The legendary Western music group Sons of the Pioneers will return to the North Georgia Mountains to perform another local benefit concert at the Union County Fine Arts Center on Sunday, Oct. 25.
And early ticket sales have already proven promising for the band that rose to fame and continues to experience acclaim with beloved Western classics like “Cool Water,” “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” and many more.
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In fact, Joseph “Joe” Rosa of local Scouting America Troop 101 said that online tickets have been selling at a higher rate than this time last year, leading him to believe that a full house is possible, so people should go ahead and secure their tickets now.
As a lifelong Sons fan and one of the organizers who makes the annual concert possible, John Cochran of John Cochran and the Cowhands said that while bringing the Sons to town is costing more this year, interest in sponsorships in both Towns and Union counties has been high.
“So far, we’re ahead of the game,” Cochran proudly reported. “I think we’re going to have the funds to pay all the expenses, including the band. By doing that, I think the ticket sales will all go as properly to the kids.”
All proceeds from ticket sales going directly to the scouts is good news for Troop 101, which numbers 33 youngsters. For years, money raised by Sons of the Pioneers’ concerts went to Union County Ferst Readers, but last year marked the start of the local Scouting America partnership.
Proceeds supplement scout initiatives, whether it be paying for camping or uniforms that some kids may not otherwise get to enjoy, or replacing and repairing supplies. For example, last year’s funds refurbished all their canoes and bought uniforms for children who couldn’t afford them.
“The money goes toward the kids and anything that has to do with the troop for the kids – giving every one of them the equal opportunity to be a part of every event that we do,” said Rosa.
Next year’s projects to be funded by this year’s concert include replacing paddles and life preservers, and some money may go toward scholarships. Rosa would also like to treat the scouts to a special trip.
“We’re going to take them down to the Gulf and do a camp down in a national preserve,” Rosa explained. “(It gives) them new life experience and gets them out of their comfort zones of Blairsville and the surrounding area.”
Along with great music, guests will be able to participate in a silent auction for a gift package from Brasstown Pharmacy Drug & Gun, though Cochran said no firearms or ammunition will be included. And there is a possibility for a second silent auction, with plans still being finalized.
Speaking of the great music by the Sons of the Pioneers, two new members have joined the talented lineup.
Trustin Baker is handling lead fiddle, having gotten his start playing fiddle and banjo for his family’s gospel band. He has appeared on “America’s Got Talent” and won the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in 2018 at the young age of 19.
Trent Prewitt plays rhythm guitar and provides baritone vocals. He won Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2024 Who’s Hoo Country Music Awards, where his debut album was named Album of the Year. His single, “Redneck Royalty,” topped E.A.C.M. charts, and Prewitt carries an extensive knowledge and passion of bluegrass and country music.
And Cochran, an established Western musician himself of Young Harris, believes that the group sounds “as good or even better” than they did upon the Sons’ debut more than 90 years ago.
Both reserved seating and general admission tickets can be purchased online; just Google the ticketing platform with the band name, “Zeffy Sons of the Pioneers,” and the concert will be the top result. General admission tickets have lowered this year to $20, and reserved seating is $35.
People can also find general admission tickets for sale locally at Young Harris Pharmacy, Union County Historical Society, Pat’s Hallmark, Melissa’s Custom Cakes, and North Georgia Family Medicine.
Rosa is planning on bringing some of the scouts to G & G Bakery and Cafe in Blairsville to sell tickets, too, and possibly also to the Union County Farmers Market. Check and cash are both accepted for in-person ticket purchases.
