Super Deluxe specializes in delivering high-energy funk, soul, shag, classic rock and pop music from the 60s through the millennium. Based in Charleston SC, Super Deluxe consistently produces professional, customized, live music experiences for high-end corporate events, destination wedding receptions, and private parties. With its tight horn section, vocal harmonies, and youthful appeal, Super Deluxe prides itself on being relevant, hip, and clean for all ages to enjoy. www.superdeluxelive.com

The Fire Apes are performing for the first time since recording their new, self-titled Extended Play (EP). Their music has been compared to The Beatles, The Kinks and The Pretenders. The group is currently recording a new, full-length album with gold/platinum producer, Sean O'Keefe (Fall Out Boy, Plain White T's ), expected to be released sometime next spring.

“There are very few of us whose lives haven’t been touched by cancer,” said Fire Apes lead singer, songwriter and guitarist, John Seymour. “We’re excited that we can spend an evening doing what we love most and know that it’s for an extremely worthy cause.”

 Find out more about The Fire Apes at www.thefireapes.com

Also on the bill is The Hed Shop Boys. Guitarist Bryn Wilson, Singer/Guitarist Frank Royster, Bassist Julian Volpe and Drummer Tommy Capo, kick out the heavier side of classic rock and southern rock, with a heavy influence on the rock. Their repertoire includes songs from The Beatles, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, and much more. They take care to stay true to the arraignments and perform flawlessly. Check them out for yourself at: www.thehedshopboys.com.

Almost Brothers Band is a funk/jazz group that performs a variety of music styles from Motown and R&B to Beach and Reggae. Over the years, they’ve shared the stage with the likes of The Godfather of Soul James Brown, Coasters/ Drifters, B. B. King, The Temptations, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Allman Brothers and REO Speedwagon and others. Find out more at: www.myspace.com/almostbrothersbandofcharleston .

Opening the evening’s line-up will be Steel Petals, a 4-piece, blues rock group that's been playing together for the past two years.

“This provides our band with an excellent opportunity to shine a little light on the importance of cancer awareness and the positive work being done at our Cancer Center,” said Blake Ohlson, MD, aRoper St. Francis Orthopedic Surgeon. Dr. Ohlson plays guitar and lap steel and is vocalist for Steel Petals.

Roper St. Francis Cancer Center is the tri-county’s market leader for the treatment of breast, lung colorectal and prostate cancer, which represent the most commonly diagnosed adult cancers. Five-year survival rates for the treatment of breast, colorectal, prostate and lung cancer at Roper St. Francis Cancer Center surpass both state and national benchmarks.

“This is evidence that our formula of highly skilled physicians, nurses and other providers coupled with the most advanced technologies in cancer treatment is working,” said Scott Broome, Service Line Director for Roper St. Francis Cancer Center.

At Roper St. Francis Cancer Center, patients benefit from a comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer care team, which includes Roper St. Francis physicians ranging from oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, dermatologists and pulmonologists, who work closely with certified oncology nurses, technologists, cancer care navigators, pharmacists, nutritionists, social workers, pastoral care and others. Programs and services include education, prevention, early detection through screenings and state-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and treatment, as well as a wide range of cancer-related support services.

Organized in 2003, Dragon Boat Charleston promotes the importance of physical and mental wellness among cancer survivors and their community through dragon boating, a sport that originated in China over 2000 years ago. In May 2009, the second annual Dragon Boat Charleston was held at Brittlebank Park with more than 40 teams participating. Proceeds from the event were shared with Roper St. Francis Cancer Center.

To learn more about Roper St. Francis Cancer Center, please visit www.ropersaintfrancis.com/cancer/

For more information on Dragon Boat Charleston, please visit www.dragonboatcharleston.org.

I am finding that there may not be enough words in the English language (or enough space in the Moultrie News for that matter) for me to give you an accurate report on Youth Gives Back at Awendaw Green last weekend. Now I realize that I write a great deal about Awendaw Green. Probably 75% of my columns have some mention events happening there. But my experience in this business tells me that what is happening there is something very unique and can potentially enhance the musical experiences of musicians, production workers and music fans alike. I have been trying to help them spread the word because we are very luck to have something like that in this area and I urge music fans to support it.

With two stages, the music never stopped. Some of the area’s most popular bands like Leslie, Explorer’s Club, Bodies Full of Magic, Sol Driven Train and White Rhino brought their drawing power to the event that was set up to highlight young bands and teach them the important connection between art, music, and philanthropy. First time performers Sam Gusthall, Luke Conover, Miles Atkinson, The Gojos along with other young bands were scheduled in between the more established acts. Some particular outstanding performances were turned in by: New Hunger, Slanguage, The Makeshift and local young guitarist Charlie Kendall’s latest project, The Aquatic Hobo’s. I also noticed the beautiful yet powerful voice of Sarah Hunnicutt. With some careful song selection and a little promotion and she could go far.

As always, resident artist Danielle Howle entertained the crowd with her songs and stories. Ex-Craven Melon singer Doug Jones and Donnie Blackwell (www.myspace.com/donnieblackwell ) teamed up for a smooth folk/Americana duo. I really enjoyed that set from across the pond as it sounded cool bouncing off the water. From now on we can refer to a certain local songwriting guitarist as “Superman.”

 Doug Walters as he came off on stage after playing  his set to step behind the drums on the other stage filling in with Wyatt Garey Band. I also got to see Sadler Vaden of Leslie do a solo set. He writes some real cool songs. A mix of folk, rock and blues, Vaden’s unique style is more his personality that grabs you than anything else.

Two bands that I want to give special mention to are: Fireworks Show and the Whisperjets. The Firework Show has dazzled crowds at Awendaw Green since their legendary Roctoberfest ’08 performance and I suspect that’s why they were chosen for the last slot on Saturday night. Although I wasn’t there, the report I got from several reputable sources was that it was amazing!

Check them out for yourself: www.firework-show.com

At Rocktoberfest ’08, I saw a young, up and coming band called the Whisperjets. Talented musicians with great songwriting there was a lot of potential. The Whisperjets that I saw at Youth Gives Back, however, were more like a band that has established itself confidently and is ready to make it’s mark. Their debut cd, “Midnight Shift” is polished and professional. I see great things in store for them. With special guests Mark Bryan of Hootie and the Blowfish and Sadler Vaden performing with them on the last day of the Youth Gives Back festival, I’m not the only one. www.myspace.com/thewhisperjets

Local band, Rik Cribb and The Problems will be celebrating the release of their self-titled, 6 song CD. This is just another in a long list of accomplishments for Cribb, who is a longtime standout talent in the local music scene. From his portrayal of Jesus in a local production of Jesus Christ Superstar, to the legendary local Ska tinged SKWZBXX. The Cribb (with brother Derek), Cribb has been entertaining us for a few years now. Come out and show support for Cribb and his band which also features: Manny Hagman on bass, Tommy Hamer filling in for Jeff Mangan on drums and on lead guitar, well, it’s none other than “Superman” Doug Walters.

Until next week, support our local music scene and be nice to each other.

 Contact Stu Johnson at: allnightjohnson@gmail.com.