Blackbaud)
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SOURCE Blackbaud
New study provides research-backed best practices for marketing, promoting, soliciting and fulfilling a sustained giving program
CHARLESTON, S.C., April 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, today announced the availability of a new report, “Sustainers in Focus Part 2: Proven Practices for Success,” featuring research-backed best practices for marketing, promoting, soliciting and fulfilling a sustained giving program. This highly-anticipated second installment of the Sustainers in Focus series released by the Blackbaud Institute for Philanthropic Impact shares strategies that have been proven to produce significant results for social good organizations based on rigorous research and analysis.
“Until now the sector has only had anecdotal evidence about what might work to make a program successful, but this study explores variances in sustainer program returns across different organizations in different sub-sectors to determine the true research-backed best practices that have worked for real organizations,” said Chuck Longfield, Blackbaud’s chief scientist. “These are proven practices, not just advice that might work, that are shared in a clear, concise way to provide an easy-to-follow roadmap to success. They can be broadly applied and repeated to increase sustainer program performance across the entire sector.”
In Part 1 of the series, “Sustainers in Focus: Uncovering the Value of Retained Revenue,” the Blackbaud Institute concentrated on showing the financial justification for sustainer giving as a strategic approach to building donor base stability and maximizing value. Part 2 documents the best practices for increasing sustainer program performance across the nonprofit sector.
Six Proven Practices Uncovered by Blackbaud’s Sustainers in Focus Part 2 Report
Ask new donors to give on a monthly basis.
Convert multi-year, single donors to sustainers.
Make monthly giving the website default.
Use a credit card updater service and update invalid credit card data.
Encourage donors to use electronic funds transfer.
Steward your sustainers.
“I have been building monthly giving programs for more than 35 years. Monthly giving programs remain one of the best ways for nonprofits to dramatically increase the lifetime value of their average donor,” said Harvey McKinnon, author of the report’s foreword and best-seller Hidden Gold. “In this report, you’ll see the practical strategies that can actually lead organizations to build a thriving monthly donor program…Its research-backed findings provide a proven recipe for success… If you, like me, are always searching for the most effective and efficient fundraising strategies, you’ll find Sustainers in Focus Parts 1 & 2 are invaluable companions.”
About Blackbaud Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community-nonprofits, foundations, corporations, education institutions, and individual change agents-Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through software, services, expertise, and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and relationship management, digital marketing, advocacy, accounting, payments, analytics, school management,grant management, corporate social responsibility, andvolunteerism. Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.
About the Blackbaud Institute for Philanthropic Impact The Blackbaud Institute drives research and insight to accelerate the impact of the social good community. It convenes expert partners from across the philanthropic sector to foster diverse perspectives, collective thinking, and collaborative solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. Using the most comprehensive data set in the social good community, the Blackbaud Institute and its partners conduct research, uncover strategic insight, and share results broadly, all in order to drive effective philanthropy at every stage, from fundraising to outcomes. Knowledge is powering the future of social good, and the Blackbaud Institute is an engine of that progress. Learn more, sign up for updates, and check out our latest resources at www.blackbaudinstitute.com.
Media Contact Nicole McGougan
Public Relations
843-654-3307 media@blackbaud.com
Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks related to our dividend policy and share repurchase program, including potential limitations on our ability to grow and the possibility that we might discontinue payment of dividends; risks relating to restrictions imposed by the credit facility; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud’s investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.
About a year and a half ago, I wrote an article for the Island Packet about my personal experiences with PTSD and how the USCB Sand Sharks Veterans club helped unite fellow servicemembers who may be struggling to cope with civilian life. I spoke about the deepest wounds being unseen and that many people aren’t fully aware of the severity of the problem until it is too late to act.
On March 31st, Nick Becker – US Army combat veteran, USCB student, SSV member, and my friend – tragically succumbed to his hidden wounds and took his own life.
Nick was loved tremendously by all who knew him. Known best for his witty sense of humor and Chesire-cat grin, he was always a bright light in the room. People would naturally gravitate towards his magnetic charm. He was incredibly intelligent, compassionate, fearless and had a true warrior spirit.
Nick was one of the first friends I made at USCB. Despite the style and class I may exude in my writing, I do not always seem as approachable in person – Nick saw right through my grizzled demeanor from the beginning. There’s an old saying that war veterans can recognize the “thousand-yard stare” in the eyes of a fellow vet, so perhaps he saw that I was struggling, too.
We bonded while exchanging a few war stories, often making light of sometimes darker subject matter. It was cathartic for both of us to share our toughest experiences with each other, knowing that we were safe to fully express what we were going through without a fear of social repercussions. It helped me a lot – I wish I could have helped him even more.
While I had no problem committing to SSV community outreach efforts on my own, it was always an added bonus to discover that Nick was going to attend the event as well. There was never a dull moment with him around. Even while picking up trash after festivals in Old Town Bluffton, Becker would always manage to find some cold brews for the group to enjoy. He was always a people-pleaser who was never afraid to roll up his sleeves.
Above all else, I truly admired his moral character. He was a fellow proponent for the sciences, secular humanism, skepticism, globalism, liberty, and justice. Like me, he despised hypocrisy, so he always made sure to practice what he preached.
He was a friend to all and a protector of the weak. While we shared many similar views on politics, religion, philosophy, business, and ethics, I most enjoyed when we were at odds. His sharp intellect, vast knowledge, and life experiences often challenged my most stringent beliefs. I will truly miss having that challenge.
I urge all of you to keep fighting for the ones who have already fought for all of us. When the troops come home and the media coverage fades, the war isn’t over – not for everyone. Stay vigilant to veteran organizations, donate, volunteer, write to your legislators, and keep reaching out to those you suspect might be suffering in silence. No one should ever have to feel like they are going through this alone.
“My parting words to all of you is to have a sense of humor, the world is a funny place.”-Nick Becker
Brian Vosicky is a Marine Corps veteran who served in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Beaufort. Email him at vosickybrian@gmail.com.
“Love you” in case I die. A phrase so modern; so true; so filled with the purity of a millennial on the run.
I heard that recently while watching some mindless, yet profound Netflix programming thinking about an earlier conversation about the challenges of relationships. There is a phrase for journalists that sums it all up so nicely, “journalists are just novelists in a hurry.” It got me thinking about why dating is so difficult here in the Lowcountry.
The Dilemma
We date in the sound bite world where immediate affirmation is the normal way of thinking.
After one date, do we:
Sleep together
Become official
Marry
Change our relationship status
Become text friends
It isn’t that simple. Like a great wine, a great relationship must age and be given time to breath.
The Excuses
Often, we blame everything else instead of looking for the core root of the problem when a date goes sour or you just can’t find one.
“Online dating sucks”
“Girls are teases”
“Guys just want to get laid”
“There are so many more girls than guys that it sucks to be a guy in Charleston.”
“I hate putting the effort into a date if it most likely not even workout.”
“After I cyber stalked her, she seems a little crazy.”
“Their picture online is so not them.”
“All he/she wants to do is drink on the date.”
These phrases are like the wind blowing from town to town and finding new meaning with each interaction. The strength of anything worthwhile will never be found in excuses, haste or shortcuts. A great relationship must be treated with respect, nourished and given light to grow.
The Cultural Clash
As the population grows and evolves, Charleston is becoming a melting pot of new cultures, personalities and ways of thinking. This shift is slowly creating an evolutionary shift in traditional Southern behavior.
Historically, women and men with traditional Southern upbringings went into dating with the premise of finding a life mate. This belief system based on respect and conservative values holds significance today, but that shift is changing.
As the melting pot sizzles, the integration of Northerners and Southerners in traditional dating situations is destined to collide.
When the “go out on a few dates and get to know each other” meets the “you are not the right one for me so take care of yourself” passive brush off, the hostility will grow.
When the “I just want to have fun and fuck my way through this city,” meets the Southern belle that wants expensive food and drinks, doors opened for them and a kiss on the cheek at the end of the night, fires will spread.
How often have you heard the phrase, “men and women aren’t so different”? It is built on truth, but there are other variables at play that we must not ignore.
Culture is a beast far more powerful than you and me. West Coast thinking and East Coast thinking get along, but will never find a true happy medium. Northern liberal aggressive behavior vs Southern conservative charms will always be at odds.
Idealistically, when two souls meet that exchange an energy that fuses together for a feeling of yearning and bliss, that union is forever. That true rings true from China to Maine.
Yet, the Lowcountry offers a set of obstacles that must be understood, broken down and pieced back together to paint a picture pure and true.
We live in a day and age where opportunities are more abundant than ever before, where love can be found at every turn over a beer, in a dog park, or in a digital app. Knowing what to do once you find it, is the key to any chance of success.
Go in with a grain of salt, listen to your date and be respectful of their moral fibers.
This will ease the pain if you aren’t the right fit.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – NCGS, Inc. (link is external), a clinical research organization (CRO) supporting the pharmaceutical industry, is expanding its Charleston County operations. The company is constructing a new corporate headquarters, which will bring $10 million of new capital investment and create 80 new jobs.
Founded in 1984, NCGS is a privately-held, international, full-service CRO which specializes in conducting and managing clinical trials. Focusing on complex areas of clinical development, such as oncology, infectious diseases and critical care, NCGS has worked on the approval or expanded approval of 34 drug, biologic and diagnostic products.
Currently located at 288 Meeting Street in Charleston, S.C., the company will be moving into a new corporate headquarters after completing renovations in the spring of 2017. The new headquarters will be located at 16 Charlotte Street in Charleston, S.C. Hiring for the new positions will begin immediately, and interested applicants should visit the company’s careers page online (link is external).
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project.
QUOTES
“NCGS’ core mission is to help develop new drugs that improve our lives. This is an exciting time of unprecedented discovery in our industry, and NCGS is proud that our success will translate into growth for our beloved Lowcountry community. Our continued expansion and success, not only impacts new jobs, but furthers our philanthropic impact on the community.” –NCGS CEO Nancy C.G. Snowden
“The fact that the partnership between NCGS and our great state continues to result in growth and success for both parties is something to be proud of. We have one of the friendliest environments for business in the world, and we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for NCGS.” –Gov. Henry McMaster
“Today’s announcement reinforces an increasing trend – that South Carolina is ‘Just right’ for corporate headquarters. We’re excited to celebrate, not only this tremendous new investment from NCGS, but also the 80 new jobs to Charleston County.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“NCGS’ expansion is continued proof that Charleston County provides a positive business climate and unparalleled resources to foster growth. The county council thanks NCGS for their endless commitment to our community.” –Charleston County Council Chairman Victor Rawl
“Congratulations to NCGS on the expansion of their downtown operations. Charleston is a great place to live, work and raise a family, and I look forward to welcoming NCGS to their new corporate headquarters this spring.” –Charleston Mayor John J. Tecklenburg
“We were excited to learn of the NCGS expansion, and to have the opportunity to help facilitate the move to their new corporate headquarters. Their growth supports a promising future for Charleston County in the life sciences sector.” –Charleston County Economic Development Director Steve Dykes
Media Release: Boat Building Company Adding 370 Jobs in South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A company that makes fishing boats plans to expand its operations in South Carolina and hire another 370 employees.
The state commerce department said in a news release Thursday that Scout Boats plans to spend nearly $11 million on the expansion of its operations in Summerville.
The company plans to add several new models to its product line.
Scout Boats makes a variety of coastal fishing boats ranging from 17 feet to 53 feet in length.
A new facility is designed to accommodate a new 53-foot luxury yacht model.
About Scout Boats
Scout Boats was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Summerville, South Carolina.
To prepare the wheat berries: Sort through wheat berries carefully, discarding any stones. Rinse well under cool running water. Place in a large heavy saucepan. Add water and salt Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse. (Makes about 4 1/2 cups.)
To prepare the hot cereal: Place oats, raisins, milk (or soymilk) and salt in a large, microwave-safe bowl. (No microwave? See Stovetop Variation.) Stir to combine. Microwave on High, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Stir in 1 1/4 cups cooked wheat berries and microwave again until hot, 1 to 2 minutes more. Let stand for 1 minute. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and serve. (Refrigerate or freeze leftover wheat berries.)
Tips and Notes:
Make-Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the cooked wheat berries (Step 1) for up to 2 days or freeze airtight for up to 1 month.
Look for wheat berries in natural-foods markets in bulk or other near whole grains. Contrary to popular belief, they do not require an overnight soak before cooking. Simply boiling them for 1 hour soften the kernels and produces their characteristically chewy texture.
Toast slivered almonds in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.
Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Frittata
Ingredients:
8 eggs
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup sliced red bell pepper
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and sliced
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
Instructions:
Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler.
Whisk eggs, oregano, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Heat oil in a large, ovenproof, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper and scallions and cook, stirring constantly, until the scallions are just wilted, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and cook, lifting the edges of the frittata to allow the uncooked egg to flow underneath, until the bottom is light golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Dot the top of the frittata with cheese, transfer the pan to the oven and broil until puffy and lightly golden on top, 2 to 3 minutes. Let rest for about 3 minutes before serving. Serve hot or cold.
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Tip: Let cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day; serve cold.
Black Bean & Chipotle Tostadas with Creme Fraiche
Ingredients:
8 5- to 6-inch corn tortillas
* Canola oil cooking spray
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup sliced garlic
2 cups cooked or canned, rinsed black beans, (see Tip)
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp salt, divided
1/4 tsp ground chipotle pepper, plus more for garnish
6 large eggs
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup low-fat milk
1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 tbsp crème fraîche, or sour cream
Instructions:
Position racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 375°F.
Coat tortillas on both sides with cooking spray. Place on 2 baking sheets. Bake, turning once, until light brown, 12 to 14 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until just beginning to brown, about 1 minute. Add beans, water and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and chipotle. Mash the mixture with a potato masher or large fork to the consistency of a chunky puree. Cover to keep warm and set aside.
Beat eggs, egg whites and milk in a large bowl. Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the egg mixture and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, folding and stirring frequently with a heatproof rubber spatula, until almost set, 2 to 3 minutes.
To assemble tostadas, spread each tortilla with about 1/4 cup bean mixture. Top each with 1/4 cup scrambled eggs and sprinkle with chipotle pepper, if desired. Serve garnished with onion, cilantro and a small dollop of crème fraîche (or sour cream).
Tips and Notes:
Tip: To cook beans from scratch
1. Pick over 1 pound dry beans to remove any pebbles or broken beans and rinse well under cold water. Place in a large bowl, cover with 3 inches of cold water and soak for 4 to 24 hours.
2. Drain the beans and place in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, skimming off any debris that rises to the surface. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender, 1 to 2 hours (cooking time will vary with the type and age of the bean). When the beans are nearly soft, stir in 1-1 1/2 teaspoons salt, to taste. Makes about 6 cups. Refrigerate leftover beans (in the cooking liquid) for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Crispy P0tatoes with Green Beans and Eggs
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh or cooked green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 lbs boiling potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice, or 5 cups diced cooked potatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp salt
* Freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 large eggs
* Pinch of paprika, (optional)
Instructions:
If using fresh green beans, cook in a large saucepan of boiling water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and refresh under cold running water.
Heat oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until hot enough to sizzle a piece of potato. Spread potatoes in an even layer and cook, turning every few minutes with a wide spatula, until tender and browned, 15 to 20 minutes for raw potatoes, 10 to 12 minutes for cooked. Stir in the green beans, garlic, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper.
Crack each egg into a small bowl and slip them one at a time into the pan on top of the vegetables, spacing evenly. Cover and cook over medium heat until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your taste, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle the eggs with paprika, if desired, and serve immediately.
Mango Coconut Green Smoothie
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut water
1/3 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup chopped kale
1 cup frozen banana slices (about 1 medium banana)
1/2 cup frozen mango
1 tbsp flaxseed or flaxmeal
1-2 tsp pure maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions:
Add coconut water and cottage cheese to a blender, then add kale, banana, mango, flaxseed (or meal) and sweetener (if using); blend until smooth.
Gingerbread Pancakes
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups white whole-wheat flour (see Tips)
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (see Tips)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Whisk flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, ginger, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Whisk egg, buttermilk, applesauce, oil, molasses, sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients and whisk just until combined. Resist overmixing—it will make the pancakes tough.
Let the batter sit, without stirring, for 10 to 15 minutes. As the batter rests, the baking powder forms bubbles that create fluffy pancakes and the gluten in the flour relaxes to make them more tender.
Coat a large nonstick skillet or griddle with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Without stirring the batter, measure out pancakes using about 1/4 cup batter per pancake and pour into the pan (or onto the griddle). Cook until the edges are dry and you see bubbles on the surface, 2 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side, 2 to 4 minutes more. Repeat with the remaining batter, coating the pan with cooking spray and reducing the heat as needed.
Tips and Notes:
Make-Ahead Tip: The mixture of dry ingredients can be stored airtight for up to 1 month; the batter can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; cooked pancakes can be frozen airtight, in a single layer, for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
White whole-wheat flour, made from a special variety of white wheat, is light in color and flavor but has the same nutritional properties as regular whole-wheat flour.
No buttermilk? You can make “sour milk” as a substitute: mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup nonfat milk; let stand for about 10 minutes before using.
You can scroll through any YouTube music video to find the cliché “Music is officially dead” in the comment section, unless you’re watching Samantha Fish.
She’s a homegrown artist from Kansas City, Missouri, who’s cultivated the fervor of a rock and roll sound, but with a serving of blues on the side. While her latest album Chills&Fever, which features R&B gems from the ‘60s and ‘70’s produced by Bobby Harlow and featuring The Detroit Cobras, dishes soul as the entrée, Fish platters rock as the appetizer. Her sounds are intertwined together, so fans are stuffed and satisfied. However, they’ll always be hungry for more.
Whether Fish belts out her pain as in the Nina Simone classic “Either Way I Lose” or opts for an up-tempo backdrop against her sultry croons of Charles Sheffield’s “It’s Your Voodoo Working”. her childhood memories set the tone.
“I grew up listening to everything. My father and uncles played rock ‘n’ roll and heavy metal, but my dad and his friends would play bluegrass, country, blues. There was a lot of different genres that influenced me. I just listen to anything,” she says.
Fish’s bodies of work will always mirror what she feels. While people may know her with a guitar in hand, she’s freed from any box, definition, or label. She’s her own person, and her own artist.
Unlike her last three albums, her fourth album highlights her talent unhinged.
“I was always restrained when I went into the studio. I could hear every flaw magnified, so I would get performance anxiety. I recorded Chills&Fever with a different mindset, though,” she says. Her producer Bobby Harlow had her record in a quirky motel, or a “crazy-ass motel,” as Fish would say. He wanted her to feel like Ray Charles, for example. The legend had little room for error in the music business, so he had to put his heart and soul into his craft. Well, Harlow wanted Fish to feel the same pressure. His plan would only work if Fish did the heavy lifting.
Photo Credit: Brian Rozmanwork if Fish did the heavy lifting.
“In the past I was too self-conscious to give my all, but I threw [my everything] into Chills&Fever,” she says. She realized how her “flaws” and “imperfections” gave her album the oomph that made her songs worthwhile. Nobody wants to go through horrific heartbreak, insecurity, or infidelity, but her experiences make Fish’s work relatable. No wonder she’s grown her fandom, played in France, Germany, and New Zealand, and jammed alongside icons like Buddy Guy, Steven Tyler and Alice Cooper.
The Missourian’s accomplished so much, and her events and encounters are just as noteworthy as her Billboard Blues Albums Chart position of Chills&Fever, which is currently at #5. Her ultimate goal goes beyond the praise and accolades, though. She just wants to make her audience feel. “I want to inspire people,” she says.
While she would love to win a Grammy (She is human, after all.), she strives to give others what music has given her: life.
The essence of music is found in the soul of the songwriter. The ability to harness emotion, derive an engaging composition and share that vulnerability to an audience is the true spirit of lyrical and musical poetry. Artists enter into this world for various reasons; fame, fortune, girls, boys, but a rare few are born with a spirit to sore beyond the material images behind musicians and expose us to the human side of existence where life, music, art and emotion come together as one. A little band from Aiken possess just those rare traits, Kenny George Band.
I had an opportunity to sit with lead singer Kenny George last weekend, ahead of their appearance at The Royal American on April 29th, and what he shared reinforced my own personal passion for music.
Now 31, Kenny began playing his first instrument at age 8. Taking up the violin, because it was one of only two instrument taught in his small Southern school. Now, 24 years later, Kenny and his band are playing 180 shows a year, about to release a new album and on the cusp of a breakout.
Along with Kenny, Bucky Brown, Center Ely, Brooks Andrews and Scott Rankin comprise this Southern rock and acoustic band who has been winning audiences over for years and we are excited to join the fan base and fortunate enough to learn more about Kenny and the band.
Inspired by the Americana sound and Southern California music scene, Kenny has been influenced by some of the greatest artists of our generation including Whiskeytown, Wilco, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Jackson Browne and The Eagles. This fusion of influences coupled by a band who combines acoustic and rock, makes for a symphony of music and lyrics that derive a memorable live music experience.
In my research, I found the tune “Hard to Think About”, a moving song of heartbreak with a message of hope. I asked Kenny about this tune. “It is written about an ex that I had back home in Aiken. I wrote it very hung over on my couch after we broke up. It is one of those ones that came out easily and quickly. We have been working to bring it back into the shows. The steel part is so pretty.”
This started to paint a picture of my head. Often-times, we romanticize a song expecting a grand fantasy of a story to compliment the lyrics, but when we learn the story behind the song, we soon realize, musicians are human like each of us, but they use music as their outlet. It was this realism that shows the raw courage of this band.
When we sat down and got comfortable, Kenny got candid and here is a little of our conversation:
CD: “How do you mentally prepare for such a physically rigorous tour schedule each year given that you have done over 240 shows in the last two years.”
KG: “In honesty, we fell into it. I don’t think too much about it. We try to buckle down. The more we get to know the venues, the easier it gets. We want to make sure we are well rehearsed. It soon becomes second nature. The hard part is missing home. It can be emotionally exhausting. Sometimes, when you finally get a weekend off you don’t know what to do because you are so accustomed to performing every night.”
CD: “What will fans expect from the new album ‘Borrowed Trouble’ that they may not have heard in Gunshy?”
KG: “There are a lot of changes to the new album. This record is more like a rock record with a country sound to it (instrumentation). Gunshy was written over a period of 5 or 6 years. These songs, I wrote all together. It is a road record with love songs written into it. Gunshy was more acoustic based.
We also worked with Shawn Gess (producer) to make a more-beefy sounding record. We wanted a more united and cohesive sound. Tried more rhythm to create a more live sound.
We use Studio DigitalHalo in Aiken. I’ve been working with Shawn almost 15 years. We are so well connected at this point. Shawn worked on my very first single. The current band members have been together for almost 10 years now. The band glues together well on stage now and they have a strong tight sound.”
CD: “Do you feel the Southeast is enough to draw inspiration or is there more of the world you need to see to harness your sound?”
KG: “I think where we live in the Southeast you could live for 80 years and be able to write something new, even live here forever and be inspired. Though, I really want to grow the band and its market and range and experiences. I haven’t done a lot of major traveling outside of the band. We have gone to St Louis and Jersey and seen a lot of cool stuff, but I would like to get out more and grow the fan base. This last album is influenced heavily by the road and our experiences over the last few years.”
CD: “Much like the iconic Bruce Springsteen, you are using your live performances to connect with your fans. What do you want your fans to take away from your shows?”
KG: “Running on Empty album was a huge influence. I probably have 3 copies next to me. That entire album is about life and how the road treats you. I want everyone to have a really good time listening to something they can connect to. I am bad at talking about this stuff. I want to make an emotional connection through the lyrics, tone and performance. I want them to feel better after a live show. When you talk to them and get to know them from town to town, you hear personal stories. Little things like that mean a lot to me.
We got an email last week from a girl and her boyfriend who saw us five years ago when they first developed feelings for each other. and now five years later, they are coming again and wanted a signed copy of the album. Personal stories like that are so important to us.”
CD: “Tell me about the roots of the band. How did you all come to be?”
KG: “My father was a really talented dude. One of his buddies played music. When I started playing electric guitar, his buddy asked if they could sit in during the practice space. That was the first time with Bucky Brown (drummer). I sat in on a couple of shows. It was sweet they let me watch. They did covers and had fun with me being the 16-year old kid on stage. That was 17 years ago. I started a few high school and college bands with different folks. When I moved home at 22, I knew I wanted to do my own project, so I called Bucky. He brought in a petal steel guitar player. Center Ely. We also brought in a bass player named Charles, but we couldn’t buckle down on a bass player. In fact, went through 6 or 7 bass players for the first 3 or 4 years.
I found my drummer, while buying drum heads at a shop in Augusta. Brooks Andrews was the little brother of the cashier at the music store. We got introduced and the rest is history. Now, he is the best guitar player in the band.
Scott came in a year and a half later. He called me to fill in for his band. We had met, but never played together. It seemed seamless when we played this 4-hour gig. We just clicked.
We started doing acoustic shows together and then added Scott permanently to the band. Scott brought in a full sound on vocals and extra meat on rhythm guitar.
I love acoustic, so getting into electric was a big transition for me.
We all had various experiences on the road so had a lot to share as we came together.
Scott brought the business side together. He has brought a lot out of us.”
As the interview started to wind down, we got into a discussion about the upcoming tour.
“I am excited about the entire tour coming up.” Kenny exclaimed. They are opening with a big alley show in their hometown of Aiken, supported by the mayor who is also a bass player. As Kenny put it, “we want to put on a big show for the hometown fans.” What a way to motivate a big tour on the road.
“Royal American show will be amazing. We have played there twice and excited to get back there. It was a blast with a great crowd.”
“For the first leg, we wanted to pick places we knew we would get the crowd we wanted. We want to create an atmosphere. We have rehearsals in the next few weeks to make sure we are tight. I have new songs I am working on we will perform.”
by 
people-pleaser who was never afraid to roll up his sleeves. 
