The Red and Black

By JOHNATHON REED The Red & Black

Athens has made quite a name for itself in the college and Southern rock categories, but many don't realize one of the biggest acts here is actually a country band.

Formed seven years ago in Albany, Kinchafoonee Cowboys made Athens its unofficial home while group members attended school here.

"It was just burning the candle at both ends back then," said bassist Chad McGrath of the band's early years, when they were forced to balance concerts and classes.

These days the band has moved back home to Albany, where they all have day jobs. From pecan farming to stock brokering, the five members of Kinchafoonee Cowboys have found contentment away from the college town atmosphere.

However, the guys continue playing, including a post-game Saturday night appearance at The Georgia Theatre. The concert is a promotion for and a celebration of the band's newly released album, "Kinchafoonee."

"We all work regular jobs and go out on the road on the weekends," said McGrath. "It keeps it fun for us. If we overdid it, it'd be like a job. It's a nice hobby to have."

What he called a hobby has paid off. The band is one of the few acts to sell out The Georgia Theatre on a regular basis.

"They hit a nerve. They're a likable band," said Kinchafoonee producer and local engineer Mark Maxwell.

Maxwell discovered the band at a sold-out show in town and was blown away by the crowd's response.

The band has seen some changes in recent months. Long-time guitarist Brad Hallford left to pursue a career away from music, and the band brought in old friend Chris Scarborough to take his spot. The band's solidarity is still strong, however.

"We've been together long enough that we just click," said McGrath. "And Chris really fits in with us."

Another important change for the group is the dropping of "Cowboys" from its name. McGrath said they don't want people to have a preconceived notion of the Kinchafoonee sound.

"This is a time when we're changing, getting older. We've got a new album coming out," said McGrath. "It's by no means 'crying-in-your-beer' country music."

The album itself was recorded locally earlier this year, and both Kinchafoonee and producer Maxwell were surprised at how well it turned out.

"The best thing about this album is that it doesn't sound like Nashville," Maxwell said. "It ain't slick, and that's intentional."

In fact, there are three songs included that were originally intended as jokes rather than actual album material. But when Maxwell heard them, he wanted people to get a chance to see what the band really sounded like. "They're real. It's what they are," he said.

Though they sometimes contemplate what would happen if one of the albums was a huge hit, McGrath said the members of Kinchafoonee are "still just having fun."

The CD release party is just another chance for them to come up to what McGrath called the band's musical home.

"It's going to be a great time," he said. "I'm looking forward to the Dawgs romping on Saturday before we play."

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