Music in the Gardens
Phil Cook Southland Revue: Introducing Southland Mission

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 | 7:00 pm

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Durham-based Americana music savant Phil Cook is poised to launch a fruitful solo career after more than a decade playing with bands DeYarmond Edison, Megafaun, and the Shouting Matches — during that time he also music directed projects for the Blind Boys of Alabama, Alice Gerrard, and Amy Ray. For this special three-night revue, Cook gathers a select group of friends including Frazey Ford, Charlie Parr, Heather McEntire, Christy Smith, The Branchettes, Jeanne Jolly, and Amelia Meath, along with members of his newly assembled touring band, The Guitarheels, for an expansive and joyful musical swing through the American South.

The final night of Phil Cook’s Southland Revue will showcase music and guests from Cook’s jubilant forthcoming solo album Southland Mission. Cook’s band, The Guitarheels, features some of the finest sidemen the region has to offer: James Wallace on keys, Brad Cook on bass, JT Bates on drums, Ryan Gustafson on guitar, Brevan Hampden on percussion, and Tamisha Waden on backing vocals. Cook and company will be joined for this live front-to-back play of the new record by special guest Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso a singer possessed, says NPR, of a “mesmerizing, whippoorwill voice.”

Music in the Gardens concerts take place rain or shine on the lawn behind the Gardens’ Visitor Center. Lawn chairs, picnics, and blankets are encouraged. Dogs are not allowed. Outside food and beverages, including beer and wine, are permitted and also will be available for purchase on-site. The lawn will open at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the show.

Music in the Gardens presentations are excluded from Pick-Four discount.

Duke Performances’ Music in the Gardens is made possible, in part, with support from Duke Continuing Studies, Duke Summer Session, and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens.