Courtesy of Susan Catton

TelluRide Performing at the 2^nd Annual Fur Ball

Pickens Animal Rescue will host its second annual Fur Ball at Appalachian Technical College Saturday, November 1^st, featuring the Nashville country-rock band TelluRide. The fundraising event will mark the third time TelluRide has performed in Jasper. The band will also conduct a music clinic at Pickens High School on Friday, October 31st as a way of giving back to the community.

Speaking by phone from their performance with Gretchen Wilson in Chicago last weekend, the band talked about their school visits. “We support music programs in schools around the country,” said TelluRide’s drummer, Brian Smith. Smith, along with fellow band mates Adam Craig, Cain Hall, Jimi Hendrix and Ryan Jones all went to college for music and speak to students whenever possible during their tour. “We generally talk about everything from life on the road, the importance of rehearsal time, listening to teachers and challenging yourself, musically”. “We answer questions from the kids and let them know that what we do is not just what you see on stage, there’s a lot of work going on way before and after every performance” said Hendrix. Craig noted the positive response from teachers. “We’ve gotten thank you messages on our website from teachers who let us know that we’re saying many of the same things they are in class, and the students are really listening to what we have to say.”

TelluRide was formed three years ago and has been touring nationally ever since.

Cain Hall, Ryan Jones, Adam Craig, Brian Smith, Jimi Hendrix

All members of the group moved to Nashville to pursue their musical dreams. Craig, Hall and Smith formed the early nucleus of TelluRide and later added bassman Jimi Hendrix and piano, vocalist Jones (who is Craig’s cousin) to round out the band. Craig, Jones and Smith grew up in Washington state while Hall was raised in Indiana and Hendrix in South Carolina.

Combining a classic rock background with modern country, the band has shared the stage with many well known performers in both genres including country stars Sara Evans, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Leann Rimes and classic rock titans R.E.O. Speedwagon and Foreigner. With their debut album set to be released at the end of this year, the band has been steadily touring and building their fan base around the country.

Susan Catton, Fur Ball event coordinator and volunteer for Pickens Animal Rescue, rebooked TelluRide for their event after receiving many requests to hear the band again. The dinner buffet is being catered by the Woodbridge Inn and a Silent Auction is also a part of evening. The Fur Ball is PAR’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

“The support that we’ve received from the community has been very encouraging. Robin Tondra, owner of CrazyDogArt Gallery in Talking Rock, has designed an art piece specifically for PAR. It is titled the “Rescue Ranch” and will be available as a print for purchase at the Fur Ball.” said Susan. The 2008 Fur Ball Sponsors are ETC, Southern Home Inspection Services, North Georgia Living Magazine, Jasper Dental Associates, Jectar Builders, Foothills Dental Associates, Nature’s Farmacy, State Farm Insurance, Pit Stop Portables, Critter Sitters, Ready Staff, Lakota Cove, 400 Edition Magazine, Mountain Peeks, Appalachian Country, Pickens Progress and Burnt Mountain Dog Wash. Susan also reports they have generously received over 65 items from businesses and individuals for their Silent Auction. The support of these businesses helps to cover the expense of the event so that individual donations can be used 100% by Pickens Animal Rescue. Last year the funds raised went back into the community to financially support their low cost spay-neuter certificates.

THE FUR BALL IS …FOR OUR PETS – FOR OUR COMMUNITY – FOR YOU!

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