Those attending the “Talkin’ Ball at Festival Hall” event on Nov. 12 were treated to a unique combination of music and college football commentary hosted by the Greene County Chamber of Commerce and Nicole Chillemi.
Tony Barnhart, known in many circles as “Mr. College Football” for his insightful coverage of the sport for nearly 50 years, and musician Matthew Kaminski, who entertains fans at Atlanta Braves games with his creativity on the keyboard, partnered up at Greensboro’s Festival Hall for a couple of hours. Chip Lyness of Dock 103.9 filled the role of emcee.
Appropriately, Kaminski began the event by playing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which put the crowd in the proper mood.
Ironically, Kaminski said he rarely played the anthem during his 16 years with the Braves because guest singers and choirs usually take care of that duty.
However, due to the late arrival of a singer in 2020, Kaminski said he was asked to perform the anthem during a playoff game against the Dodgers as a parachutist descended into Truist Park.
“They wanted me to finish the song just as the parachutist hit the ground,” Kaminski said.
Unable to see the parachutist well from the press box area, Kaminski had to depend on his producer to help pace the song and coordinate the ending. Unfortunately, Kaminski reached the final notes of “Home of the Brave” a bit early and had to improvise a series of descending chords – which he demonstrated for the crowd at Festival Hall – until the parachutist hit the ground.
One song Kaminski plays is not so rare: “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” which he has played more than 1,200 times.
Kaminski has also played his keyboard for University of Georgia baseball games at Foley Field for the past 14 years. He has also played for Augusta Green Jackets games, Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State, Jacksonville State, and the Atlanta Gladiators hockey team.
Kaminski often gets to show his creativity as batters stroll up to home plate, citing the example of playing “Old MacDonald” as Kyle Farmer’s walkup music. Kaminski said he would leave out the “E-I-E-I-O” for the crowd to sing.
Players with the last name Brown might hear the Charlie Brown theme music. Former Brave Freddie Freeman might hear “Freebird.” Brandon Marsh — who wets his hair before games — gets less respect and may hear the “Smelly Cat” song from “Friends.”
Kaminski said Phillies fans have reacted poorly to that one.
The second featured guest for the evening was Greene County’s own Tony Barnhart, who is familiar to anyone with even a passing interest in college football. He was introduced by his wife, Maria, who is also a native of Greene County. Both went to Greene County High School and played basketball in the building now serving as Festival Hall.
Barnhart talked about his sixth book, 19 of Greene, which chronicles the 1970 Greene County football team — the first integrated team in the school's history—a Greene County version of Remember the Titans.
“I’ve been fortunate to do a lot of neat things in my life and career, and I’m most proud of 19 of Greene,” he said.
Barnhart also made remarks about the convoluted world of college football.
“This may not be the best football season we’ve ever had, but it will be the most interesting one we’ve ever had,” Barnhart said. “The 12-team playoff has completely changed the way we consider football.”
The emergence of the transfer portal and NIL have added to the chaos.
Barnhart asked the crowd if they knew what “NIL” stood for. When audience members replied, “name, image and likeness,” Barnhart said, “No, it means ‘now it’s legal.’”
Barnhart said one of the controversies facing the Southeastern Conference is whether to play eight or nine conference games. Barnhart advocates for nine to ensure his favorite rivalry — Georgia v. Auburn — continues to be played every season.
Barnhart also boldly predicted how he thinks the playoff bracket seeding will shake out and who will win it.
“I’ve got Oregon of the Big 10 — I can’t believe I’m saying that — at No. 1,” Barnhart said.
Barnhart said Georgia’s loss to Ole Miss propelled Texas into the second spot, with ACC winner Miami in third despite the loss to Georgia Tech, and Brigham Young University fourth (BYU was upset Nov. 16 by Kansas State). All four teams won’t play in the first round.
According to Barnhart, seeds five through eight get to play on their campuses. The quarterfinals revert to the bowl games: the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31; the Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. Semifinals will also revert to bowl games, including the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9 and Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10.
Barnhart predicts an Ohio State and Oregon rematch in the National Championship game on Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Ohio State winning.
“The overall winner when it’s all said and done is Ohio State,” Barnhart said. “Ohio State has spent $20 million in the NIL department to get where they are right now. It’s the best team money can buy.”