There are some concerts that you circle on the calendar because you know they’re going to be special. For me, this Saturday, Aug. 8, at 5 p.m. at the Levitt AMP Bath Free Waterfront Concert Series is one of those occasions. The Shadow Riders are bringing the timeless music of the Marshall Tucker Band to the waterfront, and I can’t wait.

If you’ve ever been captivated by the unmistakable sound of Southern rock, you already know what makes the Marshall Tucker Band so unique. Their blend of blues, country, jazz and rock created a style all their own, and one of the signature ingredients was the soaring flute weaving effortlessly through powerful guitar riffs. It’s a combination that still gives me chills every time I hear it, and I’m looking forward to hearing John Vanderpool recreate those memorable flute parts live on the Bath waterfront.

Like so many classic rock fans, one of my all-time favorite songs is “Can’t You See.” The opening guitar notes instantly transport me to another place, and by the time the flute enters, I’m completely hooked. Decades after it was first recorded, the song remains one of Southern rock’s defining anthems, and hearing it performed live is always something special. It’s the kind of song you never get tired of, whether it’s blasting through your car speakers or echoing across the Kennebec River on a summer evening.

What makes The Shadow Riders more than just another tribute band is their authentic connection to the music. Frontman Bruce Marshall isn’t simply performing these songs — he lived part of their history. Marshall toured with Toy Caldwell, the Marshall Tucker Band’s co-founder, lead guitarist and principle songwriter, in 1989 and 1990. In fact, “The Shadow Riders” was the very name Caldwell used for his backing band during that era, giving today’s group a genuine connection to the music they’re celebrating.

Best of all, this performance is completely free thanks to the Levitt AMP Bath Waterfront Concert Series. Bring a lawn chair, gather your friends and family, and settle in for an evening of unforgettable Southern rock classics. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be singing every word to “Can’t You See” before the night is over. I know I will.

Matthew Glassman is executive and artistic director of the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath.