Ashley was in Arizona … not exactly a hop , skip and a jump away . We needed to develop a reason to make it happen — and then figure out the logistics . And , after several months of dreaming and scheming — the sun , moon and southern stars aligned in the form of a fraternity and a charity . Thus , there was no hesitation when the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA ’ S BETA THETA PI came calling with the opportunity to perform at their fundraising event for No Greater Sacrifice , to be held on Saturday , September 10 , 2016 , at JAKE ’ S ON DEVINE in Columbia , SC . With JB and I residing in the Atlanta area — the 3 and a half hour jaunt by car was hardly a deterrent for this fairy and her faithful sidekick .
JB and I were greeted by our host for the evening ’ s outdoor event , RYAN FRANCIS of Beta Theta Pi . While JB assumed the “ photographic position ” for this auspicious event ( translated : no sitting down for JB !), I had the supreme pleasure to hob nob with the owner of Edana Entertainment , the very warm and welcoming Anita Sayago--along with the dynamic Producer / Director / Writer TERENCE GORDON of BLACK INK PICTURES ( his film innovative project “ YOUTHFUL AMBITION ” is currently in development ). With the first strains of music that emanated from Jake ’ s stage by Ashley Wineland and her band , there was no doubt that we were in for an evening of exceptional music !
Organizer Ryan Francis of Beta Theta Pi
The students of USC turned out in droves and packed the patio of Jake ’ s , showing their support for this deserving foundation — while enthusiastically responding to the musical stylings of both Ashley and her band … and later , Southern Experience — who closed off the evening ’ s festivities . But as they say … all good things must come to an end — but only after the crowd from USC had their demand of “ One More Song !” obliged by Southern Experience . Encore delivered , JB and I parted ways with both our new and old friends , happy in knowing that the musical mission was accomplished .
Although our time with these incredible musicians was over … there was much more to come for both Ashley Wineland and Southern Experience , as more dates were awaiting them in North Carolina ( after Ashley finished a media blitz in Nashville ). Even as I pen this article , more dates are being identified for later this year , as Anita and Edana Entertainment are now hard at work procuring subsequent appearances for Southern Experience and Ashley and her band .
When JB and I founded ION Indie Magazine in June of 2014 , our goal was to get independent music read about , seen and heard . We are confident that we have met that task and even expanded upon our original vision — as evidenced by our time in Columbia , SC . We now view ION as more of a “ movement ”, than a magazine ; one that goes the “ extra mile ” to support independent music . And if in that process , our publication can be a platform that not only features musicians , but unites them to join forces for a meaningful cause like No Greater Sacrifice — well , I ’ d say that we are well on our way to--not only making a difference — but leaving an indelible mark .
Both Ashley Wineland and her band and Southern Experience are great representations of the “ indie spirit ”— for they possess the “ right stuff ”— both talent and tenacity — which are requirements to exist and survive in today ’ s “ dog eat dog ” independent music scene . With their fortitude , persistence , PLUS the exemplary music they are creating — these hard-working bands are well on their way to garnering the recognition they richly deserve . But the musicians we feature in our pages are not the only fodder for our inspiration . The past two years since the inception of ION Indie Magazine have afforded us the opportunity to cross paths with many people — ones that reinforce our resolve and represent WHY we do what we do . This instance was no exception to that — and we are enriched for the experience ! And now , inked in our memory is our time with more extraordinary folks we ’ ve met along the way … which includes Anita Sayago , Terence Gordon , Ryan Francis--and some of our nation ’ s future leaders — the students of USC .
After all , music doesn ’ t make itself — people make the music .
www . nogreatersacrifice . org https :// www . facebook . com / EDANAEntertainment https :// www . facebook . com / YouthfulAmbition
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