Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

John Schneider: An Evening Of Stories & Songs

A fan-favorite returns! After almost two decades together, Departure has become the most respected Journey tribute band in the nation. Departure replicates the look, sound and feel of the original 80’s rock super group. The five band members are from the original line-up and have been together from the very beginning. These veteran musicians have developed an amazing on-stage chemistry and pride themselves on giving their audience an incredible high-energy, qualitative stage show from start to finish. Departure plays all the hit songs that everyone knows and loves and was voted “Best Local Entertainer” for 2011, 2012 and 2014 by Gwinnett Magazine. Performing approximately one-hundred shows annually, Departure brings the very best of Journey to audiences of all ages.

Annie Oakley is the best shot around, and she manages to support her little brother and sisters by selling the game she hunts. When she’s discovered by Col. Buffalo Bill, he persuades this novel sharpshooter to join his Wild West Show. It only takes one glance for her to fall head over heels for dashing shooting ace Frank Butler, who headlines the show. She soon eclipses Butler as the main attraction which, while good for business, is bad for romance. Butler hightails it off to join a rival show, his bruised male ego leading the way, but is ultimately pitted against Annie in a final shoot-out. The rousing, sure-fire finale hits the mark every time in a testament to the power of female ingenuity. Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin Original Book by Herbert & Dorothy Fields as Revised by Peter Stone Presented by the Packard Playhouse & Brought To You By the Annie Moses Foundation