r preston maddox: Calendar

Well, the first annual Summer Mountain Jam is over and I would have to say it was a success ! The only disappointing note was our friend Mark Spangler suffered a torn ligament the night before the show and had to cancel. But 'the show must go on' and it did in fine fashion. The weather cooperated and while the weatherman called for a 40-50% chance of showers we were blessed without any precip in our area all day while reports of rain were all around us. Leftover 301 opened the show and immediately won over the crowd with their traditional bluegrass favorites. Craig Whittaker, a natural performer, set the tone early and the mountains resounded with songs of praise. Clinton Collins was his usual smooth self and proved he can easily hold the stage by himself if necessary in the absence of the Creek Boys. I got to share some old and new material with those assembled before Doug & Shelley Harper "with bassist Dave Fondale :>)" kept the crowd entertained for an hour with the polished sounds they are known for all around the state.  David and Ann Ledgerwood closed the show offering their unique harmonies on several old popular favorites the crowd remembered as well as some great new material they have recently penned.

Giles countian Craig Whittaker celebrated the release of his new CD STANDING with us and graciously allowed me to warm up the crowd for him with a mix of covers and tunes old and new.

Craig gave us a show that blessed everyone in attendance and his songs show a strong commitment to spreading the message of the Good News in a professional and entertaining manner. Sure to be a favorite for some time to come, we look forward to his return and participation in the future.

Minus journeyman jack-of-all trades Dale Elswick, Clinton Collins was reduced to just Creek Boy Randy Fielder for back up but a good time was had by all and the opportunity to do some songs not usually in the regular set was too good to pass up. Always a pleasure to have these guys on our stage.

Another great night at the Spare 'Oom Cafe'. Mark and Josiah Spangler, Evan Olds and Terry Bailey gave the crowd all they could want and more.
My pard from farm country, Craig Whittaker made his first appearance at the venue and is sure to be back.
These shows are something I will carry with me always and if you've never been to one - I've said this many times before - you are really missing something special.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to White Gate and met some wonderful folks who made us feel so welcome. The preaching and the fellowship was great and I appreciated the response to my part of the services.

Beautiful country and friendly folks with a heart for God. A memorable night.

I had not played on a flat-bed trailer used for a stage since the 70's, but I had a hoot ! The weather cooperated and the festival was a fun day. Food, games, music, and fellowship - a good time was had by all. Great to share the stage with friends Clinton Collins, Bill Rich, and Manny Elswick, among others. Let's do it again !

The great Bob Bennett in concert in little old backwater Princeton, WV ! What a night ! Bob was his usual flawless self, full of songs that make you laugh, weep, and nod in agreement . . . very much an "everyman" commenting on the human condition.

The time was much too short and we would love to see him back in the area. If you missed his appearance, you are the poorer for it !

Well, I awoke on Wednesday morning with a sinus infection and the good folks at 3rd Street were very kind, even though I could not give them my best; the voice just wouldn't do 2 hours without showing the strain. But we still had a good time and look forward to a return trip to better represent the material.

The 'Message With Music' concert was a great blessing to me, and I believe to everyone who attended. I was privileged to share the stage with some of the most talented individuals in the area in front of an appreciative audience in one of the most beautiful state-of-the-art facilities in the country. The event staff and management could not have treated us better and my gratitude to Charles and Marquetta Mathena and the Memorial F.D. for allowing me to participate cannot be adequately expressed. I made new friends, got to introduce some new material to a new audience - a wonderful night by any standard. I was humbled by the talent on display and my spirit lifted by the music I heard and the reaction of those for whom we performed. Thanks to all who made it a night to remember.

Mark Spangler and the boys rocked the house ! If you missed this show you should kick yourself - one of those 'special nights' that must be experienced. I was privileged and honored to share the stage with these guys.

My first appearance at the 3rd Street Cafe' in Roanoke - nice people - nice place - I've been asked back in the Spring of 2009 for my own night - stay tuned for details as they develop.

The grand opening of the Art & Intuition Cafe' was a resounding success - and as usual, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to perform in such esteemed company as Clinton Collins & the Creek Boys and Dancin' Mark Spangler. Doesn't get much better than that !

Even though the weather wasn't the greatest and I had the "goofies" from all the cold medicine I was on, the place was full and we had a great time. The hospitality at Morning Star is very gracious and I appreciate the venue and everyone who came out to to the show !

This is going to be a favorite spot. Nice people, relaxed atmosphere, good food . . . it was a fun evening and I appreciate the crowd that braved a cold January Friday night to come out and hear me !

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When it comes together like this it is magical. Standing room only crowd, aroma of coffee and pastries permeating the whole room, and just reveling in the moment of sharing the stage with so many talented people and being grateful for the opportunity to participate.

The benefit concert for Mrs. Reece brought in almost $900 and we are so very thankful and appreciative of everyone who came out and donated. Now she and her family need our prayers.

I was honored to be on the same stage with Doug & Shelley, Clinton, Mark, Kayla, and Jon. The format has worked so well twice now that we have discussed making it a point to try to put it together more than once through the year. Stay tuned . . . .

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I had an absolute blast performing with these guys. The area is indeed blessed with some really talented songwriters ! If you were not there you missed a lot of fun and laughs. Several of us got into the spirit of the event and performed some new compositions for the first time in public. The reaction I got to my new song,
" Is That You? " was most gratifying. Judging from the reception I probably should put it on the upcoming CD project. Brick Street is always a good time and the people are wonderful. You owe it to yourself to experience one of these shows.
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Lots of fun ! The cafe was full, the atmosphere was nice, the weather cooperated, the ladies in the kitchen once again outdid theirselves . . . just a good night all around.

Jon's lyrics weave varied tales and I introduced 3 new tunes/arrangements to the crowd they had not heard before. If you weren't there, you should have been . . . YOU MISSED A GOOD TIME !

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Love the relaxed atmosphere at Sister's and always have a good time there. Gwen & Red have been very kind to us and I look forward to the next show !

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The scheduling for the other events stole away some of the audience from time to time, but Saturday's array of talent was impressive with Eddie & Mary Day doing their usual fine job; Clinton Collins, stellar as always; and new friends Doug and Shelley Harper from Beckley featuring a unique and folksy sound along with all the other talented people who gave up their time to support the Red Cross. Make it a point to come out whenever you can and support these local artists and live music.

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Thanks to everyone who came out Friday night ! I enjoyed myself and trust you did. If you missed the show - shame on you ! Sister's always has a relaxed atmosphere and the concerts there are always fun, whether I'm playing or just listening to someone else. Tried out some new material and played a lot of the old stuff. Plan on a date this Fall.

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Jym and Oscar of 'He brews Fine Coffee' had a nice grand opening celebration. Door prizes, great coffee, capacity crowd and some really great music. Made some new friends and got to see some old ones. A good time was had by all. Let's hope the coffee house idea continues to grow.

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Great time at Brick Street on Saturday night. David and Ann Ledgerwood did a really nice job in the first set and had the capacity crowd in a good mood when I took the stage. The audience seemed to like the new tunes and I'm grateful for the warm welcome and show of appreciation. Brick Street is a marvelous place to play and we can only hope the new incarnation of Cornerstone Family Church showcases a bigger and better place to keep this kind of Christian entertainment opportunity alive and thriving.

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Played a short set for the crowd at Sisters Friday night, sort of an audition and a chance to sell some CD's. Looks like I'll be back for my own night in the future for an extended show. Time and details will be announced.

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Got to close out the open mic nite. Brick Street always has good music and hospitality.

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Raising money for Red Cross Disater relief during the Christmas season. Tragedy doesn't take a holiday. Support the Red Cross.

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Sunday morning worship with friends who are restoring the old Wade school into a church and community out reach center. Big plans for the future.