Lake Oconee Dentistry invites all area residents, patients and visitors to its Community Appreciation Event on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will be held in the parking area surrounding the practice’s office at 1011 Parkside Main, between the Publix parking lot and the movie theater, and is free to everyone in the community.

The event will kick off with a performance featuring the magic of Dan Garrett and Merritt Ambrose, an Atlanta magician of the year. A live concert by Departure: The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band will follow. Replicating the look, sound and feel of the original ‘80s rock super group, Departure is fast becoming one of the most respected tribute bands in the country.

Performing more than 100 shows annually, the five-member band features lead vocalist Brian Williams, who flawlessly matches Steve Perry’s vocal range and movements. Departure also highlights the early Journey years, when Greg Rolie was lead singer, featuring Joel Hayes on keys and lead vocals. Hayes was named “Best Keyboardist in Atlanta” for his work representing Jonathan Cain and Gregg Rolie in 2009. Departure plays live and uses no pre-recorded tracks. The band was voted Gwinnett County’s “best local entertainer” for 2011 and 2012 by Gwinnett Magazine.

“We pride ourselves on giving the audience an incredible high-energy show from start to finish,” says bassist and vocalist Doug Ballard. “We’re looking forward to meeting some new Journey fans at Lake Oconee and giving them a show to remember.”

Departure is set to perform a two-hour concert at the event.

The Varsity’s mobile catering truck will be parked outside the office serving free food to the first 500 attendees, and ELEMENT, a highly-trained performance troupe, will showcase Cirque de Soleil-inspired acrobatics. The winner of the Lake Oconee Dentistry FIAT giveaway will also be announced at the event, and the winner will drive away that day in the sporty black convertible. Other exciting prizes will also be up for grabs, including an iPad mini and BMX bike.

“We’ve been serving the lake area for 15 years, and it’s the members of our community that really make each day worthwhile,” says Dr. David Bradley, co-owner of Lake Oconee Dentistry. “As a practice, we really enjoy giving back to our patients and the community to show how much we appreciate their patronage and support. This is just one way we can say, ‘Thank You.’”

“We strongly encourage people to arrive as close to 11 a.m. as possible, because we have a lot of exciting entertainment planned,” says Dr. Patti Bradley, co-owner of Lake Oconee Dentistry. “There will be a chance to win an iPad mini and a BMX bike, and we’ll have special discounts available only that day for new and existing patients.”

Lake Oconee Dentistry has a history of giving back. Each year, the practice hosts “Dentistry from the Heart,” a day of free dentistry for those in need. This year’s event contributed nearly $40,000 in free care to the local community.

Lake Oconee Dentistry’s Community Appreciation Event will take place rain or shine. For more information please visit the practice website at www.DrsBradley.com, the practice’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LakeOconeeDental or contact the office directly at 706-453-1333.