About two years ago I went to see the Zac Brown Band in Indianapolis. The opening band was Blackberry Smoke.

Let me step back. It was over 100 degrees that day. We saw people fainting and the humidity was unbearable. I did not even want to drink beer. It was really the hottest day I can remember.

The opening band comes out in long sleeves, bell bottom jeans, long hair and beards. They reminded me of Lynyrd Skynyrd. They had to be hot. Hell I was in shorts and I could feel the sweat drenching my clothes. So these guys rocked it. I never felt so compelled to go to the merch stand and get their cd. We went and got it and have been hooked since. Ever since that day, I cannot recall these guys not touring. These are out there 5-6 nights a week playing gigs. They opened for Zac at Red Rocks in May. After that, they have been on their own.

Last year they played in Sandusky at Ohio Bike Week. I think we might have been the only ones to know who they were.

Last week we went to Saint Andrew's Hall in Detroit to see them. That was the smallest place I have ever seen them. They rocked the house.

Their music has been featured on Sons of Anarchy and That Metal Show.

Catch the smoke... www.blackberrysmoke.com