Atlanta Rhythm Section Has 'Champagne Jam' in Suwanee

Tammy Rich came from Knoxville, Tenn., to see by the Atlanta Rhythm Section in Suwanee.

A Sprayberry High grad, it was not the Suwanee she remembers visiting as a youth in the early 1960s -- then, her relatives had only outdoor restroom facilities.

"I was very impressed" with and Suwanee, Rich said Sunday via telephone.

She also enjoyed Saturday's show, which capped the Celebrate Service Music Festival.

"They were 50 percent better last night than anytime I've seen them," Rich said, noting that it was about the 15th ARS gig she has attended. She said the improvement came from the re-addition of Paul Goddard, an ARS original, and guitarist David Anderson. 

And she added more memorabilia: lead singer Rodney Justo autographed a picture, and another fan took a picture of Rich with Justo.

The rest of the crowd was pleased, too. Fans were singing along with the familiar tunes that brought the band fame in the 1970s.

All the hits were played: "Champagne Jam," "Doraville," "So Into You," and the predictable encore, loudly demanded by the crowd. (See attached video.)

Self-employed with a CPA license, Rich planned to head back to Tennessee on Monday. At least until the next ARS gig, of course.