(Orange Beach)

Rafters Restaurant and Sports Bar in Orange Beach has released a new "Home Style" lunch menu being served Monday through Friday from 11:00-3:00.

Rafters is located at:

4725 Main St Ste 228
Orange Beach, AL 36561

(Orange Beach)

"Easy Street" may not be in your Ipod today, but a trip to Rafters in Orange Beach after the Jason Aldean Concert Thurday at The Wharf may change that.

A modern country band based out of Bowling Green, Ky, Easy Street has been performing rigorously throughout the Midwest and southeast, captivating crowds from 200 to 2,500.  Comprised of five dedicated and talented members born and raised in Kentucky, Easy Street is:  Brent Rupard - lead vocals and guitar, Anthony Olympia - lead guitar and vocals, Dave Erickson - guitar, ganjo, and vocals, Matt Rich - Bass, and T.J. Craig - drums.

Easy Street has been going strong since 2007, having traveled from Cincinnatti, OH, to Orange Beach, AL, and everywhere in between performing at night clubs, college bars, festivals, casinos, arenas, etc.  Two years in a row they performed at Bowling Green's Balloons, Tunes, and BBQ where in 2009 they opened up for Justin Moore ("Small Town USA"), and in 2010 did the same for Rhett Akins.

Also in 2009, Easy Street was on the same ticket as John Anderson and Joey & Rory, performing at the Poage's Landing Days summer festival in Ashland, KY. Later that year, the band shared the stage with country music stars Josh Thompson and Chris Young at Western Kentucky University's Agricultural Expo Center.  In Nashville, they have performed at both the Tin Roof and Dan McGuinness Pub.

In March of 2010, Easy Street won first place at French Lick Casino's $10,000 Country Battle of the Bands. This contest included a selected field of sixteen bands squaring off head to head for both a $10,000 purse and a contract to four future performances at the casino.

Easy Street has independently released two EPs, and the first was The Bullitt County Sessions released in February of 2009. Easy Street's second EP, One More Time, was released in January of 2011.  Around the debut of each recording, they were featured on Bowling Green's WBKO Midday Live television show to promote their release.

One More Time, Easy Street's second EP, was recorded in August of 2010 at Harrison Entertainment Group Studios in Gallatin, TN. This release includes eight original songs featuring memorable words and melodies with an attractive twang, slinky yet sometimes nostalgic guitar sounds, and compelling arrangements with a distinctive drive.  Listening closely, one would recall influences such as Keith Urban, Eric Church, Diamond Rio, and even the Eagles.

Along with the release of One More Time, Easy Street has big plans for 2011 and beyond.  The band is still writing new material and shaping their own unique sound a little more in every new compostion.  As their music reaches further out into the Midwest and southern states, Easy Street hopes that more and more listeners will be joining the bandwagon.

(Orange Beach)

Rafters Restaurant and Sports Bar in Orange Beach is presenting three nights of great music to highlight this Memorial Day Weekend. Saturday night they feature the Orange Beach return of the reggae favorite Vibe Irie.

Vibe Irie has been entertaining crowds all over the area for many years now. The show will begin at 10:00 p.m. and the cover will be $5 for ALL AGES.

(Bio from Vibe Irie MySpace)

Vibe Irie is an innovative and multi faceted reggae group from Pensacola,FL. Styles ranging from mellow roots and dub reggae, to energetic, booty shakin' dancehall, calypso, afro/latin fusion, and reggae hip-hop; playing originals and an eclectic arrangement of covers.  Vibe Irie has shared the stage with many great bands such as both The Wailers, The "Original"Wailers, Pato Banton, Mystic Roots, Afroman, Dubconscious ,and many others.  They can perform in a variety of venues, from festivals & bars to night clubs & private parties. Spreading good vibes across the gulf coast and beyond!

Other artist:

Friday - Chas Baker from 5-9 no cover ALL AGES

Sunday - Sam Glass (ZZ Top after party) $3 cover ALL AGES

(Orange Beach) Rafters Restaurant and Sports Bar at The Wharf in Orange Beach will be hosting a Kenny Chesney after party featuring The Cary Laine Band Saturday May 21st.  Music will begin around 10:00 p.m. and continue until 2:00.  Rafters will also be serving food late for your after concert food needs.

Cary Laine in her own words:

Hey y'all! If you are reading this, let me just say thank you for checking out my music and wanting to get to know me. I am a southern girl, raised in Alabama. I grew up running and playing outside with my sisters and cousins in rural Washington County. My music is definitely a product of my upbringing on the gulf coast...as well as my accent. People always ask me when I started singing and my answer is "I cannot remember ever not singing." My family had to watch my concerts from the time I could talk. I started playing guitar and writing when I was in high school, and never quit. Music stuck with me like a bad habit.

I love living in the South, the slow, comfortable pace of life here suits me. Tardiness makes me anxious. The day has not begun until I have had a cup of coffee. Rude people irk me...I am used to Southern hospitality. I love the smell of rain. Boots and flip flops are my footwear of choice. I thoroughly enjoy a good, home-cooked meal, especially when I'm not the one who cooked it. I am an old soul and I feel as if I should take care of all those around me. I like driving with the windows down and the radio as loud as I can stand it. The laughter of a child melts my heart and makes me giggle. Once I start laughing, it is very hard for me to stop.

Most importantly, I have been blessed beyond belief to have had the opportunities I have had and be able to write songs and play music as my career. I am a very lucky girl to have such supportive family and friends and I love you all! I hope to be able to continue writing songs and playing music, and if one person can relate to my music...then I know I have done my job!

CL :)

Rafters is located at:

4725 Main St Ste 228
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 224-6900

(Orange Beach)

Rafters Restaurant and Sports Bar has always been known for its great food and sports.  Did you know they are one of the top live music venues in the area?  Each year Rafters puts together an incredible line-up of live music.  Every Friday night they showcase a wide variety of musicians from all over the area.

Rafters is also the best spot to pre and post party on nights of Amphitheater at The Wharf Concerts.  On these nights they also provide live music for their patrons.  Here is the 2011 Rafters Live Music Schedule:

5/13 - Long Lost Friend Duo Kristen & Walt 5-9pm
5/20 - Greg Stuart 5-9pm
5/21 - Post Concert Party w/ The Cary Laine Band 10:30pm-2:30am
5/27 - Chas Baker 5-9pm
5/28 - Vibe Ire 10pm-2am ($5 cover)
5/29 - Post Concert Party w/ The Sam Glass Band 10pm-2am
6/3 - Friday Night Live Music - TBA
6/5 - Post Concert Party w/ The Cary Laine Band 10:30pm-2:30am
6/10 - Long Lost Friend 5-9pm
6/17 - David Kyle 5-9pm
6/19 - Post Concert Party 10pm-2am - TBA
6/24 - Friday Night Live Music 5-9pm - TBA
7/1 - Mel Knap 5-9pm
7/4 - Post Concert Party w/The Foxy Iguanas 10:30pm-2:30am
7/8 - Anthony Olympia 5-9pm
7/14 - Post Concert Party w/ Easy Street 10:30pm-2:30am
7/15 - Post Concert Party - TBA
7/22 - Kristen & Walt 5-9pm
7/23 - Post Concert Party - TBA
7/26 - Post Concert Party w/ MOB Town Revival 10:30pm-2:30am
7/29 - Friday Night Live Music - TBA