By Kendyl
Hollingsworth
For the Opelika
Observer

Cottonseed Studios will present Americana band The Lone Bellow in an intimate show at the John Emerald Distillery in Opelika Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. This will be the band’s third time playing in Opelika since they first visited in 2014.
Richard Patton, co-founder of Cottonseed Studios and the man in charge of the music, described the band’s first show in Opelika as “a big dance party in the street.”
“The first time we had them, we just had an abandoned building on First Avenue—nothing was ready—and we just threw them in an old building, and it was a great experience,” Patton said.
Patton also said this show will be a fun and unique experience since it will be smaller than some of their past shows.
“They’re very infectious if you’ve never seen them live, incredibly high energy—incredibly engaging and connecting with the crowd,” Patton said. “If you’ve never seen them, never heard their music, you’ll walk away fans of The Lone Bellow.
The Lone Bellow’s origin story is part of what captivated Patton. The band formed following a serious horseback accident involving lead singer Zach Williams’ wife that left her paralyzed. Expected never to recover, she surprised everyone by regaining her strength and recovering from her injuries. While waiting and hoping for her recovery, Williams began writing songs, and after moving to Brooklyn with his wife, he met the future members of The Lone Bellow.
“They’re really amazingly great people…and (we’re) happy for their success,” Patton said. “Their music kind of transcends to anybody, whether you’ve heard them or not.”
Patton also praised Nashville-based Becca Mancari, the show opener, for her breakout success. Mancari is also no stranger to Opelika—she previously performed at Concourse/South in summer 2016.
“We always like to encourage people, whether it’s with us or anywhere where there’s live music in your town, go support it when you can,” Patton said.
Cottonseed Studios, which has pursued film and music projects since 2013, has also worked with popular indie bands such as Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Shovels and Rope, Delta Spirit and Humming House in the past. They are currently cultivating music for Red Clay Brewery’s anniversary party in April.
Tickets for The Lone Bellow are $30 for general admission and $79 for a VIP Happy Hour with the band that includes a general admission ticket to the show. Tickets may be purchased online through the show’s event pages on Facebook and Eventbrite. The show will be at 706 North Railroad Avenue in Opelika.