Round River Drive, a band put together by Thomas County Central High School seniors Austin Yeomans, Cole Donovan, Connor Mathis and graduate Matthew Butler will play a fundraiser concert for the TCCHS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members going to state competition.
"The first time I saw a Round River Drive performance live was at a Battle of the Bands,” Jane Guo, FBLA treasurer said. “Even though they had just started out as a band, they were already gaining attention, and that gave me the idea to plan a fundraiser concert for FBLA.”
The concert will be held on Friday, Feb. 26, at the Thomas County Board of Education Office Auditorium. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7 p.m.
Round River Drive intends to play a few covers of 70s rock music, as well as some original songs.
The band is "...trying to take it back to the good days of real instruments, guitar solos and music that you can't help but move your feet to," according to bass player Austin Yeomans.
Yeomans said the band is excited to play the show.
“Music is something that can bring a lot of people together, which is definitely an advantage for a fundraiser,” he said.
FBLA state-bound members are currently selling tickets. Tickets are $5 each and all proceeds benefit TCCHS FBLA.
The club has 38 students who qualified for state competition, advisors said. Funds raised will be used to help offset the cost of a two-night hotel stay in downtown Athens and registration fees. The cost per individual for the trip is approximately $170.
“Attending state is important to me because it's my first year being involved in FBLA and I didn't expect to make it through region,” state qualifier (job interview) ReShad Daniels said. “I perceive the fundraising efforts to be outstanding. Everyone has been working tirelessly to sell tickets and promote the fundraiser, and I fully support what's being done to help me and my fellow FBLA members."
Tickets also may be purchased from Wild Hair on East Jackson Street, from the TCCHS School Store or from TCCHS bookkeeper Jackie Dixon.
Tickets will be available at the door the night of the concert for $7 each.
Ausley said these FBLA students “are the future of our business community” and encourages community members to support them.
“Please attend and enjoy meeting our young business men and women of the future,” she said. “This is a great opportunity to invest your money and time in hopes to find a possible future employee.”
The FBLA state conference will be held in Athens March 6-8.
“Our state qualifiers are working and practicing daily on their events,” Ausley said. “They are determined to be the best they can be in their competing events.”