Stranded concert-goer has ‘sweet’ experience

Published 10:00 am Thursday, April 6, 2017

LaGRANGE – Sweetland Amphitheatre has been drawing crowds from all over the Southeast for recent concerts, but what happens when residents of a big city find themselves stranded in this little city?

That is exactly what two Atlanta residents found out on Friday, when after watching the Jason Isbell concert, they realized that not only does Uber not serve LaGrange, but the last Groome transport had left well before the show ended. But instead of disaster, the couple found help in the form of a generous volunteer who drove them home in his own car.

The volunteer, who did not wish to be named, said that it was just part of what volunteers at the amphitheater do to make sure that visitors to the venue – both from in town and far away –are OK and have a good experience, and according to venue organizers, going above and beyond is common with the venue’s volunteers.

“My volunteers are the best people to work with,” said Dana Davis who organizes the volunteers at Sweeetland. “They just go above and beyond to make sure that people come into Sweetland, into LaGrange have a great time.”

Giving a ride to a visitor was just one of the amazing events of the night which on top of the scheduled performance, featured a proposal to a couple’s favorite song. The amphitheater’s organizers spoke highly of their volunteers, and they have received comments from visiting guests on the kindness and helpfulness of those tasked with helping guests find their seats at the venue, or in the case of Friday’s couple, finding a way home.

“I think it is just a testament to what our volunteers are willing to do for our visitors, and it just melted my heart when I heard it,” said Sweetland Director Becca Eiland, of the volunteer helping the visitors get home.

The Jason Isbell concert was only the first concert of what promises to be a busy second year for Sweetland, but organizers take the events of the night as a sign of a great year ahead.

“We are just going to have an awesome year,” said Davis.

This Friday, the amphitheater plans to kick off its 2017 Summer Concert Series with The Beach Boys. Gates to open at 6:30 p.m. For more information about Sweetland Amphitheatre visit their website at sweetland.events