RECAP: "LEAVING A LEGACY" - 1ST ANNUAL MEMORIAL SINGING FOR JESSICA JOHNSON FEATURING JOSEPH HABEDANK - BURLINGTON, NC

1st Annual Jessica Johnson Memorial Singing - Joseph Habedank & The Director's Trio

Sunday, 4/14/2024

Lakeview Community Church - Burlington, NC

When I saw Burlington, NC listed as a stop on Joseph Habedank's current Spring 2024 Tour, I knew this was a performance I could not miss. Little did I know how true that would be, even more so than I could have imagined. His music always changes me in little ways every time I hear it but this night would turn out to be something different and would change me in more ways than even I thought possible.

My best friend and I got in the car Sunday to make the drive to Burlington, looking forward to just a much needed night of worship, praise. music and time spent with good people. We got to Lakeview Community Church, walked in and took our seats completely unprepared for what was about to happen.

Tonight wasn't just another "show" though. This night was a memorial for a local young woman named Jessica Johnson, a 29 year old woman who obviously made a huge impact on the lives of everyone in the room. The service began with some heartfelt, emotional words from Jessica's dad. He spoke of how much she loved the Lord and how much she loved Joseph's music. Her dad handled entertainment bookings for the church and mentioned how he got an email from Joseph's publicist reaching out about possibly bringing his testimony and music to the church. He of course said yes and booked him. Right around the time Joseph was scheduled to perform last year, Jessica found out she had cancer. The day of the show, Joseph spent time with her, prayed with her and made one of her last days one that left her with a full heart and a smile. Jessica passed shortly after. 

The Director's Trio, a local soulful Southern gospel group, opened the service with some great harmonies. They had us smiling, clappin' and tappin' to some fantastic music. What a great way to kick off a night!

Joseph walked on stage and with Jessica's picture behind him on the screen, opened his set with her favorite song, "Big Enough". This brought tears to many eyes in the room. He talked for a bit about the connection with Jessica and her family. It made me think .. how many artists, especially globally known award winners, take the time to do that? How many artists actually choose to make personal connections like that, at least connections that don't "benefit" them in some way? Not many. This is one of the things that makes Joseph a stand out, his giving heart, his authenticity, and his spirit. He sings his heart and he sings his experience. He's someone who will stand at the merch table long after the show is over, talk to each and every person as long as they want to talk, and take all the pictures they want. He doesn't do the typical "flash and dash". It's not who he is, it's not something he has to do, it's something he wants to do. He is genuinely appreciative of each person in that room and it shows. He performed several of his songs like "Here He Comes", "The Beauty of the Blood", "Jailbreak", "Jericho" (now known as "Cherry Coke" or "Geritol" - you had to be there, trust me. LOL), "Religion Isn't Working" and "None of That Here". He told his emotional testimony of breaking the chains of addiction and turning his life around for the positive and starting his ministry to help others turn their own lives around. He has a new album coming out this Friday, April 19 called "Autobiography", the most personal songs he's ever written that tell his story of rising from the ashes to personal redemption through Christ. He sang 3 of the songs from the album, "The Basement" (this is the song that first grabbed my attention when it was released last year and kept me coming back to hear more), "The Church" (LOVE this one) and "Worthy". The album is available for pre-save now, trust me, go get it! Here's the link - linktr.ee/josephhabedank

The night came to an end with an altar call, benediction and a final song from The Director's Trio and Joseph. Jessica's final wishes weren't for herself, they were for others. She asked her dad to make sure people laughed, that they came to know Jesus and she didn't want to just leave a legacy behind FOR others, but IN others. That hit me right where it should. I don't know Jessica but her words were needed in my own life right now and it only reinforced my own determination to be a light in the dark, to show kindness and love and to help when needed. The church was full of people and music, but the presence felt the most were those of Jessica and the Lord. 

Thank you, Jessica, for leaving that legacy in me and many others in that room. Thank you Joseph and his wife Lindsay, The Director's Trio and Lakeview Community Church for a wonderful evening with an uplifting, positive, lasting message. 

Pre-save "Autobiography" - linktr.ee/josephhabedank

#CONCERTREVIEW - LESSONS FROM A BACK ROW PEW: JOSEPH HABEDANK - GOLDSBORO, NC

Artist: Joseph Habedank

Date: 1/7/2024

Venue: Faith Free Will Baptist Church - Goldsboro, NC

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

Most of the time, you'll hear a song and you'll think "Hmmm, I like that song" and you let it run as background music while you do other things. Then if you're lucky, a song will come along that makes you put whatever you were doing to a stop and you really listen to what it's saying and all you can say is "Wow." I wasn't just lucky, I was blessed because I had 2 of them hit me that way from the same artist -"24 Hours" and "The Basement" by Joseph Habedank. When you're going through something and you're really struggling, it's songs like these that completely change your perspective on things.

I immediately wanted to find out more about this guy - who he was, his story, did he write his own music. I did my research, read old articles, watched some of his interviews and performances on Youtube and talked to some friends who knew him on a more personal level. As someone who is getting her own life back on track and focusing on her faith, I knew Joseph and his music would be an integral part of that process as his music is based on his own faith and he doesn't just write and sing about it to bring in a buck, he lives it "24 Hours" a day. 

Joseph, a 2 time Grammy nominee, 3 time GMA Dove Award winner, 6 time fan voted solo artist of the year and former lead singer-songwriter of the gospel group The Perrys,  developed an ulcer in his throat in 2008 and began using prescription opioids for his pain. This turned into a years long addiction to oxycodone and hydrocodone. In the middle of his struggles, he met his wife and best friend, Lindsay, who loved him and stayed by his side through the battle which he eventually won with the help of Musicares, who paid for and helped place him in a recovery center, and through his trust in God. His story is a life changer, not just for him but for the many out there who have heard his testimony, his music and have come to his shows. I knew I had to go to a show if he ever made it out my way. I got that opportunity last night when his 2024 Winter Tour included a stop at Faith Baptist Church in Goldsboro, NC.

When I arrived at the show, the parking lot was PACKED. I knew this was going to be a special night. I walked into the auditorium and grabbed one of the few available seats and met Lindsay at the merchandise table because I had offered to help sell merchandise after the show. While standing in the lobby waiting on Lindsay, I talked to an older gentleman who asked me if I knew who this Habedank guy was, he'd never heard of him and he hoped he was really a Christian singer because so many that claim to be for the sake of the spotlight turn out to be something different than how they portray themselves. I told him that I was familiar with him and I could promise him that he would leave the show a different person that he was when he walked in the door. He said "I hope you're right because I need a change." 

The show started and you could feel a different energy in the room, a stronger energy than you usually encounter at a church performance, a deeper energy. I knew this was going to be special and I was not wrong. He came on stage and started the set with "Welcome Home" and followed it up with "Religion Isn't Working" which scored a huge round of applause. He talked about his life growing up in church, how much he loved it and debuted a new unreleased song about his home church. It made me think of my church growing up and sitting in those pews. I didn't know it then, but those pews were more than just a place to sit and hear some man talk while your stomach growled but they were life lessons that most don't appreciate until years later.  I know I sure appreciate it now.

He told his story about addiction and how he recently reached 10 years sobriety and since kicking his addiction, his shows are now testimonies set to music, not just another concert. He's wanting to make a difference in lives by talking about the difference in his. That's certainly something this world needs, honesty and vulnerability and the want to help others. He sang one of his newer songs, "The Basement" and you could literally hear people paying attention. Yes, hear them because it was so quiet other than his voice singing about what goes on in that dirty, dingy room of redeeming therapy that no one wants to talk about. He talked about it and people listened. There were many in the room who were either addicts themselves to something or they loved someone who is dealing with the battle and you could see the tears in their eyes as the intently listened to the message. There was a group of women from a local recovery center in the audience who gave him a standing ovation with their most heartfelt applause. It made him emotional. 

Before he got into more music, he brought out Pastor Marc Pritchett from the Northridge Church in Thomaston, GA who also helps run "Destiny Rescue" which is an organization that operates rescue, reintegration and prevention programs in multiple countries to help save child sex trafficking victims. Their story was a realization of just how big this problem is, not just in other countries but here in the United States. If you want to find out more about this amazing group of people and help the cause to save our children, go to www.destinyrescue.org.

Joseph came back out and sang "The Beauty in the Blood", "Never No Never, and wrapped up the night with "Here He Comes."

I went back out to the merch table and that same man from the start of the show walked up to me and thanked me for telling him what I did about Joseph because he almost got up and left before the show even started because he had been turned off by so many other artists. He purchased all 5 CD's. Joseph came out a little while later, stood at the front door of the church, made sure to thank each and every person for coming, he took pictures and just stood and was "one of them" for awhile. Everyone left with a smile on their face and I promise you that just as I told that man, everyone that walked out that door walked out a different person than they were when they walked in. THAT is testimony. THAT is what music with a real message does. It changes people. It changed me.

Thank you Joseph for just being the best kind of human being and for your kindness, for writing and performing music that makes a difference and for a night I'll never forget.

Go to www.josephhabedank.com for more information on Joseph and his music as well as his current touring schedule.
Stream his music on Apple Music and Spotify

Social Media - X (formerly Twitter) / Facebook / Instagram / Youtube

#CONCERTREVIEW: RAY SCOTT AT TUNNEL CREEK VINEYARDS, ROXBORO, NC

Event: Ray Scott

Opening Artist: Matt Boswell

Date: 10/28/2023

Venue: Tunnel Creek Vineyards - Roxboro, NC

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

 I'm a bit behind the proverbial 8 ball on this since the show was on 10/28 but when you work an 8 hour job in addition to music promoting, ya gotta get it in when ya can. 

Now, let's talk Ray Scott. When you think of real country music, you think of storytelling, simplicity, honesty. and authenticity. When you hear Ray Scott, you know you're hearing the real, unapologetic, genuine country deal (ok, and he might also be a little on the tilted side of normal). His music is from his heart, he tells the best stories and he tells them in a personal, relatable way. I mean come on, we've all had blind dates where the pictures weren't exactly the same as what you got in reality, we've all taken one for the team at one point, we've been with "The Ugly One", we're all "Grumpy", we try to take "The High Road", we "Ain't Always Thirsty" when we drink, and we've all prayed "Bear With Me, Lord" at least once in our lives. See, he's relatable.

On October 28, Ray made a trip home to NC. He played at the absolutely gorgeous Tunnel Creek Vineyards in Roxboro, NC. This place was amazing, definitely one of God's best painted canvasses with hills, a lake, trees with the fall colors, rows of grapevines and a beautiful win-e-"ray", um, I mean winery. This night was personal for Ray, it was so much more than just another gig. This night was all about home, family, friends, music and it was full of love. It was such a wonderful thing to be a part of.

Matt Boswell started the night and he was great. He kept it down deep country with songs like "Me and Haggard", "I Want My Rib Back", "Believe" and others. Country music might smell funny right now, but it sure ain't dead as long as these 2 guys are still playing.

Ray was up next and kept things mostly "out of the shallow end", playing mainly songs that mean something to him, songs with more than lyrics that make you laugh way too obnoxiously loud (but he did throw in a few of those). He broke out the really good stuff tonight like "Dirty Shirt", "Hey Fool", "Better as I Go", "Slow Dance", "Those Jeans", "Drinkin' Beer", "Put Another Log on the Fire", "Wheels on the House", "My Kind of Music", "Cover the Earth", "Everybody Ends Up Ugly", "Ripples" and others. We were all singing along, laughing along, crying along and dancing along. Tonight was a really good night, one for the memory books.

If you get a chance to see Ray or Matt, please do it. This calibre of talent and songwriting doesn't just pop up at your local bar too often. As they are independent artists, you may not walk in to a venue knowing who they are, but I can promise you that you'll leave as a fan and you'll want to know and hear more.

Find out more about Ray and check out his tour dates at www.rayscott.com. Follow him on social media and go download/stream his music at digital outlets everywhere, including his upcoming album "Billboards and Brake Lights" which is set for release on Friday, November 10. 

Follow Matt Boswell on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MattBoswellTheHillbillyBluesBand

#CONCERTREVIEW - "THE COTTAGE AT THE CRYSTAL COAST" ROCKS BEERS AND SUNSHINE WITH DARIUS RUCKER AND MAGGIE ROSE AND THAT'S ALRIGHT BY ME

Artists: Darius Rucker / Maggie Rose

Event Date: 7/30/2023

Venue: The Cottage at The Crystal Coast - Atlantic Beach, NC

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

Follow Jennifer on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Photo Credit: Jennifer Smith / Lovin' Lyrics

As the sun was setting on the North Carolina coast on Sunday, July 30, the stage lights began to rise and one of the best nights of music I've experienced in a long time was about to begin.

The crowd was ready for a night of musical memories, good times on the beach with friends and making new connections. The buzz in the security line was full of stories about growing up with "Hootie", sunshine and sunburns, friends who were reconnecting from college, family reunions and how this night was going to be one for the memory books. They weren't kidding.

The show was held at a relatively new wedding and event venue, "The Cottage at The Crystal Coast". The great thing about this venue is how intimate and absolutely beautiful it is and that sits right on the the beauty of Atlantic Beach, NC. It's a 3 story beach house that can hold up to 225 guests inside the house itself, with open air decks that can comfortably accommodate small bands or wedding parties, a bar, various rooms for gatherings, a walkway to the sand and water and a fenced in 5,793 square foot luxury ocean front lawn with a stage set up for a full band that can accommodate even more guests.  This is truly a unique venue and one of the best I've ever been to. The staff was great too! Even better, it's less than a 10 minute drive from my house. Oh! I have to give hardcore kudos and accolades to the tour bus drivers on their perfect navigation of our tiny, narrow and difficult beach neighborhood streets and being able to park those behemoths beautifully. Hats off to y'all and high fives all around!

Now, let's talk about this show. Holy Pirate Ship! (Ha, Eastern NC is ECU Pirate Nation, the home of Blackbeard and the wreck of his ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge is 12 miles off the coast so ya see what I did there instead of cursing and making it accomodating? LOL) So, ahoy mateys, this show was UH-MAZING and when it comes to the state of music these days, I don't use that description as much as I used to. 

Let's start with the crazy good vocals of Maggie Rose. You might remember her as Margaret Durante from several years back, but the key words here are "You" and "Remember" because her voice is definitely one you do not forget. This girl can hit notes you never knew existed and she can carry a note for days without wavering. I can say with no hesitation that she has one of the absolute best female voices in music and, as a side note, dear radio, you suck for not giving her the airplay she should have. She took the stage with her band (Kyle Lewis - guitar / Judd Fuller - Bass / Timothy Burkhead - Drums / Kaitlyn Connor - Keys) and slayed it right out of the gate when she launched into "Dead Weight". I took a minute to look around and every eye was on her and you could her whispers of "Dang she's good", "How have I not heard of this girl?" and similar things. Needless to say, she done good. LOL!

The rest of her set was outstanding and I actually hated to hear her sing the last note. I hate I didn't get to finally meet her in person after talking about her to y'all for so many years but I did get to hug on her awesome tour manager, Max, who is a longtime friend from Raleigh that left and went to hit the road with her. Seriously, if you are looking for some really good new music to add to your playlists (and I'm not just talking to the streaming users, I'm talking to you radio), add her music and keep an ear out for more new stuff on the way.

SET LIST

DEAD WEIGHT

DO RIGHT BY MY LOVE

DON'T DO IT

FAKE FLOWERS

BODY ON FIRE

I'M NOT A SAINT

WHAT ARE WE FIGHTING FOR

UNDERESTIMATE ME

IT'S YOU

SMOOTH

Now ... the man, the myth (not really because he definitely exists), the legend - HOOOOOTIE! I mean Darius Ruckkkkkker! I can't even tell you how excited I was for this. Darius has long been a bucket list check mark for me. I grew up in the era of the Blowfish and have been a longtime fan of every single solo album he's put out. I have a "It's Darius, Y'all" playlist with every song possible on there. No, really. There is just something about him that pulls you in. I think it's the dance moves, the smooth moves of the feet and the smile that did not leave his face this entire show. Oh, he sings pretty good too. 

The music started and Darius came up the stairs from side stage and walked into a chorus of appreciative applause and screams, a few drunken "hell yeahs" and quite a few cat calls from the ladies. You knew this was just gonna be a good night. He started the night telling us that he was gonna play some real country and also take us back to the 90's. The crowd went nuts. What I truly appreciated about this night, from both artists, was the chance to put away social media, turn off the tv, silence the news and shut out the world outside the fence and keep politics quiet for a few hours. Darius and Maggie made the night about the music and the fans who love it, not about what's going on other than in that moment. 

He kicked off the night with 3 songs that fit perfectly for this night, his brand new single, "Have a Good Time", which was released today (August 4) and is the first single from his upcoming album "Carolyn's Boy",  "Beers and Sunshine" and "All I Want".  I think he chose these songs to let us know that was the reason he was there, for us to just have a good time. Thank you for that, Darius. He didn't just do his own stuff, he threw in some unexpected surprises with his own renditions of  John Mellencamp's "Little Pink Houses", Tim McGraw's hit song "I Like It I Love It", TLC'S "Waterfalls" and Bell Biv Devoe's "Poison". Man, it was great to take a trip back to the days before social media and when we didn't worry about what was going on in the world. I will not apologize for my really bad, loud singing. Can we do more of that please? The tears flowed during the songs I knew were gonna make me cry -  "It Won't Be Like This For Long:, "If I Told You" and "Don't Think I Don't Think About It". He brought the Hootie out with the classics, "Let Her Cry", "Hold My Hand" and I Only Wanna Be With You". He mixed in some other great songs like "Alright", "Homegrown Honey" and a few others before wrapping up the best night ever with the one he couldn't get out of there without doing, "Wagon Wheel".  I have to give the highest of props to his band - probably one of the most entertaining and talented group of musicians out there - Quinton Gibson - guitar / Garry Murray - Every instrument ever made / Lee Turner - Keys, Acoustic Guitar / John Mason - Bass / Jeff Marino - Drums / "Sasha" Ostrovsky - Dobro, Steel guitar, Banjo, etc). Y'all were the best! That dance near the end, though - hysterical!

SET LIST

HAVE A GOOD TIME

BEERS & SUNSHINE

ALL I WANT

PINK HOUSES

FIRES DON'T START THEMSELVES

IT WON'T BE LIKE THIS FOR LONG

FOR THE FIRST TIME

RADIO

LET HER CRY

I LIKE IT, I LOVE IT

WATERFALLS

POISON

COME BACK SONG

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

TRUE BELIEVERS

IF I TOLD YOU

DON'T THINK I DON'T THINK ABOUT IT

HOLD MY HAND

ALRIGHT

ONLY WANNA BE WITH YOU

HOMEGROWN HONEY

VALERIE

HANDS ON ME

WAGON WHEEL

Darius and Maggie, seriously, THANK YOU for the best night. Thank you for not just standing up there and singing, but for truly engaging and connecting and for showing that you were having as good a time as we were. I know needed it and know those around me did as well. I had some great conversations before and after the show with some people who said this was getting them out of the negativity around them and giving them a night of peace and a reason to smile. You both are the best. I am so thankful I was able to be a part of this night. What a welcome relief from the stress of what has become the new "normal". Thank you to The Cottage for hosting this fantastic show. Can't wait to do it again.

Be sure to stream/download music from both artists, check out their websites and follow them on social media!

All Photos Credit: Jennifer Smith / Lovin' Lyrics

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL WHEN THE OAK RIDGE BOYS COME TO THE ALABAMA THEATRE ... #CONCERTREVIEW

ARTIST: OAK RIDGE BOYS

VENUE: ALABAMA THEATRE, MYRTLE BEACH, SC

DATE: APRIL 9, 2022

REVIEWER: JENNIFER SMITH 

It's that time of year .. The legendary Oak Ridge Boys made their annual Spring trek to Myrtle Beach. SC and played a night at the Alabama Theatre on Saturday, April 9. There is always a special feeling in the air when this crew hits town. You can feel the excitement in the buzz of those eagerly waiting outside the venue for the box office and doors to open. You hear fans telling each other about the songs they hope are played, the last time they saw the band, discussions about William Lee Golden’s latest book “Behind the Beard”and favorite personal memories. Tonight was a night for new memories to be made.

There is just something special about an Oak Ridge Boys show, it's not just the music, it's who these men are as people, the great guys in the band who stand behind them every night on stage, the friendly crew and the connection the Oaks have built with their fan base. They interact personally on social media, they take time to say hello and talk to fans at shows, they are never bigger than their own shoes. They treat people like friends and family and that says so much, especially these days when a lot of artists don't take the time or treat it as though it's a bother. The Oaks recognize the importance of personal connection and that personal connection is what has made them one of the most loved and respected groups in country music history. That attitude combined with their music creates a positive change in those of us sitting out in the crowd and the content of their songs and the relatable stories just make you strive to be a better person, a more appreciative person long after the door of the auditorium closes behind you and you head back into the real world. One other observation I've made at all of the shows I've attended is that each crowd seems to have younger fans in attendance. I love seeing life long fans bringing their kids and getting them hooked on this music so they too can become a life long fan and carry on the Oaks tradition of love and family.

Joe, Duane, Richard and William Lee and the Mighty Oaks Band brought not just their A game, they brought their A+ game this night. Despite the current bitterness and chill of the world outside, the world inside those doors was warm, positive and uplifting. They sang their classics like "American Made", "Louisiana Red Dirt Highway", "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight", "Callin' Baton Rouge", "Dream On", "Sail Away" and "Roll Tennessee River" which are always a hit with this crowd and had us all on our feet and singing every note right along with them, but they've also added in a special segment, similar to their Christmas tour "rocking chair" fireplace segment, but this one was sitting on the "front porch" on 4 stools. You'll have to get Joe to tell you why William Lee is the perfect stool specimen. LOL! It's a funny story that only he can tell. Tonight was full of off the wall humor and unexpected happenings. There was a lady down front who was once one of the Chipmunks in their Christmas shows several years ago so there was that happy reunion. A fan (one of my favorite people who shall remain anonymous), brought some pickled beets as a gift and Joe and Duane kindly bestowed the gift upon drummer, Austin Curcuruto, and deemed it the "Best Beet Award" which drew a roar of laughter and of course, Joe, in typical Joe fashion started telling a funny story and cracked himself up so bad that he couldn't stop laughing. You just never know what you're gonna get at these shows, but you know it's gonna leave you laughing or leave you crying because you connected on a deeper level than fans do at most shows.

Ok back to the "Front Porch Singin'" segment of the show, LOVED it. This was the most personal and emotionally honest part of the show. Each member told a story that meant something to them and then the group performed the song that was associated with the memory. This segment included their most loved Southern gospel favorite, "Life's Railway", a new one that Duane really drove right to the heart of everyone in attendance and brought tears to some with "Life Is Beautiful", William Lee talked about his days of growing up in Brewton, AL and the cotton fields he calls home and sang about "The Old Ways", Richard talked about his time with JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet and Elvis Presley before they  launched into one of Elvis' favorite Lord Lovin' foot stompers, "Swing Down Chariot". "Love, Light and Healing", a song title made up of 3 simple words with enormous meaning written by Sherry Martin and Aaron Raitiere, brought an appropriate end to the "Front Porch Singin'" session and I think we all felt those 3 words more this year than ever with the current situations surrounding us. Thank you for that. 

The night wrapped up with the 2 loudest versions of "Elvira" and "Bobbe Sue" that I think I've ever heard at any previous ORB show. I'm not talking about the Oaks and the band, the crowd was LOUD and loving every off key note they sang right back. I just love this group, the band, the entire crew. They are a family and every audience member becomes a part of the Oak Ridge Boys family. May this family continue to grow and keep the music playing. We love you all! Thank you for another wonderful night.

Check out the pics below from the show. Don't be stealin' 'em, I know who took 'em :-)

Jenn

Joe Bonsall

William Lee Golden

Richard Sterban

Look ma! Beets!

"Beet of the Year" was awarded to drummer Austin Curcuruto

And there goes Joe cracking himself up ... LOL

And Scotty just isn't quite sure what's going on over with Joe, Duane and Austin ... 

Austin Curcuruto 

40+ years of friendship and a love for each other shows proudly in this shot.

Meet Darin, he's a new "Favorite" in the band

"Dream On"

Who knows what's EVER going through Ron Fairchild's mind? 

Maybe it's best we don't know. LOL

"Front Porch Singin"

CONCERT REVIEW: WRNS SONGWRITERS ROUND FEATURING STEVE HOLY, DOUG JOHNSON, DAVID KROLL AND TOMMY GARRETT - JACKSONVILLE, NC 5/20/15

EVENT: WRNS Songwriter's Round - Steve Holy, Doug Johnson, David Kroll & Tommy Garrett

VENUE: Marine Cadillac Chevy - Jacksonville, NC

DATE: 5/20/15

REVEIWER: Jennifer Smith

Follow Jenn on Twitter at @lovinlyrics

When I first heard that this event was taking place, it was something I knew I had to be at even though it was an hour away and I'd have to take off work early to do it. I absolutely love a songwriter's round and being in eastern North Carolina, those are few and far between and not only was this a great event, it was an event to show appreciation to our military and that's something I stand behind with pride. This is why I love WRNS, they think outside of the box when it comes to events and they bring in the best music and not just the standard big names. They are a huge supporter of the songwriter and artists that aren't being heard on every major market station in the country. Their events always tend to have a cause associated with them, a way to give back somehow and that is a pretty awesome thing.

When we arrived, we immediately noticed this was going to be a more intimate event with maybe 100 people or less. YES! Intimate shows are the best shows ever! We took our seats just about the time the artists took the stage and for a small intimate crowd, they were a loud one. Now if you've never been to a writer's round, they're different than your typical show. The writers all sit on stage together, and they go down the line, telling the story behind the song, performing that song and then the next artist does the same thing and it keeps rotating until the end of the show. 

One thing about songwriter's rounds, sometimes even though the songs are wonderful, the writers aren't always the best vocalists. This was not the case here. All of the artists were fantastic.

David Kroll, a singer/songwriter born in Iowa and transplanted to Nashville, is known for his 2012 appearance on "The X Factor" TV show. He made it through the auditions and performed his song, "Little Soldiers" for the celebrity judges, including Simon Cowell. He was a hit with all judges (even got a smile instead of the well known scowl from Simon) and got a standing ovation for his performance. He's written songs for many artists, including hits for Easton Corbin, Billy Currington and Mark Wills.

David performed some great music, what a great voice and he's very personable. There were 2 songs that really stood out to me, the first one being his signature "Little Soldiers", which really hit home being that this event was honoring our military and the crowd was probably 90% military families. There were quite a few tears. The second song was "Something in My Pocket". This song was awesome! It started out telling the story of a couple on a date, he's dressed up and telling his date how special she is, how he had something in his pocket that was gonna make her cry and how he considered himself the happiest guy in Tennessee and assures her she's never gonna forget tonight.  She stops him in mid-sentence and says if it's a ring, the answer is an emphatic hell no, telling him he can't provide the material things she needs. She's not interested, doesn't want it, and is just mean about it. He continues the story to let her know that he appreciates her honesty, but what's in his pocket isn't a ring but a multi-million dollar winning lottery ticket. He's still the luckiest man in Tennesse and what was in his pocket was still gonna make her cry as he waved bye bye. GREAT SONG! I really wish this one was available on iTunes. 

Doug Johnson is a well known, prolific Nashville songwriter, musician, producer and engineer. He has worked with the biggest names in the business including Ricky Skaggs, Dolly Parton, Joe Diffie, Collin Raye and others. He was signed by Mike Curb at the age of 16 as a songwriter and his career took off from there and has made him one of the most respected names in the business. His hits include "Three Wooden Crosses" (Randy Travis), "She Won't Be Lonely Long" (Clay Walker), "Love Like Crazy" (Lee Brice) and one of his most meaningful, "Til the Last Shot's Fired" which was recorded by Trace Adkins and is the song used by the Wounded Warrior Project in it's commercials. Doug is currently the head of A&R at Black River Records and is working with Kelsea Ballerini, John King, and Kellie Pickler to name a few. This guy's resume is more than impressive, it's historical. He received an extended standing ovation when he performed "Til the Last Shot's Fired" which made a big impact with the military families in attendance. There was complete silence during the entire song. To quote Jennifer Lopez, it gave me "goosies".

Tommy Garrett, who also happens to be the WRNS program director / "head honcho" / "man with the plan", is also a songwriter, recently signed to Blue Guitar Music Publishing. His song, "Don't Give Up On Me" was written with Stokes Nielson of the Lost Trailers and was released by the band in January 2013. The song comes from a personal experience in Tommy's life, a near fatal car accident that left him hospitalized and in a coma for over a month. He recalls the emotional toll it took on his family, especially his wife and says he simply asked one thing of her, to not give up on him because he would be back to normal soon.. She didn't give up and Tommy didn't give up and he took that experience and put it to song. He also performed a song with his daughter about their connection since the day she was born and the history they would build through the years together. His wife and daughter are also musically inclined and provided vocal harmonies on a couple of songs. He's got mad keyboard skills too. 

The crowd was especially enthusiastic to see Steve Holy, who has taken intermittent time off over the past few years to raise his daughters and spend time with his family. His voice has been missing from country music for awhile now and it was obvious by the level of applause and 3 standing ovations that fans want him back. He opened his set with a song that is personally one of my favorites, it's one that shows his personality in a HUGE way and coined the term "Pucker Punch" - "Hauled Off and Kissed Me". The crowd loved it. I gotta tell you, his is a voice that you have to really hear live to truly appreciate how strong and clear it is. I knew he was great but he blew me away. My mom looked at me with her mouth hanging open and said "now THAT is the good stuff." She's hooked. His longtime band mates, Adam Ricker and James Watkins, are not only fantastic musicians, their harmonies are tighter than Luke Bryan's skinny jeans. Next up was one of the most played songs on country radio, his #1 hit, "Good Morning Beautiful" and this was the first of his 3 standing ovations. He broke out a new emotional tune called "Mama", which is basically a phone call between a son and his mother put to music. The song will tug at your heartstrings as you listen to the story, asking yourself if you've thanked your mother enough for all she's done for you. I cried. This song has HUGE potential. I posted the video on my Facebook page and it's gotten nothing but positive response. I hope to see this one released as a single in the future. This was his second standing ovation of the night. Then, the crazy happened. Now Steve and I met through social media about 3 years ago when I helped him do some promoting for "Hauled Off" and this working relationship turned into over 300 conversations and a close personal friendship that I am so thankful for every day. So, back to the crazy ... not only was this the first time I'd heard him perform live, it was also the first time we'd met in person so it was already an emotional night for me. He knows that "Love Don't Run" has a special place in my heart and has changed me as a person for the better. He decided at the last minute to change up the set list and play that for me. Uh oh. I knew this couldn't end well for makeup. Not only did he decide to play it, he also decided to tell the room how we met and that I was in the crowd and made me stand up! Homegirl gets totally embarrassed in situations like this, I mean I turn every shade of red imaginable and can't breathe. I stood up and got through it without bursting out in a nervous fit of 9 year old little girl giggles. Thank God! So he sang the song, I cried my eyes out and stood up along with everyone else in the room in applause. He rounded out his set with a song that his label didn't want to cut, they didn't like it but he went ahead and released it based on his faith in the song and that song, "Brand New Girlfriend" went straight to #1, proving that fact that the professionals don't always get it right. And that was ovation #3.

What a fantastic night, much better than any arena show I could ever go to because it had meaning, it gave life to the songs by those who created them. It made me realize just how much love I have for music and just how powerful it can be. I have such a respect for the people that write and play these songs that make up the day to day soundtrack of my own personal life and don't think they get nearly enough credit. Thank you WRNS for bringing it all back home for me.

Find out more about each artist online:

David Kroll - http://davidkrollmusic.com/

                      Twitter - @David_Kroll

                      Facebook - www.facebook.com/KrollPatrol

Doug Johnson - http://www.georgiamusicchannel.com/Doug_Johnson_Songwriter.html

Tommy Garrett - http://www.wrns.com/page.php?page_id=107

Steve Holy - www.steveholy.com

                    Twitter - @steveholy

                    Facebook - www.facebook.com/steveholy

 Tune into WRNS 95.1 FM in eastern NC or online at www.wrns.com