Vocalist Donnie Van Zant formed the Jacksonville, Florida band in 1975 with guitarist Jeff Carlisi along with Don Barnes, Ken Lyons, Jack Grondin and Steve Brookins. Two years later, the band signed with A&M Records and released its eponymous debut. Neither 38 Special nor its follow-up, Special Delivery, received much attention but the group began to build a following through its constant touring. Their third release, Rockin' Into the Night, was the album that demonstrated a more melodic, driving sound. The 1979 album was a moderate hit but 1981's Wild-Eyed Southern Boys was a genuine hit going platinum and generating the Top 40 "Hold On Loosely." Special Forces, released in 1982, was even more popular spawning the Top Ten single "Caught Up in You" and "If I'd Been the One." Tour de Force (1983) and Strength in Numbers (1986) were both successes and the band continued to be a popular touring outfit. Flashback, their 1987 greatest hits album, was moderately successful but the band took precautions to retain its audience by recording the polished Rock & Roll Strategy. Released in 1989, the album became a hit on the strength of "Second Chance," an adult contemporary-oriented ballad that reached the Top Ten. Their next album, Bone Against Steel, was released in 1991 followed by Resolution in 1997, Live at Sturgis in 1999 and Drivetrain in 2004. And now after over thirty years together, 38 Special is still playing more than 100 shows per year. And at every one of them, thousands of audience members are completely blindsided by the power and muscle of the band’s performance.

Tickets: Cabaret Seating | $37.50 | plus service charges