DUANE SHERRILLEditor

Rock fans packed the park this past Friday evening as Journey from the Heart took the stage for the long-running Rock Creek Concert Series. Journey from the Heart featured the hits of one of the most iconic bands of all time, Journey, along with the pioneering female rockers, Heart. The event was sponsored by the Tullahoma Parks and Recreation Department and was free to the public.

Starting the show for Journey from the Heart was Shareen Ann, lead singer of Barracuda-America’s Heart Tribute. Ann showcased her perfect vocal portrayal of Ann Wilson of Heart. Heart’s best-known hits such as “Barracuda,” “Alone,” “Magic Man,” “What About Love,” “These Dreams” and the show-stopper, “Crazy on You” were showcased during the Friday evening event.

Maxi Werker played lead guitar, channeling Ann’s sister, guitar goddess Nancy Wilson. Werker is a multi-talented musician and luthier based in Nashville who has spent the past few years working on a unique hybrid instrument combining a Telecaster and electric violin, dubbed the Tella-Fiddle. 

Ryan Christopher, former lead singer of Resurrection – A Journey Tribute, then took the stage in his latest appearance in Tullahoma. Christopher played the annual concert series multiple times with his former band but Friday marked the first time he has appeared without Resurrection.

Christopher, who formerly sported a Steve Perry wig during his prior concerts here, appeared with short hair this time but still deployed his dynamic, soaring vocals that Journey fans are used to hearing from the Steve Perry era of the iconic band. Christopher noted that he had been recovering from back surgery which had kept him off the road for many months but was happy to be back on stage.

Fans sang along to hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Who’s Crying Now,” “Any Way You Want It,” and then slow danced to “Faithfully.”

The next major musical event for Tullahoma is set for Sept. 29-30 when the Highland Rim Kiwanis 41A Music Festival returns to downtown Tullahoma for a two-day event featuring numerous bands both nights along with numerous vendors, food items and other entertainment.