My brother is studying veterinary medicine in St. Kitts right now, and he's coming home in December. I play the piano and guitar, and I'm in touch with his hunting buddies, who are also musically inclined. We're tossing the idea around of doing a welcome-home concert for him. We all play music in the same genres and styles, mostly classic and southern rock, so choosing the music isn't a big deal.

Would anyone have any advice for putting on a good show for my brother and all of our buddies?

I think you should play bohemian rhapsody *nods head rapidly*

neither of us have ever really digged Queen. I was figuring on opening with "Mad Hatter" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, or some other song about either going on or coming home.

Hey, "Comin' Home" wouldn't be a bad choice

What about that song by bon jovi....who says you can go home

Eww.... Bon Jovi trying to be a country singer.

I was really referring more to planning and that sort of thing. I will try to get some digital video of it, and I am open to suggestions on music, although the band really has the final say on it (I'm an interloper with them, only played with two or three of these guys).

What about "free bird" by skynyrd?

that is definitely on the bill. Like I said, we play and listen to southern rock music and blues. There will be a lot of Lynyrd Skynyrd played, since it's one of our favorite bands. Hands down.

What other bands are you guys comfortable playing?

*sigh* if only you were a fellow Queen fan

Pick any southern rock or rock-infused blues band out of a hat, along with a few others for coloring, and the true masters of country.

LYnyrd Skynyrd
the Allman Bros.
Marshall Tucker
Hank Williams, Jr.
Shooter Jennings
Waylon Jennings
Travis Tritt
Eric Clapton
Aerosmith

&c. If I remember my original plan correctly, I'd thought about opening with "Electric Rodeo" by Shooter Jennings

Me, I play just about anything. I started out playing the traditional composers on the piano some ten years ago, and didn't start playing the piano again until I heard Errol Garner's music. I've played the guitar for about four years, with an emphasis on blues, country music, and rock.

You HAVE to play Ragdoll by Aerosmith!
Ever heard it?