Greg Allman, other big stars, ready for Sonoma Music Festival

Now that the Allman Brothers have hung it up, closing out their farewell tour in 2014, Gregg Allman is out on his own again.

At 67, he just released the new live album 'Back to Macon, Ga.,' with a nod to the town where the band first made their mark in the 1970s. Back then, there was no touring band tighter than the Allman Brothers. Their 'At Fillmore East' still resonates as one of the greatest live albums of all time.

Now, more than 40 years after the death of his brother Duane, Gregg Allman still digs deep for that signature simmering sound and the voice that sang 'Midnight Rider,' 'Whipping Post,' 'Ain't Wastin' No More Time' and 'Melissa' — songs that evoke a time when southern rock met up with gospel somewhere between blues and country out on the open road.

He arrives in Sonoma County in two weeks for the newly formed Sonoma Music Festival (Oct. 2-4) which is moving from B.R. Cohn Winery to downtown Sonoma. What started 28 years ago as the B.R. Cohn Fall Charity Concert, a generous Doobie Brothers benefit for veterans, has now outgrown the winery and is relocating to the Field of Dreams where the Sonoma Jazz+ festival once drew thousands. Allman will be joined by Ringo Starr, Chicago and the Doobie Brothers, who are managed by winery owner Bruce Cohn.

A Marin County resident in the 1990s (and, lest we forget, one-time husband of Cher), Allman moved back to the South over a decade ago. Last year was a tough one as the filming of his biopic 'Midnight Rider: The Gregg Allman Story' ended tragically with a fatal accident while filming on a train track. And his mother, known to everyone as 'Mama A,' died this past July. She was the one who made sure Gregg had enough money to buy his first guitar at Sears and Roebuck.Passing it on to the next generation, Allmann taps his son, Devon, to play guitar on 'Back to Macon, Ga.' while also recording a new take on the classic 'Ain't Wastin' Time No More,' which originally appeared on the 1972 album, 'Eat a Peach.'

Before he rolls through the Sonoma Music Festival, Greg Allman took a tour break to respond to questions via email:

Q: What was it like out on tour with the Doobies? Did you find a few songs to share along the way?

A: We had a number of really fine collaborations during the run; it was a gas for everyone, man. Tom Johnston, Pat Simmons, John McFee and Billy Payne all sat in with us several nights for 'Southbound' or 'One Way Out,' and it was rockin'. In North Carolina, I had the pleasure — and the pressure -— of singing Michael McDonald's lead on 'Takin' It to the Streets.' That's a tall order, man, but I enjoyed it. Being out with the Doobies was just a kick-ass time.

Q: You remember your reaction when you first heard the Doobies way back when?

A: Those guys are dear, dear friends of mine, especially Mr. Johnston. I remember hearing The Captain and Me, and being blown away by the songwriting and the harmonies. They hit it hard and heavy, year after year, man, and they're still as good as ever.

Q: How has backstage changed over the years?

A: Well, it's really about what's not happening now, bro! It's pretty low-key these days, with just a few friends and family around, and that's just fine, thank you!

Q: I grew up in Tallahassee, you grew up not far away in Daytona. What is it that brought you back to the South again from the Bay Area?

A: I enjoyed my time in the Bay Area, but I'm a Southern boy; it's in my blood, man. The South is truly home to me, and I love living in Savannah. The weather, the food, the fishing, long rides on my Harley. I couldn't ask for more.

Q: Best advice your mom ever gave you?

A: To show up on time, and no matter how you're doing, always give it your best.

Q: How special is it for you to see your son Devon jam on the new 'Back to Macon, Ga.' album?

A: It's always great to have Devon join us on stage. He's made his own mark in this business, because a name will only take you so far, man. Devon has earned everything he's gotten, and I'm very proud of him for that.

Q: What should people look out for at the Sonoma Music Festival?

A: For starters, there's going to be a Beatle there — Ringo Starr is bringing his All-Starr Band, which is pretty cool. The Doobies will have Michael McDonald sitting in with them, so that's a special treat, and Chicago and America are on the bill as well. I love America's music. Those guys really know how to write a song, man. There will be plenty of great wine and food to go with three days of music for everyone and anyone. I'm looking forward to it, brother.

Contact John Beck at 280-8014 or john@beckmediaproductions.com.