area. The "Fred" has finally released the names of the acts who will be performing in the annual Summer Concert Series, and the acts represent a variety of different tastes that will be sure to provide enjoyment for audiences of all ages and demographics.
    Kenny G (April 30)-After selling 75 million albums and becoming the world’s best selling modern instrumental musician, Kenny G has decided to bring the sweet sounds of his mellow saxophone to Peachtree City. The name "Kenny G" has become synonymous with smooth jazz, and his talent is undeniable. As the man who played the longest continuous note on a saxophone, lasting 47 minutes and 46 seconds through circular breathing, Kenny G is a master of the instrument, releasing over 20 albums in almost 30 years.
    Even though he is one of the more polarizing figures in music (in a memorable scene from Wayne’s World 2, Garth Algar recalls a Kenny G concert as if he was getting a root canal), Kenny G’s performance will surely please any adult contemporary jazz fan looking to see a leading figure of the genre perform.
    Creedence Clearwater Revisited (May 14)-Creedence Clearwater Revival was one of the most popular country rock groups of all time, crafting such classic rock radio staples as "Fortunate Son," "Susie Q," "Up Around the Bend," and countless more.
    The legendary group disbanded in 1972, but in 1995, original drummer Doug Clifford and original bassist Stu Cook decided to form Creedence Clearwater Revisited, a tribute group designed to play the music of CCR for new audiences. For the past 15 years, they have been touring around the world playing the down-home roots rock that made CCR a truly iconic band.
    Even though the group is missing the Fogerty brothers, Creedence Clearwater Revisited is a welcome bit of nostalgia that features some of the best country rock songs in a contemporary live setting.
    Jo Dee Messina and Jimmy Wayne (June 18)- Ever since she appeared on the country music scene in 1996, Jo Dee Messina has been a staple figure of the Nashville country scene and has remained a steady presence in the country music business.
    Even though she had been absent from recording for six years, in 2010, she released a trio of EPs entitled Unmistakable Love, Unmistakable Inspiration, and Unmistakable Drive. The EPs brought out a new and emotional side of Messina, offering both the big country anthems and the intimate acoustic live tracks she recorded along with them.
    Touring with Messina is Jimmy Wayne, a country star and humanitarian from North Carolina. Wayne has released a number of contemporary country hits including "Do You Believe Me Now," "I Will," and "Stay Gone." Expect a boot-stompin’ good time with family and friends and don’t forget the cowboy hats.
    Kool & The Gang (July 16)-If you need a party this summer, look no further than this concert from one of the most famous party bands to ever play music. Kool & The Gang’s funk and disco hits were the ultimate sounds of the late 70’s, and they crafted such timeless party anthems as "Celebration," "Jungle Boogie" and "Get Down On It." Even if you’re not a member of the disco generation, it’s hard to ignore the infectious funkiness of these brilliant disco songs.
    Unbeknownst to many casual listeners, Kool and the Gang have been releasing a steady stream of live albums and compilation records, even releasing some as recently as December of last year. The Gang recorded an album of re-recordings of their most famous hits with new singers having guest appearances, so expect some possible guest appearances if you make it out to the "celebration."
    10,000 Maniacs and Edwin McCain (August 20)- The 90’s were good times for these artists, and many of your parents probably remember some good times in college while they listened to them. 10,000 Maniacs were active throughout the Eighties and Nineties, and 2011 marks their 30^th anniversary. To celebrate, they are releasing an album of new material and embarking on an anniversary tour. Their brand of college rock can be heard in many indie artists today, and their mark on alternative music is enough incentive for a younger audience to see their performance in August.
    Edwin McCain has recently become a staple of VH1’s various countdown shows or their "I Love the 90’s," so it might be reasonable if you forgot that he actually had a musical career before this. If you were a child of the Nineties, you likely heard his pop radio smash hits "I’ll Be" and "I Could Not Ask For More." McCain looks healthy and is still fit to belt his songs with the power they had back in the day, so don’t miss one of the best opening acts that will be here this summer.
    "The Fred" has become a symbol of the fun times of the summer, and this summer will likely be another great year in the saga of fun music heard at the ampitheater. Whether you like country, rock and roll, jazz, or funk, chances are you’ll have something to listen to at "the Fred."