The H. Aaron Strickland Story

A Jack—and Master—of all trades

I first started playing the drums in January of 1987 for the church I was attending at that time. From 1987-1991, he played in a local band called Millennium. This Christian rock group occasionally performed at the church and the local high school. I played for the church band and this rock band until I moved to Valdosta, GA in the Fall of 1991 to attend college at Valdosta State University.

While at V.S.U., I served as a percussionist in the Valdosta State University Blazin’ Brigade marching band for two years. It was the college experience that introduced me to the club band circuit. I graduated in August of 1996 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts (Mass Media). Over the next several years, I played the drums for a number of South Georgia and North Florida bands. These bands performed at clubs, festivals, special events, and opened for a number of national acts. For just about all of these bands, I served not only as the drummer, but also as the lighting technician/operator, manager, public relations rep., and booking agent.

From July 14, 2000 through October 13, 2020, I worked during the day as Executive Director of Keep Lowndes/Valdosta Beautiful. K.L.V.B. was a local, non-profit, environmental affiliate of Keep GA Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful. At K.L.V.B., I organized multiple anti-litter, recycling, and beautification events and programs throughout the year. To this day, I say, “Litter simply will not pick itself up. I just want people to be more responsible—not environmental freaks, just environmentally conscious.” 

Known as the “Rockstar REALTOR®”, I am a real estate agent with The American Dream Realty in Valdosta, GA. I am also the Executive Director of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Azalea Festival. One the second weekend of every March, you will find me running this annual arts and crafts festival. The Azalea Festival is the largest of its kind in South GA and North FL. I have also worked as an actor. I most recently served as an extra/background in the Bandit film (Mel Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Elisha Cuthbert). When my schedule permits, I also work for local productions (lighting, sound drum tech).

In addition, I am a freelance writer. I have been published in several countries with four feature articles in Modern Drummer Magazine (Dec., 2015, May 2016, March 2018, June 2019) as well as a book review (June 2017). I am also a real estate photographer. With my company, H. Aaron Strickland Real Estate Photography, I take listing photographs for several other realtors. And, I became an ordained officiant in January 2024, allowing me to perform weddings. 

Yes, there’s more. I was also the Entertainment Manager at the Rock ‘N Rodeo nightclub in Valdosta. There, I booked all of the entertainment for the largest nightclub in South GA from November of 2003 until November of 2014. Including the regional and national acts that I have booked at that venue and the shows that I have  booked for bands that I've been in, I has racked up over 2,000 shows booked. 

I tend to say, “Yes,” a lot. I believe that our time on this planet is short, and it should not be wasted. You’re remembered by your accomplishments and your deeds. I’ve been playing the drums for a long time. I grew up in a very small town in South GA. We had a caution light and a couple of convenience stores. There, going out to eat consisted of going by one of the stores and getting a tater log to go. Those times bring to mind the Molly Hatchet song, “Dreams I’ll Never See.” My dad and I would always go fishing, camping, and sometimes just riding along dirt roads. All the while, we would listen to good ole’ Southern Rock—Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, the Rolling Stones, the Georgia Satellites, and yes—Molly Hatchet. So, let me be the example. Although the song is called ‘Dreams I’ll Never See”, if you work hard enough, stay focused, and live the best life you can, sometimes you’ll find that there are a few dreams that you will see.