**NELA Music Scene**
38 SPECIAL – MURPHY ARTS DISTRICT PERFORMANCE
September 17, 2024, Eldorado, AR
On Wednesday evening, the Murphy Arts District stage was graced by the legendary Southern Rock band 38 Special, renowned for their extensive catalog of songs from the Southland. Featuring one Southern Rock anthem after another, vocalist Don Barnes, keyboardist Bobby Capps, drummer Gary Moffatt, bassist Barry Dunaway, and guitarist Jerry Riggs delivered a captivating performance. They took their audience through a rich musical journey, conjuring up memories of another time and place. For me, it was hanging on the riverbank with good friends. The evening was a celebration of Southern culture and music.
With a shimmering array of bright lights, smoke, and the sound of thunder, 38 Special seized the stage, opening with “Rocking into the Night.” The screams and cheers were deafening as they followed up with “Wild Eyed Southern Boys,” a song that celebrates our culture featuring blazing guitars. Their high-energy set continued with “Back Where You Belong,” “Paradise,” and “Honky Tonk Night Time Dancer.” The band was having a good time. Their playing and soundscape were stellar. As I listened, I was thinking, “This is why they’re 38 Special.” Great honest songs that tell a story.
The audience sang and danced as they played “Teacher Teacher.” It was an incredible night in Eldorado, AR, celebrating what makes us, us. Arkansas native Bobby Capps sang a remarkable rendition of “Second Chance.” The shouts and accolades showed that the song brought back memories for everyone.
Some of the crowd moved to the aisles to dance as they played “Like No Other Night.” Guitarist Jerry Riggs gave a riveting performance of “Radar Rider,” a song featured in the 1981 animated film “Heavy Metal.” At this point in the show, the audience knew what songs were coming and became even louder as they played “Fantasy Girl.” Drummer Gary Moffatt performed a drum solo that seemed to energize the crowd even more.
The audience went into a state of sonic passion when Don sang, “I never knew there’d come a day, When I’d be sayin’ to you, Don’t let this good love slip away. Now that we know that it’s true….” “So Caught Up in You” was a memorable moment, but that wasn’t all. After their follow-up, they bid good night and left the stage. The audience knew better.
Moments later, lightning, thunder, and the sound of rain filled the venue. The band returned to the stage for an encore. After that iconic opening guitar riff, “You see it all around you, good lovin’ gone bad, and usually it’s too late when you realize what you had. And my mind goes back to a girl I left some years ago (who told me), just hold on loosely.” What a memorable night. They closed with “Playing in a Traveling Band,” entirely appropriate after more than forty years of traveling.
Thank you, 38 Special, for providing the soundtrack to our lives and all the sacrifices you have made for the music. Special thank you to the Murphy Arts District for supporting live music.
Tom M.
Murphy Arts District 38 Special Four On The Floor El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce Monroe Music Live
