Rock and roll fans in Bainbridge can look forward to two upcoming free concerts — one by an up-and-coming Southern band and another by a veteran rock band from Atlanta.

The Dirty Guv’nahs, a six-member roots rock / soul / alternative country band from Knoxville, Tenn., will perform on Friday, May 10, at the River Town Days concert in the Earle May Boat Basin.

The Dirty Guv’nahs are touring in support of their third album, Somewhere Beneath These Southern Skies, released last fall on on Dualtone Music.

They have toured with bands such as Wilco and Zac Brown Band and have also performed multiple times at the popular Bonnaroo music festival. They’ve been compared to southern rock band “The Black Crowes.”

The band recently released a video for the song “Fairlane,” which has seen airplay on MTV and CMT. Their songs have been featured on the TV shows “Criminal Minds” and “Nashville.”

Before coming to play Bainbridge on May 10, they will perform at the historic Georgia Theatre in Athens on April 12.
The Dirty Guv’nahs’ official web site is www.thedirtyguvnahs.com.

Drivin’ N Cryin’, which will headline Bainbridge’s Fourth of July celebration this summer, plays a mix of hard rock and Southern rock. Originally from Atlanta, the band has been performing steadily since 1986 and are well-known for performing concerts in college towns across the United States.

“They’ve got a good following, especially in the deep south, and they’re an act I think a lot of people will recognize,” Bainbridge City Manager Chris Hobby said. “I think they will put on a great show. Multiple generations of people have grown up going to their concerts.”

Drivin’ N Cryin’s most famous song is “Straight to Hell” — just like their mama said — from 1989’s Mystery Road album. Other hits include “Honeysuckle Blue,” off the same album, “Fly Me Courageous” and “Smoke.”

They have recorded for two major music labels, Island Records and Geffen Records, and have toured with artists such as Neil Young and Soul Aslyum. Lead singer Kevn Kinney has also had a solo recording career, including collaborations with Peter Buck of R.E.M. and other notable artists.

Interested fans can check out Drivin’ N Cryin’ at their official website, www.drivinncryin.com.