Turpin headlines Nov. 5 benefit to honor fallen niece

When Atlanta rocker Will Turpin takes to the stage next week to headline a benefit concert, he'll be playing for someone who can't be there - his recently deceased niece, Kensley Grace Kirby.

The veteran bassist for Collective Soul will top the bill of The KG Music Fest on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, at Southside Steve's, 715 Industrial Blvd., McDonough. The 2 p.m. show also features Collective Soul guitarist Joel Kosche, Abel, Rawls & Hayes, Reluctant Saints and Eleven Standing Still.

Turpin will be using his celebrity status to help to raise funds for the Kensley Grace Aquatic Center. The proposed swimming facility is named after his 5-year-old niece, who died June 8 after she was taken to a McDonough family medical clinic to get treated for a broken arm. She died after a lethal dose of local anesthesia was given to her at the clinic, an Atlanta coroner confirmed.

"Kensley’s death was a big blow to our entire family and it has changed all of our lives. She loved swimming and we're going to use the money we raise to build a nice aquatic facility in Henry County," Turpin said. "The sadness that Kensley's tragic death has exposed will never be repaired but we are trying to put energy towards something that is positive to balance out all of the negative."

Turpin said Kensley enjoyed both soccer and swimming and had expressed an interest in joining the S.M.A.R.T. (Smart Motivated Athletic Respectful and Teammate) swim team. Her eight-year-old sister, Avonlea, is also a member of the team.

A Facebook group called Kensley Grace Aquatic Center has been created and a fund-raising team has been established. Tax-deductible donations may be made to the Kensley Grace Memorial Fund at Ameris Bank, located at 135 North Park Place, Suite 250, Stockbridge.

Turpin said competitive swimmers in Henry County currently don't have a proper sized pool to train and must travel to neighboring counties to compete. He hopes to rectify that situation by raising money through Saturday's benefit.

"A local land owner has approached us about donating land for the aquatic center," Turpin said. "We've turned a major corner and the rest is up to us to come through for these kids."

Fans will be treated to a rare solo appearance by Turpin, who will be playing songs from his new EP, The Lighthouse (Gooey Music, 2011) and a few from Collective Soul. He added that the other musicians on the bill would be joining him for an all-star jam at the end of the evening.

For more information on the Kensley Grace Aquatic Center, visit www.kensleygrace.com

For more information about the KG Music Fest, call Southside Steve's at 678-814-4126 or visit www.southsidesteves.com


What: KG Music Fest benefit featuring Will Turpin
Where: Southside Steve's, 715 Industrial Blvd., McDonough
When: Saturday, Nov. 5, 2 to 8 p.m.
Cost: $10
Information: 678-814-4126 or www.southsidesteves.com

Turpin navigates his way in "The Lighthouse"

Will Turpin is quite possibly the most laid back guy in rock ‘n’ roll, ironic considering it’s an industry based on a lot of noise and hype. On his new EP called The Lighthouse, the humble musician has cleared his throat and finally discovered his voice.

Turpin is the bassist for Collective Soul, a super group who charted an astounding seven No. 1 hits in a seven-year period. They received more airtime on the radio than any other band of its era - Nirvana, Pearl Jam, R.E.M. and Oasis weren't even close.

Their hook-laden guitar anthems and powerfully melodic songs propelled them to international stardom, multi-platinum status and were the soundtrack for millions of lives.

Nearly 18 years after the group's formation comes this first solo effort by Turpin, who navigates his way through this this five-song set of catchy and infectious tunes.

In between his duties for Collective Soul and Soccer Dad, Turpin found time to write, record, produce and distribute this work on his indie label, Gooey Music.

The Lighthouse features collaborations with former Collective Soul drummer Ryan Hoyle as well as current band mates Ed Roland (who co-wrote two of the songs), guitarist Joel Kosche, and musician Peter Stroud (electric and 12-string guitar).

Turpin sings as well as plays piano, bass, acoustic guitar and drums. He describes his sound as "mega sweet rock 'n roll candy" and offers listeners a handful of tasty treats as well as some food for thought.

"60 Seconds" - This rollicking and upbeat opener showcases Turpin's piano and bass skills while summoning the spirit of Paul McCartney and Wings. Turpin says the song is about a foolish but life-changing act that takes no more than "60 Seconds." "It's hard to wear a heavy crown. You've gotta keep your head from falling down. But if I were the King of Attributes, then what would I be to you?" cleverly hints that Turpin learned a trick or two over the years from Roland, who is an ace songwriter.

"Sailor" - Co-written with Roland, "Sailor" is a moody and introspective piece about friendships with people who need help but won't accept sound advice. When Turpin sings, "I can't save the sailor from the storm," he admits the line is in reference to Shane Evans, Collective Soul's original drummer, who was ousted from the group in 2004.

"My Star" - Turpin sings his heart out for the entire 4:35, making this The Lighthouse's most emotionally charged track. It's dedicated to his wife Donna, who has been Turpin's better half for 17 years and is “his star.” Turpin also says the song is about him when referring to "the guy who couldn't be stopped, who shoulda been shot."

"Her Name" - Written about a woman who is the constant center of attention and "everyone knows her name." Kosche's classical guitar lends a Spanish aesthetic to the tune and complements Turpin's falsetto. The second of two songs co-written with Roland.

"Sanity" - Epic and ambitious, Turpin's rails about the pitfalls of substance abuse and appeals to lost souls not to give up hope but rather find a solution. "I had a lot to lose, so I had to find another way. I found it easy to choose when I saw there was another way." The song aptly closes out The Lighthouse and promises greater things to come from Turpin.

The Lighthouse is available for download on iTunes.com and in disc form through CDBaby.com. For more information, visit www.willturpin.com