Under dark skies that never delivered on their threats, Augusta proved that Blowfish or no fish, it's always ready to Rock Fore! Dough.

Stephanie Charette (from left), Calye Johnson, Alicia Charette and Paige Eber enjoy tunes performed by Corey Smith. (Mike Adams/Staff)

The third annual Rock Fore! Dough concert, benefiting First Tee of Augusta youth golf programs, took place Tuesday night. Featured acts included Augustan John Kolbeck and Corey Smith, and the show was co-headlined by Dashboard Confessional and rock veterans Cheap Trick.

In previous years, the bill was anchored by South Carolina act Hootie and the Blowfish. Event promoter Joe Stevenson said that although the Blowfish put the show on the map, he felt it was important to allow the annual concert to evolve.

"We want to keep the event fresh," he said.

"Hootie is perfect for this, and we can always bring them back, but we wanted to bring someone in who hadn't been to Augusta before."

Mike Powell, stationed at Fort Gordon, said he and his wife, Cheree. They were also excited to see Cheap Trick, but also excited to support live music in Augusta.

"I would love to see more things like this," he said. "I would also love to see more people support it."

Smith joined John Kolbeck, Dashboard Confessional and Cheap Trick at the concert, which benefits First Tee of Augusta youth golf programs. (Mike Adams/Staff)

The event, which transforms the driving range at the First Tee facility into a one-night-only festival site, has become something of a tradition for the largely local crowd of thousands it attracts every year.

Uwe Redington of Evans said that - although he is certainly familiar with Cheap Trick's hits and, as a father of teens many of the Dashboard tunes - the event was as big an attraction as the acts.

"It was something we did last year with friends," he said. "It really is nice. It's just a great atmosphere."

"Besides," said his wife, Lisa, "It's so close to home."

A study in sonic progression, the show started with a short solo set by Kolbeck, followed quickly by the acoustic-driven sound of Smith and his band.

Later, Dashboard Confessional entertained with its distinctive emotional rock, leaving the last spot open for rockers Cheap Trick.

Chris Carrabba, the lead singer for Dashboard Confessional, rocks the crowd at the third annual Rock Fore! Dough outdoor concert. (Mike Adams/Staff)

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.