Local Leaders Reveal Their Favorite Tunes

In honor of World Music Day, an annual celebration on June 21 to promote music bringing people together, Aroundabout Local Media reached out to local leaders to share their favorite bands and songs, their most memorable concert, any instruments they play and more.

Getting ready to head to the Guardians of the Jukebox concert at Suwanee Park in April are, bottom, Shannon and Jay Kiger of Acworth and Kathy and Kevin King of Suwanee.

Shannon Kiger, Palmer Middle School Principal

A sample of songs/artists on my playlist: “Free” by Zac Brown Band, “Fire Away” by Chris Stapleton, “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Midnight Rider” by Allman Brothers Band, “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses, “Still of the Night” by Whitesnake, “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor and “Brick House” by Commodores.

I love classic rock, Southern rock, classic country, ’80s rock and disco.

My most memorable concert was Van Halen, and for the most memorable local concert, I love going to MadLife in Woodstock to watch cover bands.

I cannot play an instrument, but I am good at air guitar!

Growing up, my favorite album was “Working Class Dog” by Rick Springfield.

Gene Pugliese, Acworth Alderman

My favorite genres of music are classic rock and country.

The most memorable concerts I’ve attended were Champagne Jam at Grant Field and Styx, Foreigner, AC/DC, Eagles, Boston and Fleetwood Mac at the Omni.

My favorite albums growing up were Bob Seger, “Night Moves”; James Taylor, “Greatest Hits”; and Foreigner, “Foreigner.”

Cathy Green, Acworth Arts Alliance Executive Director

I like most kinds of music, from classical and jazz to soft rock and country.

I have not attended a lot of concerts. Among my favorites that I have attended are the Eagles and Kenny G. I have enjoyed local concerts by Ollie Patterson and The Weekend Getaway Band.

I play the piano.

A few of my favorites as a teenager were John Denver, Boston, Queen and Billy Joel. Some of my favorites to listen to these days are Old Dominion, Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban, Niko Moon, Florida Georgia Line, Marc Cohn, Blanco Brown, Ed Sheeran, Kenny Chesney, Jim Brickman, George Winston and Kenny G.

Keli Gambrill, District 1 Cobb Commissioner

I do not have a playlist. However, I do listen to Christian-based music, with my favorite song being “Audience of One” (with lyrics – Greg Ferguson [Willow Creek]). Mannheim Steamroller at Christmas, “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables” and arrangements by John Phillip Sousa, to name a few others.

My first concert was The Beach Boys.

My most memorable concert was watching my cousin Shawn and seeing the passion he had for music and helping others realize their passion for music as well, either through listening or learning an instrument.

I was a flutist and a member of the band, jazz band and symphony orchestra until I completed college.

Growing up, I liked anything but country, as this was all my dad would allow to be played if he was within listening distance! Today, I have an appreciation for all genres of music.

Butch Price, Acworth Alderman

I am a fan of what is known as ’50s Gold. I love Elvis Presley, Roy Orbinson, The Four Seasons, the Bee Gees and Sarah Vaughn.

My favorite concert was a performance by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Locally, my favorite concert was in Marietta and featured The Australian Bee Gees.

My absolute all-time favorite song is “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers.

Tim Richardson, Acworth Mayor Pro Tem

My favorite genres of music are classic ’50s/’60s/’70s rock, classic ’40s/’50s/’60s country and bluegrass.

The most memorable concert I’ve attended was the Fox97 Oldies Concert, featuring Chuck Berry, at the Georgia Dome. It was in the ’90s, and Chuck could still get down and duck walk across the stage.

My musical ability is limited to humming or whistling off-key.

Growing up, the first 45 rpm record I remember playing over and over again was “The Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley. I was about 5 years old. The record belonged to my older brother.

Tim Houston, Acworth Alderman

My favorite genres of music are jazz, funk, R&B and gospel.

The most memorable concert I’ve attended was Funkadelic at the Omni in Atlanta.

My favorite albums/songs growing up were Shalamar, “Three For Love”; Blue Magic, “Sideshow”; Prince, all of them; and Funkadelic, “Cosmic Slop.”

Bill Westenberger, Kennesaw Police Chief

I love all genres, but my current favorite is country.

While in college, I used to work security for the Omni arena. While working there, I had the pleasure of working several concerts and was able to see Paul McCartney. It was the best show ever.

I used to play drums – self-taught.

My favorite album growing up was Journey, “Raised on Radio.”