COMES HOME Bryce Leatherwood to Take the Stage in Woodstock

BY JESSICA FORRESTER

Cherokee County native Bryce Leatherwood was named the winner of “The Voice” Season 22 in December. During the season premiere, Bryce performed “Goodbye Time,” first released by Conway Twitty in 1988. He received a three-chair turnaround from the judges and chose Blake Shelton as his coach. After many strong performances throughout the season, including George Strait’s “Amarillo by Morning,” Billy Currington’s “Let Me Down Easy,” Justin Moore’s “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” and Morgan Wallen’s “Sand in My Boots,” Bryce won the audience over in the live finale with Travis Tritt’s “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” and Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” He also made history as the first winner of the show to be saved by the audience through Instant Save voting in the playoffs.

Born and raised in the Hickory Flat community, Bryce attended Hickory Flat Elementary, Dean Rusk Middle and Sequoyah High. In 2018, he left his hometown to enroll at Georgia Southern University, where he recently earned a degree in business management.

In seventh grade, he won his middle school talent show, and his passion for performing publicly bloomed. After playing local gigs at venues like MadLife Stage & Studios in Woodstock, Bryce auditioned for “The Voice.” Since his win, he has performed at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red venues across the country, on tour with Dwight Yoakam, at the Country Music Association Fest in Nashville, Barefoot Music Festival in New Jersey and more.

In May, Bryce attended Craig Morgan’s Woodstock Summer Concert Series event and gave the crowd a surprise performance when Morgan called him onto the stage. Next month, he will headline his own free concert at Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater in Woodstock, Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

To set the stage, Bryce’s father, Cliff, posted on Facebook: “So excited and grateful that the city of Woodstock and Carriage Kia will be hosting Bryce’s homecoming show. … Mark your calendars, get your friends and family to do the same, and let’s pack this place. Gonna be a great night of country music!”

Fans likely expect performances of country classics at the upcoming concert, but they might be surprised to learn that Bryce has co-written songs, including “Both Sides of the Fence” and “Last Thing on My Mind,” which he has performed at live shows and previewed on Instagram. To learn more, visit https://bryceleatherwood.komi.io and follow along on social media.

Turn to Pages 26-27 for a guide to the concert.

Know Before You Go

As you’re making plans to attend Bryce Leatherwood’s free concert on Aug. 25, city leaders have answered frequently asked questions, and created maps to help you navigate parking, pickup or drop-off for the outdoor event at 101 Arnold Mill Road. For more information, and to check for updates, visit https://woodstock.recdesk.com.

Can I set up chairs early?

Lawn chairs, beach chairs and bag chairs are allowed to be placed in the amphitheater after 6 a.m. the day before the concert, Aug. 24. Chairs placed earlier than that will be removed.

What time does the show start?

The Whiskey Rose Band will start the show at 7:30 p.m. Bryce will perform at 8:30 p.m. Rain could pause or delay the starting time. For the best seating, arrive early!

Is there food available?

Food vendors will be on-site, and restaurants are within walking distance of the park. There are several sites throughout the park that will have beer, wine and pre-mixed margaritas for ages 21 or older, with ID. You may bring your own alcohol (not in glass bottles) if you are 21 or older. Vendors will have soda, water and other beverages, as well.

What is allowed at the park?

Food, beverages and small coolers are permitted. All coolers, bags and picnic baskets are subject to search. Strollers and wagons for small children and service animals are allowed.

What is not allowed at the park?

Saving large areas with ropes, caution tape, etc. is not allowed. No plastic, blankets, towels or tarps. No stakes, staples or nails in the ground. No tents of any kind. No smoking or vaping outside designated areas. No use of illegal drugs. No glass bottles or containers, large coolers, tables, patio or shade umbrellas, drones, laser pointers, recording devices, bullhorns or noisemakers. No fireworks, confetti, flying objects. No pets, skateboards, bikes or inline skates.

Drunken or unruly behavior will not be tolerated, and guests may be escorted from the park by staff and/or police. You might be asked to leave the premises for failure to follow rules. Please report problems to police or park personnel.

Where can I park?

Public parking is available downtown at Chattahoochee Technical College and at the City Center parking lot. Check the parking map on the website for additional locations. The lower level of the park is only for production and a handicap drop-off/pickup area. Please use designated crosswalks to get to and from the park and amphitheater.

Where are the free shuttle locations?

Nine shuttles run continuously from three locations:

• Northside Cherokee Medical Offices Parking Deck at 900 Towne Lake Parkway.

• Woodstock City Church at 150 Ridgewalk Parkway.

• Little River Elementary School at 3170 N. Trickum Road.

Shuttles begin at 5 p.m., with the last run at 11:45 p.m. Be sure you are in line at the park before the last pickup at 11:45 p.m. There also is an Uber/Lyft drop-off/pickup area in the City Center parking lot at 8534 Main St.