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Glen Campbell and a reunited Gatlin Brothers take the stage at this year's Crystal River Jam.
By JORGE SANCHEZ
© St. Petersburg Times, published November 2, 2001
Country music will fill Rock Crusher Canyon this weekend, as this year's Crystal River Jam unfolds over the next three days.
Though scaled back a bit from the festivals that featured a 13-act lineup, the Jam still offers plenty of good music and food.
Today, Margo Rochelle and Rodeo Drive perform for the Jam's traditional kickoff party at the pavilion. Rochelle and Rodeo Drive are among Florida's most in-demand country acts. They appear regularly at large venues such as Disney World, as opening acts for major country stars and recently completed a European tour. In addition to music, people who attend tonight's show can enjoy a buffet from 6 to 8 p.m.
On Saturday, the Jam moves into the larger amphitheater venue. Glen Campbell, coming off a two-month stay at Andy Williams' Moon River Theater in Branson, Mo., begins a national tour.
Campbell, whose hits Wichita Lineman and Gentle On My Mind, was country music's original crossover star. The songs were played on country and pop stations, and he won Grammy awards in the pop category.
As his career took off, he hosted the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on television and co-starred with John Wayne in True Grit.
Speaking between shows last week from the theater in Branson, Campbell said he's in good spirits at age 65 and looks forward to performing on the road.
"I love touring. If you've got to earn money, it's not a bad thing to do," Campbell said.
Campbell, who got his start as a session musician, playing guitar for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and The Beach Boys, still considers himself foremost a guitarist.
"It's a pleasure to play," he said of the instrument. "I just feel I can express myself completely through it.
"When people come to Glen Campbell concert they can certainly expect to hear those early great hits, and I still love to play them. Plus, expect to hear things by Paul McCartney and many other songwriters."
Campbell said he has no desire to regain the country chart spotlight.
"Hey, I've had my moment and then some. Let's face it, when you get a certain age, the country radio stations just won't play you anymore."
Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers kick off their Reunion Tour at Rock Crusher Canyon. This is the first time all three bothers (Larry, Steve and Rudy) have joined for a national tour in nearly 20 years, though they play frequently in Branson. The Gatlin's hits include All the Gold in California, Love is Just a Game, Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer to You) and Broken Lady.
The Gatlins enjoyed great success in the 1970s and 1980s with their brand of blending the vocal harmonies of pop groups to create radio-friendly country hits.
On Sunday, acoustic guitarist and songwriter Jim Rast entertains at a brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Garden Pavilion. The menu features a carving station with beef, ham, and leg of lamb, seafood thermidor, beef tips with wild mushroom ragout, smoked Scottish salmon, an omelet station, sausage, home fries, grits, fresh fruit, muffins, croissants, danish and bagels. Price is $9.95.
Crystal River Jam begins today at Rock Crusher Canyon, 275 S Rock Crusher Road, Crystal River. Margo Rochelle and Rodeo Drive play country music today at the Garden Pavilion. Doors open at 5 p.m., buffet from 6 to 8 p.m. and music begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $15, including the buffet.
On Saturday, the Jam features Glen Campbell and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers at the Rock Crusher Canyon amphitheater. Gates open at 5 p.m., music at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $20 at the door. Advance tickets available today online at rockcrushercanyon.com and until 10:30 p.m. at the Rock Crusher Canyon box office. VIP is sold out. Bring chairs or blankets. Parking is $5. Call 795-1313.