One of the leading bands from the Southern Rock movement, Black Oak Arkansas, will be making a rare Colorado appearance from 8 to 10 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Thirsty Parrot, 32 S. Tejon St.

Black Oak Arkansas produced their first album under the name of Black Oak Arkansas in 1971. The southern rockers have a sound that is unique and all their own. Bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, The Allman Brothers and Molly Hatchet copied Black Oak's style to make a sound that is easily identifiable as southern rock. It's easy to say Black Oak Arkansas founded today's Southern Rock N Roll.

These bad boys of the south set standards for live performances, and still electrify audiences to this day. Early in their career, their touring schedule kept them on the road for as many as 10 months at a time. They have three gold albums, and have appeared on such TV shows as Don Kirshner's "Rock Concert," "Midnight Special" and ABC's "In Concert." The King himself, Elvis Presley, encouraged them to perform the LaVerne Baker Classic, which has become their signature song, "Jim Dandy to the Rescue."

The current lineup consists of original singer and wildman Jim Dandy Mangrum on vocals, original member Rickie Lee Reynolds on guitar, George Hughen (ex-Greyghost) on bass, Johnnie Bolin (former Tommy Bolin Band) on drums and Hal McCormack on lead guitar. (Hal has been a member of Tora Tora, Deep South, Uprisin and Survivor).

VIP tickets are $50 and include a dinner from 6 to 7:30 p.m., alcoholic beverage and choice seating. General admission is $14 in advance and $19 day of show. Tickets may be purchased at the Thirsty Parrot or online at www.amusiccompanyinc.com. For more information, call 884-1094 or 576-5945.