Sharply dressed in royal blue suits, red shirts and music-theme ties, Sonny Burgess and the Legendary Pacers greeted guests in the lobby of the Ron Robinson Theater on June 20. They signed autographs for fans and gave hearty hellos and hugs to old friends.
Friends and fans alike were there to celebrate the 85th birthday of Burgess, a rock 'n' roll pioneer and Arkansas native.
The sold-out show was hosted by the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies. It started with an energetic set by the honoree and his band, followed by music from other local favorites Nick Devlin and Brad Williams, both of The Salty Dogs; Rodney Block; Kevin Kerby; and Bonnie Montgomery.
Members of the Legendary Pacers are bass guitarist Fred Douglas, saxophonist Jim Aldridge, drummer Bobby Crafford and pianist Kern Kennedy.
-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 07/06/2014