Soperton Native Performs at the Vidalia PAL Theatre

Soperton native Drew Pournelle took the stage at the PAL Theatre in downtown Vidalia on Saturday, May 30, performing musical hits to a sold-out audience.

Pournelle, who grew up in Soperton but has spent many years away pursuing his music career, returned to the area with his band, Vinyl Velocity, for a performance just miles from his hometown. Family, friends, and longtime supporters filled the local theater for the night’s show.

Adding a local Vidalia connection to the night, the band featured area musicians Griffin Beall on drums and Natalie Griffin Beall on keyboard. Also joining the band were Jacksonville-based guitarist Riggs Taylor and saxophonist Elgin Mayfield.

As the creator, lead singer, and frontman of Vinyl Velocity, Pournelle gave an energetic, fastpaced performance featuring songs from the vinyl record era of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. These included hits by groups such as Chicago, Toto, Hall & Oates, Journey, and Foreigner, along with hits from solo artists such as Rick Astley, Phil Collins, and Billy Joel.

The evening was all about the audience singing along, moving to the music, and enjoying Soperton’s hometown son, Drew Pournelle, as he performed the songs that many of them had lived and loved.

One concert goer, also originally from Soperton, Bonnie Holt, spoke on the occasion. “Drew put on an awesome show! Him and his band! And it was great seeing so many Soperton folks here tonight supporting him. I’m so happy we came!” she emphasized.