The world is full of talented musicians. Tens of thousands of people with professional talent wake up every day and head out the door to a nine-to-five, much like those of us who can’t carry a tune in a bucket. Following the dream of being a professional musician is risky – how many of us know a starving yet ultra-talented singer, guitarist, drummer, or pianist?
Eric Brigmond, 44, a 1990 graduate of Coffee High School is one of the rare few who not only had the dream but followed it. While he may not be a household name (outside of Coffee County, at least) or have had a top 40 hit, Eric has carved a niche for himself as one of the Southeast’s most talented and versatile musicians. He’s played all over the world with some incredible singers and bands (I once watched him on The Tonight Show with Donavon Frankenreiter), and when he isn’t touring, he’s teaching music both at a school in Jacksonville, Fla., and privately.
This weekend, for the first time in his career, he’s going to play in Douglas in front of his family and friends at the South Georgia Outdoor and Barbecue Festival on Friday, Sept. 9, outdoors at the Central Square Complex. Eric plays keyboards for the festival’s headliner, J.J. Grey and Mofro, a southern soul band based out of Jacksonville. Mofro has been around since 2002 and Eric has known J.J. Grey for quite a while. J.J. has rented keyboard equipment from Eric for years. Earlier this year, Eric joined the band.
Little did he know that would provide him with the opportunity to play his hometown. “I’m super excited about playing here. Mofro was a big college band for a while and J.J. has a strong following in this area. There are going to be a lot of people from all over the South in Douglas Friday night. It’s going to be really good for the community,” says Eric.
What can people expect from a Mofro show? First and foremost, Eric says, J.J. Grey is a storyteller. He entertains but he does so by drawing the audience in. The audience at a Mofro show is a participant. J.J. invites the audience into his inner circle and then tells them a story through his music and performance. J.J. entertains from within and connects with each and every person in the crowd. “It will be a great show. J.J. turns it up every night. He puts on a good show and has a great time. He’ll sing and dance, then he’ll go off on a tangent and tell a story. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” says Eric.
Friday night’s show is an opportunity to see world-class entertainment in downtown Douglas. Tickets are available at a variety of locations throughout the area, including Norris Shoes, Fulco Drug Store, and Danny’s Pizza in Douglas; Rancheros in Waycross and Tifton; Country Cobbler in Valdosta; Cohens of Alma in Alma; Lazarus Department Store in Moultrie; David’s Clothing in Jesup; and The Shoe Box in Albany.
One of my favorite Mofro songs, “99 Shades of Crazy,” can be heard by clicking on the video below.