Fresh Talent - Fernandina

Last Friday was met with a downpour, and not only rain.

I met Kyle Bumgardner from WebsiteBiz for some drinks/snacks in Dilworth. It was my first journey to that part of Charlotte and I fell in love with the charming nature of the area, eclectic shops, restaurants, and mix with established residential areas. A great area that I would not mind calling home one day. We went to Big Daddy Burger Bar where I found that the sliders, sweet potato fries, and tots are pretty darn tasty. It was great conversation and many ideas and leads for the future. It was in the middle of our chatting that the rain came. A downpour. Big, fat drops that were torrential and seeming to never end. We kept thinking it would break, but finally just had to make a run for it. Only a block over back to the WebsiteBiz office. I was fortunate enough to snag a semi-broken/leaky umbrella though - so I was only damp when arriving at the Eos.

About 20 minutes, 4 wrong turns, and a brief trip through the ghetto later I found myself circling blocks in the NoDa area of Charlotte. I sort of felt like this was a condensed, more college-shabby/non-residential version of Dilworth. Also very nice - and area I should spend more time in. I ventured to NoDa with a purpose though - seeing Cary Ann Hearst play at The Evening Muse. I had heard about this place, but never been. I didn't realize how small it was - and how much it reminded me of what "The Circle Shop" would have been. (The Circle Shop? Idea for small cafe/club I wanted to open for a long time.) The place was not too full when I arrived around 7:20 - but over the next 10 - 15 minutes about 30 people piled in for the show to start. As I watched the crowd and listened in on conversations I figured out that most of them were there to support a girl that was opening the show. It turned out that girl was Amy Coccia - the lead singer for Fernandina. I am typically not fond of female singers, and wasn't really expecting a lot from the opening bands and honestly just wanted Cary Ann to play so I could get back to Huntersville.

Now, I am no music guru, or gifted finder of talent - but by the end of the first song I knew that I was suppose to be there that night. The week had been pretty stressful (mentally and emotionally) and I had an unwritten prescription for gritty country influence rock and roll. By the time I left Evening Muse around 10:30 I felt cleansed and ready to take on the world.

Amy's voice rang true in the small club that night - scooping and sliding into the pitches of the melody. Rocking and stomping to the soulful beats of her tunes. I made conversation with the older gentleman next to me. Turns out he was a friend of Amy's parents - whom I also met. Good people. I could tell. After the show I got a CD and chatted with Amy - asked how much she charged to play a show. Waiting to hear from her about some open dates in September/October - planning to book her for a gig at Crave the Experience - Food. Fun. Fame.



Lauris Vidal was second in the lineup. Just him and his cigar box ukalaili, guitar, and banjo. It was sort of like going to church. I don't think I can describe his music other that heartfelt and passionate. Very unique sound. I enjoyed him a lot.



And at first I was semi-disappointed that it was just Cary Ann & Michael playing. I was looking forward to the whole band, but was thrilled once it got started. John swears I stole the idea from him - but I never remember him saying it...watching Cary Ann & Michael is like watching Johnny Cash & June Carter. Except in this case, Cary Ann is Johnny. The chemistry between the two of them on stage is electric and I felt like I was being showered with joy and love as they played their early soulful tunes. Like standing in a field in the pouring rain, arms spread wide, letting each drop wash away the day and leaving you fresh for a new one.



CD in hand I left NoDa - walking with a spring in my step on the way back to the car. Popped in Fernandina, lowered the top, and cruised on to Crave. I needed to play Amy's music for the boys and check in on business. Josh Jacobson was playing that night and the air was a perfect temperature for relaxing outside. Of course I made a night of it and made a shopping trip to wal-mart. The good mood and great tunes carried me through nearly 5:00 in the morning when I crashed, and crashed hard.

So - follow the links, check out the music, and share with your friends. Enjoy your night. I am off to bed.