IF YOU GO* What: Jim Avett with Mandi Rae and The Goodbye Girls* When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27* Where: Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave.* Admission: $12 in advance from www.artfront.com. $15 at the door.* Phone: 624-5347.
If the last name is familiar, it should be. Jim Avett is the father of Seth and Scott of The Avett Brothers. For 35 years, the older Avett built bridges to make sure the boys had everything they needed. Now that he is retired, Jim Avett is traveling the country playing his own brand of traditional country music.
He will perform Friday at Barking Legs Theater along with Mandi Rae and The Goodbye Girls.
Avett actually began his music career years ago doing Beethoven & Bach on violin on a live radio show. The son of a Methodist minister and a classical pianist, he always had his guitar and music around him.
Shortly after retiring in 2008, he recorded a collection of gospel songs for an album called "Jim Avett and Family." It featured Scott and Seth and their sister, Bonnie. In 2010, he released "Tribes," a collection of original tunes ranging from soulful ballads to the lighthearted "Fight with a Bottle of Booze." His most recent release is "Second Chance," which reflects his classic country and early rock 'n' roll influences.
Birmingham native Rae is making her second appearance at Barking Legs, though this time around she will be joined by her full band. She is known for her humor and straight-to-the-point approach.
The Goodbye Girls feature Chattanooga powerhouses Hayley Graham and Amber Fults. They made their debut at last month's "After Thanksgiving Music Extravaganza," and made an impression on those who were there with their "surprising harmonies and vocal structure that excels far beyond any straight up singing duo"