Gretsch Lyles and the Modern Eldorados

As far as good times go, Gretsch Lyles and the Modern Eldorados never disappoint.  The Sunday afternoon before Labor Day, they put on an outstanding performance for the  Summer Concert Series at the American Legion Post 199.  The beach was packed, the weather was perfect, and everyone was having a grand time.

 I first met Gretsch a dozen years ago at my friend, Mike Lapeyrouse’s hunting camp, in Hybart, Alabama. It was Alabama vs. Tennessee weekend and Mike had invited neighboring camps to come to join in the fun. After the game was over, Gretsch and his band began to play. My first thought was, “Wow, they are really good and so much fun.” 

Gretsch is more than just a musician, he’s also an entertainer.  He is like watching Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, and Elvis all rolled into one. At their first break, I introduced myself and let him know how much I was enjoying his show. I said, “You remind me of John C. Reilly in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.” It’s a spoof on all the movies that have been made about famous singers and entertainers over the years.  “That’s my favorite movie! I watch it all the time,” he said. Our connection was made.

Gretsch grew up in a musical family,  in rural Baldwin County.  He began singing and playing guitar at age six, was heavily influenced by his grandparents' generation of country greats, and wrote his first song at sixteen.  The Modern Eldorados were formed in 1996 with sets of classic country songs. In both sound and style, Gretsch embodies all his past influences and brings familiar entertainers to life on stage.

With the Modern Eldorados, fans are enthralled by their unique performance. Asleep at the Wheel comes to mind. The band has a  sound all its own but with a familiar something that warms your heart. That’s because the Modern Eldorados play a lot of their original music, like  Gretsch’s favorite, When You Leave. Guitarist Monte Tredway has been with the band since 1996. Dawson Caluger is on bass guitar, and Brandon Hamilton is the drummer, and together they are a party!

Gretsch and his close friend, Chris Reid, who was the original drummer in the band, still write songs together. They realized early on that they needed original music to be successful and studying the greats such as Roy Orbison and Buck Owens helped them create.“We dove deep into the roots and history of the most popular songs to learn how they did it,” says Gretsch. “We even listened to the “B” side of their songs!”  Tennessee Tonight is one of their originals.

The stage presence that Gretsch and his bandmates bring to the venue is fun and entertaining. The Modern Eldorados have toured Europe seven times. Concerts slowed after Covid, but plans are in the works for a 2024 tour starting in Amsterdam. “We are still building back to where we were before Covid,” says Gretsch.

Anytime I hear that the Modern Eldorados are playing, I make a mental note. We are so lucky that the Scenic 98 Coastal area has so many great musicians, bands, and venues to choose from. And a shout out to the American Legion Post 199 for bringing the Summer Concert Series every weekend.  

Be sure to support the Legion's fundraising efforts to renovate the grand old building that was damaged by Hurricane Sally. It’s a great venue that is open to the public. Become a member and enjoy all the American Legion has to offer.

Thanks to Gretsch and the Modern Eldorados for a great afternoon and evening!

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