Band Bios

 IDLEWILD SOUTH's Founder Don Eason (organ/piano/vocals) first experienced The Allman 

Brothers Band live on March 28, 1970, at The Winters End Concert in Bithlo, Florida.

This first show left an indelible appreciation for the music, and an intense desire to 

learn and play in the same style. Having played in various rhythm & blues and rock

bands over the years was instrumental in the creation and development of 

IDLEWILD SOUTH.  Being surrounded by the other six talented members of the band 

makes every show exciting and different, and helps in making sure "The Road Goes

On Forever"............

  Dave George  

Dave grew up in the foothills of Virginia, where he discovered a love for all things guitar. In addition to Duane and Dickey, he counts Buchanan, Hendrix, Beck and Scofield among his early influences. He spent several years in the northeast before settling in Raleigh in 2006.

With decades of experience, he brings a deep respect and understanding of the Allman Brothers Band's music to his role in Idlewild South. From the authentic open-E-tuned slide playing to 'outside' jazz runs, the impact on listeners is apparent.

In addition to his duties with Idlewild South, Dave is a music instructor, fronts the Dave George Trio, and works with the label Abstract Logix, where he has had the privilege of managing tours for Jimmy Herring and Oz Noy, among others.

Tim Smith is a multi instrumentalist from Raleigh NC whose current musical home is playing bass with Idlewild South

 For John Flowers It all began at a the age of three when his Father purchased a drum kit for him because of the interest he showed even at that age.  And by the time he turned 5 he had his first Ludwig drum kit and was actually playing.  His Father had a band and gave young John full support and allowed him to play in that band.  That is where it all began and he was thrown into traveling all over the Carolinas, Tennessee and Georgia with his Father’s band.  As he became exposed to more and more types of music by around age 13 he was influenced by various artists and types of music and he was in his first rock band by then still with his Father’s full support.  He has experience and has played rock, metal, blues, country and has experimented with jazz.  All which offered him the opportunity to tour all over and has shared the stage with many famous artists; Tom Petty, Steely Dan, John Hiatt and George Strait just to name a few.  Now to fast forward through several decades he now holds one of the seats playing drums and is on the road with Idlewild South.  John is also involved in other projects and stays busy with his main gig and also plays with others and is a sought after session player.
 

  John Martin's musical journey started in 1963 and in 1964 he focused on The Beatles as they swept America with some great new music that captured many.  As he developed his skills as an aspiring drummer he then discovered The Allman Brothers Band late in 1969.  That discovery changed his view and his understanding of music and how it was delivered.  Over many decades of becoming a drummer and percussionist he has been fortunate to have met, performed and traveled with and has become friends with several well known artists.  One night in Charlotte, NC at a theatre Idlewild South asked him to sit in and that led him to becoming a member of this band.  “The Road Goes On Forever” and he can attest to that without hesitation.   

 Ricky Grubbs is a native of Danville, Virginia, and a lifelong fan of The Allman Brothers Band. Ricky joined the Idlewild South family, after touring nationally for several years with The Church Sisters.        He has shared the stage with many great artists over the years. Ranging from bluegrass legend Wayne Henderson to, Allman Brothers Band alumnus, "The Real Deal" Johnny Neel. 

 Tommy Hartley has been a fixture of the Triangle music scene for many years.  He grew up in the foothills of Western NC and has lived in Chapel Hill since 1971.  His projects have included SLOWHAND – a Tribute to Eric Clapton, Trickbag, The Tornado Blues Band, Rewind, The Doug Prescott Band, Sutter’s Gold Streak Reunion Tour and currently Five Easy Pieces.  He has played onstage with both Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks.  Tommy brings a wealth of experience to Idlewild South.  

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Idlewild South Group Shot