Being Greg Allman’s son is both a blessing and a curse, according to Michael Allman in a telephone interview Tuesday afternoon. Greg Allman is the founder of the southern rock band The Allman Brothers. Their most well-known songs include “Ramblin’ Man”, “Melissa” and “Whipping Post”. “To me he’s the greatest vocalist and entertainer I’ve ever considered knowing, besides him being my father,” Michael said. Michael is performing at Rex’s Rendezvous, Warsaw, Aug. 4 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Michael released his debut CD “Hard Labor Creek” about three years ago. He started working on it in 2008, but because he wrote, produced and released him himself, Michael is still getting it out to the public. He owns a home in West Palm Beach, Fla., and doesn’t do the snow very well, so he doesn’t get up to Michigan and the north during the winter, he said. That makes it a little more difficult to get his music out, he acknowledged. As far as his dad goes, however, Michael said Greg influences everything he does. “It’s awesome being the son of Greg Allman,” he said, “but it’s also a curse.” If Greg was a plumber and the greatest plumber in the world, and then Michael became a plumber, people would expect that Michael would become the greatest plumber in the world, too, he said. A battle with testicular cancer almost kept Michael from making music. In 2002, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. It changed his outlook, and he got into a serious relationship. He didn’t want to battle cancer while living the singer’s lifestyle, so Michael became an electrician. He spent as much time with his children as he could in case something happened. That was 10 years ago. Michael said his doctor told him if the cancer didn’t return after eight years, it was 99.9 percent likely that it wouldn’t return. So he got back into music and touring, and is still working on leaving his mark. “I’ve got a huge legacy behind me,” he said. And Michael doesn’t care if he’s performing for two or 2,000 people. “Anything’s feasible,” he said. “I don’t just wait in the green room. I enjoy doing what everyone else does.” His next album already is written, but first Michael wants to make sure there’s enough people out there who will like it and buy it when it comes out. This winter, he said he may begin working on his second album, but it takes awhile. Michael’s music is influenced by a lot of different styles, including southern rock and blues. Michael even lived in Detroit, so the music of that Michigan city also influenced him. His partner and manager labeled Michael’s style “Americana Blues”. “My whole life I’ve been listening to music,” Michael said. When he goes on the road, he doesn’t travel with an entire band for every stop. For his Midwest stops, including those in Indiana, he will be traveling with members of Marble Garden. They know all his stuff, and he knows all of their music. “You get two bands for the price of one,” Michael said. To purchase Michael’s CD, T-shirts or other items, visit his official website at www.michaelallmanband.com His Facebook profile is michaelseanallman Whether one checks out Michael’s gig at Rex’s Aug. 4, or buys his CD, he said, “They will enjoy it. I sing a lot like (my father).”***** The annual Rex’s Rendezvous Bike Show and Breast Cancer Benefit is Aug. 3 in front of the business. Starting at 5 p.m., entry fee is $20. There will be live entertainment and a beer tent, with all proceeds going to Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund. There also will be prizes, T-shirts, drawings, door prizes and food.
