By Andrew Massey

LENOIR, N.C. – Last year, when Patrick and Kay Crouch asked me to take over hosting duties for the quarter-century old Caldwell Traditional Musicians Showcase, I said in an interview about the opportunity, “It’s a huge honor. And, it’s a little bit intimidating because it has lasted as long as it has.”

As we prepare for the first Showcase for which I am responsible, I am still incredibly humbled that I have been ask to host and organize the event after 25 years in the skilled hands of Patrick and Kay, who along with former director of the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center David Briggs, were it’s genesis. Twenty-five years of doing anything is difficult for me to fathom. I was 11 in 1998 when the first Musicians Showcase was getting started. That year would also be the same year I got my first guitar. My journey from that Christmas in 1998 to today has been a long and sometimes bumpy road as a musician. One thing has never changed though, I have always been a fan.

Every time I get to play I feel like a fan that snuck on stage while no one was looking. I think that’s what makes this year’s Showcase so special to me. I am a big fan of all these musicians. I sincerely think Donna Minton is Caldwell County’s answer to Emmy Lou Harris. I feel a sense of wisdom and dignity when I listen to Bob Henson sing and play. I feel that the words and poetry of my friend Cory Kinal are other worldly. I get all misty when Morgan Hendrix’s soulful wail starts telling me about struggling to find peace of mind in a hard world. Coty “Big City” Robinett makes me want to order another drink and raise a little hell.  Jonathan Doll make me feel the pain and burden of a working class person in rural Appalachia. Roger Miller’s sense of delivery and song craft is awe-inspiring. The crazy thing is all these people live right here in our community. I’m very excited to use this platform to introduce our community to new musicians, songwriters and artists they may never know about otherwise. I’m excited to honor the many women and men that have been playing here for decades.

I’ve themed this years showcase “Keeping’ the Scene Alive.” I stole it from Jonathan Doll of Jon Boy and Lefty. He says it to the audience after a set as a bit of banter, “Thanks for keeping the scene alive.” It’s a simple but profound reminder that both the audience and the performer are part of what is happening. Any musician who has played to a rough crowd can tell you the audience makes all the difference. So let’s come together and keep this whole thing going. Heck, maybe we’ll even make it another 25 years.

What to expect

Donna Minton, Bob Henson, and Roger Miller will be backed up by a band that features Dwight McGlynn on steel pedal, Ben Pannenbacker on Drums, Tom Khun on mandolin, and Andrew Massey on bass.

The second set will feature Coty Robinett, Morgan Hendrix, and Jonathan Doll with Kent Spears all backed by Sycamore Bones. Sycamore Bones is Cory Kinal on acoustic guitar, Andrew Massey on Keys and electric guitar, Nora Kinal on fiddle, Ryan Kinal on bass and Cody Pennell on drums.

See you on March 2nd. Here’s to Keepin’ the Scene Alive! Learn more about Sycamore Bones here.

Tickets and Other Information

The Caldwell Musicians Showcase will be Saturday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center. Tickets for the show are $11 for adults and $5.50 for students and children. A pre-show dinner buffet will be offered at 5:30 p.m. The cost of dinner is $20 and reservations are required. For more information or for tickets, call the Civic Center Box Office at 828-726-2407 or visit their website.

© Andrew Massey, 2024.