The Sons of the Pioneers concert tickets now on sale

Nallie’s decades-long dedication to the Sons of the Pioneers is one he shared with his older brother Luther Nallie, who served as trail boss before him. Tommy Nallie’s talents laid not just in providing tenor vocals, but in playing guitar, bass, violin, drums and other instruments.

“As a tireless leader, he was committed to keeping the group’s legacy alive and preserving the traditional ‘Pioneer sound,’” read an official Facebook post. “We thank Tommy for his stewardship, his passion, his talent and his friendship. He was a lovable leader, and we will miss him deeply. Godspeed, Tommy.”

That sentiment was echoed by local musician John Cochran, who has worked tirelessly to ensure the Sons of the Pioneers can continue their yearly performances in North Georgia.

“Tommy, he was outstanding,” said Cochran, who enjoyed a close rapport with the Western music legend along with the rest of the band. Cochran met Nallie “many years ago,” and the pair became fast friends who remained in regular contact.

“He and his missus … loved Blairsville, and he was so looking forward to coming to Blairsville this year,” an emotional Cochran admitted, though he was adamant that the historical group would make the trip; it’s what Nallie would have wanted.

“All of them are looking forward to it. They’ll still have a great sound, even though Tommy won’t be there with them,” Cochran said. It’s a style they’ve honed for nearly a century, through several members dedicated to preserving the soundtrack of the American West.

The Sons of the Pioneers made their debut 91 years ago, and today, the men who have stepped up to continue their legacy do so after losing one of their own.

“They sing as good now – or better – than they did (in the beginning),” Cochran believes.

Taking Nallie’s place as trail boss is baritone singer, rhythm guitarist and Pioneer historian John Fullerton. His own history with the band traces to a tender age; he was only 7 when he heard them for the first time, and it was love at first listen.

Since then, Fullerton has chased the same passion and used it to preserve one of the longest-standing performing groups in the country.

Not only will guests be supporting the legendary group by purchasing tickets for the upcoming concert, but they’ll also be ensuring some help goes to local Scouting America Troop 101 of the Northeast Georgia Mountain District, which “inherited” the position of benefactors from Ferst Readers.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go toward the troop’s general upkeep and aiding its members. Specifically, the benefit concert will help purchase supplies or equipment replacements and may also allow the children to go on Scouting America-related trips, such as to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Some scouts will even be present in uniform to help out during the concert itself, giving folks an opportunity to see where their money is going. They’ll be tackling jobs like greeting guests at the door and helping them to their seats.

Admission is $42, and tickets can be purchased at several locations throughout Towns County and Union County, including Melissa’s Custom Cakes, Young Harris Pharmacy, Union County Historical Society, Pat’s Hallmark, North Georgia Family Medicine and The Reel Barbershop.

Reserved seats worth $47 can be purchased online at www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-sons-of-the-pioneers-concert. Set to take place on Sept. 21, the concert falls a bit earlier in the year than past iterations due to some scheduling conflicts.

So, get a ticket and be at the Union County Fine Arts Center, located at 926 Panther Overlook in Blairsville, by 2 p.m. that Sunday to enjoy “a rootin’ tootin’ good time” with timeless tunes from an outstanding group.