The Red and Black

Kinchafoonee Cowboys' lead guitarist Chris Scarborough would like to set the record straight: "Kinchafoonee" does indeed mean something.

"Contrary to what some folks think, we didn't just get drunk and come up with 'Kinchafoonee,'" he said.

The name refers to Kinchafoonee Creek, a tributary to the Flint River near Albany, the town most of the band's six members call home.

The band formed in Athens in 1991 when all the members were studying at the University.

"We're old guys, you know," said Scarborough, adding jokingly that the years the group spent in school might as well be "1948 to about 1953, something like that."

Besides Scarborough, Glen Tennyson (acoustic guitar and lead vocals), Chad McGrath (bass guitar and background vocals), Keith Cromartie (drums), Jason Fuller (piano, organ, and background vocals) and Shane Cannon (harmonica) complete the Kinchafoonee Cowboys' roster.

They have gone from playing fraternity parties in the early '90s to touring all over Georgia and releasing their fourth album, recorded at Athens' Georgia Theatre.

The group recorded "Cowboy Ways: Live at the Georgia Theatre 2005" in January and March of last year and released the disc about a year ago.

"It's just been a great place through the years," said Scarborough of the group's choice of venue for the record. "Good sound, good crowd."

The band's music mixes country and Southern rock, Scarborough said.

He identified bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, AC/DC and even Kiss as musical influences.

"If you are a fan of country music, you could easily be a fan of them," said Christina Griggs, a junior from Loganville and Kinchafoonee Cowboys enthusiast.

Despite the band's distinctly country roots, Scarborough encourages people who do not usually groove to country tunes to give the group's music a chance.

"You'll like this. It's not just cry-in-your-beer country music," he said.

The band will show off its musical stylings Friday night at Georgia Theatre.

Although they will play various other dates this fall, such as opening for Hank Williams, Jr., on Oct. 27, they have no other shows scheduled in Athens this season.

Besides the fraternity houses of the old days, the Cowboys have never played any other downtown bars or venues besides Georgia Theatre.

"We generally try to play mostly in our jock straps," said Scarborough. "No, I'm just kidding. It's a good time. It's like, get drunk, have a good time."

Griggs said she has been to so many Kinchafoonee Cowboys shows she can no longer recall the exact number.

"Their shows are a lot of fun, and everyone is always dancing and having a great time," she said. "It's a great way to go out with friends and change it up from the normal downtown bar scene."

Apparently, Kinchafoonee Cowboys shows can be not only fun but downright crazy.

Scarborough declined to give specific stories from shows, saying, "We probably ought not to disclose those kind of things, for the sake of those remaining free without bail."

Sounds like the Kinchafoonee Cowboys are ready for another Friday night in Athens.

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